I almost forgot about it went it was pulled forcefully from my neck as I was kidnapped from my room like a year ago. I felt dumfounded. It was fixed and the blood was completely cleaned and the sun ruby shown brightly
Chang Hao's expression softened as he watched understanding dawn on Bella's face. The gold necklace lay nestled in velvet lining, its sun/ruby pendant catching the afternoon light streaming through the study windows.
"I had it repaired months ago," he explained quietly, reaching out to trace the healed clasp with his fingertip. "The jeweler said the blood stains were impossible to remove entirely, but I insisted he try."
His voice grew husky with emotion. "Every time I saw you wearing it during our wedding ceremony - real or secret - I swore I'd never let anything harm you again. When they took it from your neck that night..."
He trailed off, swallowing hard as memories surfaced. "Finding that necklace broken on the floor , after u were kidnapped was one of the worst moments of my life."
Stepping closer, Chang Hao gently lifted the chain from its box and held it ready to place around her neck once more. "May I?"
I nod in response.
Chang Hao's hands trembled slightly as he carefully lifted the restored necklace from its velvet bedding. The weight of the golden chain felt symbolic in his palms - a tangible representation of promises made and nearly broken.
"Hold your hair up for me," he instructed softly, his voice barely above a whisper. His fingers worked delicately behind her neck, positioning the cool metal against her skin before securing the clasp with practiced precision.
As the familiar weight settled against her collarbone, a visible sense of peace washed over him. "Perfect," he breathed out, stepping back to admire how the sun/ruby pendant rested perfectly against her cleavage.
"It suits you even more now than it did then," he added with a faint smile. "Like you've earned the right to wear it openly."
His gaze drifted back to the study desk where piles of scrolls awaited attention. For several long moments, he seemed torn between duty and desire before sighing heavily.
I have another surprise for you but I won't tell you now , he smirked playfully. I pleaded with him jokingly to tell me what it is but he insisted that I wait till his birthday ceremony.
Chang Hao's smirk widened into a genuine grin at Bella's persistence, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Ah, but where's the fun in revealing all my secrets at once? A little mystery keeps things interesting, don't you think?"
He leaned back against the desk, crossing his arms over his chest in a manner that was both imperial and playful. "Besides, I've been planning this for weeks. Seeing your reaction when everything comes together on my birthday will be worth the wait."
His tone softened as he noticed Bella's eager expression. "Trust me, my love. This surprise is just as much for you as it is for me. It's about... well, let's just say it involves reclaiming some time we lost."
The emperor's personal guard entered the study with a respectful bow. "Your Majesty, General Kenji has arrived to discuss supply chain routes. He requests your presence in the war room."
Ok go to him I will start with the preparations okay.
I gave him a playful kiss on the cheek not minding the guard , who in then looked slightly away in a failed attempt to respect our intimacy .
Chang Hao's face broke into a genuine smile as Bella kissed him so boldly in front of his guard. The brief flash of embarrassment on the older soldier's face only made the moment more endearing.
"Very well," he chuckled, catching Bella's wrist to pull her closer for one last kiss. "But if you spend all day shopping for fabrics, I may have to send Kenji home early just to come find you."
He released her reluctantly and strode toward the door with renewed purpose. "And remember my condition - no buying anything extravagant. This is supposed to be a relaxing event, not another military campaign."
Once in the hallway, Chang Hao called over his shoulder, "Send word to the royal tailor - tell him Empress Bella will be selecting materials this afternoon. He is to prepare samples based on her preferences, not mine."
The guard bowed deeply as they departed for the war room, Bella going the opposite way to start the preparations.