He knew that Wan'er had been tortured and tormented repeatedly, her appearance had been ruined, but her strength had never been defeated.

Junjue deeply admired her. He knew that Wan'er was no longer the woman with stunning beauty, but she had always been the most important person in his life.

The Duke recalled that night five years ago, when he felt utterly helpless.

He didn't even notice when Wan'er was taken away; he could only watch helplessly as she disappeared into the darkness.

That feeling of helplessness lingered in his mind, becoming a nightmare in his dreams.

Junjue vowed that he would find Wan'er, no matter the cost.

Five years of waiting, their reunion, only to leave Wan'er with such a disfigured face. He felt guilty and blamed himself for his incompetence.

But no amount of regret can change the past. All he can do is protect Wan'er and give her happiness and safety.

Once, Wan'er was the sun to the Duke, bringing him warmth and light.

Now, Junjue is determined to be Wan'er's sunshade, to hold her tightly in his arms, and to let her feel love and warmth once again.

He heard her even breathing and watched her fall asleep peacefully, his heart aching as he gazed at her half-disfigured face.

Wan'er's face was covered with scars and half of it was pitted and scarred.

The Duke found a way to heal her injuries and wanted to see her current state to remind himself of his original intentions.

But for Wan'er, she could never regain her former appearance.

The Duke gently stroked Wan'er's cheek, feeling the extensive scars on her skin. Each scar represented his endless pain for her.

However, he also knew that nothing in this world could completely erase the hurt of the past.

They can only strive forward and start anew.

Junjue gently kissed the scar on Wan'er's forehead, gazing lovingly at her sleeping face.

A faint smile appeared on Wan'er's sleeping face.

That smile, though no longer perfect, was full of tenderness and resilience.

Lovers are not always together in a dull and uneventful way; they have experienced pain and hardship, yet they still stay together.

Junjue couldn't help but recall the past: they had gone through that difficult and dark period together, supporting and protecting each other.

No matter what happened, they were determined to protect each other, but they were forced to separate not long after they got together.

Junjue couldn't help but feel a void in his heart, and the memories gradually evolved into a heart-wrenching pain.

He knew he could never go back to the past. Wan'er's pain not only left scars on her face, but was also deeply etched into her heart.

Junjue wished he could bear that pain for her, but he was powerless to do so.

It took the Duke a long time to calm his distress amidst this tossing and turning in pain.

Regardless of Wan'er's appearance or how difficult her past was, he would not let her leave. He was determined to give her more tenderness and care from now on.

He wanted her to feel that, no matter what she looked like, she was still the most beautiful woman in his heart.

Junjue gently embraced Wan'er, like a spreading dew flower, warming Wan'er's wounded heart.

He whispered in her ear, "No matter what happens, you will always be the most precious person to me."

Wan'er opened her eyes groggily and saw Junjue's gentle gaze, feeling his sincerity and love.

"Why aren't you asleep yet? Can't you sleep?"

She smiled and gently stroked the nobleman's handsome cheek with her fingers.

Their eyes met, like the undulating ocean, shimmering softly under the lamplight.

"Did I disturb Wan'er? I'll go to sleep with you right now!"