Three months had slipped past like snowfall on marble—silent, frigid, and beautiful in its own melancholy way. In that time, Ivy Shen's life with Lucian had settled into a pattern so brittle it might shatter under a whisper.
**Morning, Penthouse Kitchen**
Ivy poured tea into two porcelain cups as Mei laid out fruit and steamed dumplings. Lucian appeared at the breakfast bar, suit immaculate, expression unreadable.
“Good morning," Ivy offered, setting a cup before him.
He nodded curtly. “Are you attending the charity gala tonight?"
Ivy met his eyes. “Yes. I've arranged sponsorship tables for three orphan transplant families."
Lucian raised an eyebrow. “Generous."
She braced herself. “They deserve a night off from hospital walls."
He sipped his tea, voice flat. “Then we'll go."
A te
