Arabella opened her eyes. The light was different, paler, filtering through the thick curtains of a hotel in Shanghai. The murmur of the city was distant but constant, like a never-ending hum. Everything felt different: the humid air, the smell of spices that crept into the room, and above all, the certainty that the nightmares were behind them.The door opened, and Eduard came in with a tray. His steps sounded light, relaxed. He smiled, placing the tray in front of her, while out of the corner of his eye, he watched little Hope sleeping peacefully in her crib."Welcome to your first morning in Shanghai, wife."Arabella blinked, surprised. The aroma was strange and delicious at the same time: fluffy white buns that looked like clouds, a bowl with steaming, thick rice congee, accompanied by scallions and salted egg; freshly brewed green tea and small dishes with unknown pickles."It's a typical breakfast," he explained, settling down beside her. "Steamed buns filled with meat, congee
Last Updated : 2025-09-18 Read more