Chapter 255 The Finish Line (The End)

Xie Chi's confession was devoid of sweet words; it was filled with obsessive possessiveness and almost barbaric bluntness.

Looking into the turmoil in his eyes, Ji Wanqing felt no fear, but rather a calm that seemed to have settled, along with an indescribable heartache and trembling.

She knew what it meant to step into his world.

But at this moment, she was willing.

She raised her hand and covered the back of his hand that was cupping her cheek; his fingers were icy cold, while her palm was warm.

“Okay.” She looked at him, a gentle yet firm smile spreading across her eyes, like the brightest star in the night sky, clearly responding to his deep darkness. “I promise, I’ll only stay by your side.”

The moment the words left his mouth, the storm in Xie Chi's eyes suddenly subsided, transforming into an almost devout ecstasy.

Without further hesitation, he lowered his head and kissed her lips fiercely.

After a long while, Xie Chi held the person tightly in his arms.

He then gently nibbled on her earlobe, saying, "I'll give you anything you want, but these eyes can only look at me."

Ji Wanqing involuntarily shrank her neck.

She understood his unease and reached out to hug him tightly.

"Okay, I'll only look at you."

-

After returning from Paris, Xie Chi and Ji Wanqing's relationship entered a new phase.

Xie Chi's obsession and desire for control did not disappear; on the contrary, with the confirmation of his identity, he became even more self-righteous.

He would closely monitor her schedule, quietly remove any obstacles in her path, and appear directly in her office when she was working late into the night, taking her home to rest with an unquestionable attitude.

But Ji Wanqing gradually learned how to deal with his love, which was tinged with shadows.

She maintained her independence within his designated "safe zone," using gentleness and firmness to defuse his occasional over-controlling behavior stemming from insecurity.

She saw the wounded child beneath his hard exterior, a child who had never grown up, and tried to warm his heart with her light.

Xie Chi also seemed to be learning to trust, learning to gradually let down his guard in front of her, revealing a bit of real and clumsy tenderness.

The wedding preparations were entirely handled by Xie Chi, and his unique style perfectly reflected his personality.

Instead of choosing a traditional church or hotel, he opted for a secluded private island of his own.

The wedding theme was "Anchor to the Light".

He was a lonely boat adrift and adrift, while she was his light and the anchor where he finally found refuge.

The invitations were very limited, only extending to the closest family and friends of both parties, as well as a very small number of business partners of sufficient status and recognized by Xie Chi.

The entire island was decorated like a hidden fairyland, without excessive luxury and splendor, but with a large number of white flowers, soft gauze curtains and warm lighting to create an atmosphere that is both sacred and private.

On the wedding day, the sun shone brightly and a gentle sea breeze blew.

When Ji Wanqing, wearing a wedding dress custom-made by a top designer, walked arm in arm with her mother on the grass covered with white petals, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

At the other end of the red carpet, Xie Chi, dressed in a classic black suit, stood tall and straight like a pine tree.

His usual gloom and aloofness were replaced by an unusual solemnity. His gaze was fixed on the bride who was slowly walking towards him. Her eyes, which were always as calm as an ancient well, were now surging with almost turbulent emotions: tension, anticipation, and a sense of satisfaction that had been fulfilled.

When Ji Wanqing's mother placed her daughter's hand in Xie Chi's, he held it tightly, as if he were holding his entire world.

During the exchange of vows, the emcee first handed the microphone to Xie Chi.

Everyone held their breath, eager to know what this usually taciturn and aloof man would say.

Xie Chi looked at Ji Wanqing with such focused attention that it seemed as if she were the only person left in the world.

He remained silent for a few seconds before speaking, his voice deep and clear, filled with utmost sincerity.

"For a long time, my life felt like I was running wildly through an endless dark tunnel, unable to see the light or find my direction." His words were calm, yet they sent a chill down the spines of those who knew his past. "Until I saw you."

"Ji Wanqing, you are the only certain light in my chaotic world, and the only anchor that can stop me when I am going crazy and out of control."

He paused, his Adam's apple bobbing, as if he were trying his best to suppress his surging emotions.

"I don't understand what normal love is, and I may never learn. My love may be tinged with obsession, control, and shadows you can't imagine, but..."

He looked at her intently, each word like a vow, and also like a warning.

"It is real, it is unique, it will last until death. Are you willing to... accept me as I am? Accept me as your husband, someone who is not perfect, someone who may even carry scars forever?"

He laid bare his most vulnerable and authentic self before her, giving her complete control over the choice.

Ji Wanqing's eyes instantly reddened.

Without the slightest hesitation, she met his tense and profound gaze, nodded vigorously, her voice choked with emotion, yet utterly resolute.

"I do."

She took the microphone, looked at him, tears streaming down her face, but a gentle smile graced her lips.

"Xie Chi, I don't want a perfect fairy tale, I just want the real you. I will tolerate your stubbornness, I will soothe your wounds, I will illuminate your darkness. I love you, I am willing to be your light, and I am also willing to... be your only anchor."

There are no fancy words, only the deepest collision and resonance of two souls.

Many people present were deeply moved.

After exchanging rings, the moment the emcee announced that the groom could kiss the bride, Xie Chi cupped Ji Wanqing's face and kissed her deeply.

The ceremony concluded in a warm and touching atmosphere, and the guests moved to the banquet venue.

After the banquet, dazzling fireworks lit up the sky above the island, illuminating the night sky and the newlyweds embracing on the beach.

Xie Chi embraced Ji Wanqing from behind, his chin gently resting on the top of her head as they gazed at the dazzling spectacle.

"Wanqing".

"Um?"

"Thank you," he whispered, his voice muffled by the sound of fireworks exploding, yet clearly reaching her ears. "Thank you... for choosing me."

Ji Wanqing leaned against his warm and firm embrace, feeling his steady heartbeat, and watched the dazzling lights in the sky constantly blooming and dissipating. Her heart was filled with a peaceful and profound happiness.

"Thank you for taking me through those thrilling experiences, allowing me to let loose."

Ji Wanqing turned her head to look at Xie Chi's chin, and at that moment she felt incredibly fulfilled.

Perhaps, she and Xie Chi were originally the same kind of people.

The dramatic changes in her life led her to experience a tension and excitement she had never felt before with Xie Chi.

In the days to come, they will surely stay together and be each other's warmest harbor.

They kissed before the last fireworks faded.

Holding each other in their most cherished arms, they prepare to start a new life.