Lu Rowan's Penthouse - 1:30 PM

The soft knock on the door interrupted their lazy afternoon atmosphere. Mei was curled on the sofa, reading a book and Lu Rowan was doing some work on his laptop

"That'll be Arthur," Lu Rowan stated .

Another knock, more insistent this time.

"Mr. Lu?" Arthur's voice carried through the door with carefully professional neutrality. "The car is ready for your appointment."

Mei felt heat creep up her neck, suddenly aware of how obvious their morning had been. Arthur had probably heard them, or at least knew exactly what had happened last night.

In the Car - 2:00 PM

Arthur drove with his eyes fixed firmly on the road, the partition raised but not quite high enough to muffle the quiet conversation from the backseat. His shoulders held the tension of someone trying very hard not to think about anything happening around him.

Mei sat pressed close to Lu Rowan's side, his hand possessive on her thigh, thumb tracing small circles that made concentration difficult. The casual intimacy between them had shifted dramatically overnight, and Arthur found himself wondering exactly what he'd gotten himself into as an employee.

"The appointment shouldn't take long," Lu Rowan said quietly.

Dr. Martinez's Private Clinic - 2:45 PM

The fertility specialist's office was discreetly located in one of Shanghai's most expensive medical buildings. Dr. Martinez herself was a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and the professional demeanor of someone accustomed to wealthy clients seeking confidential services.

"Mr. and Mrs. Lu," she greeted them warmly. "I understand you're interested in long-term contraceptive options."

Lu Rowan's hand settled protectively on Mei's back as they sat in the consultation room. "We want the most effective method available. Reversible, but long-lasting."

Dr. Martinez nodded, pulling out several informational pamphlets. "We have several options. The contraceptive injection lasts three months and is 99% effective, but can cause irregular bleeding and bone density issues with long-term use."

She continued through the options methodically. "The contraceptive implant lasts three years and is equally effective, but insertion can be uncomfortable and some women experience mood changes. There's also the copper IUD, which lasts ten years but can cause heavier, more painful periods."

Mei listened with growing apprehension. Each option seemed to carry significant drawbacks and pain, hormonal disruption, long-term health effects.

"The hormonal IUD," Dr. Martinez concluded, "lasts five years, often reduces or eliminates periods entirely, and has minimal side effects for most women. It's what I'd recommend for someone in your situation."

Lu Rowan looked at Mei expectantly. "What do you think?"

"I..." Mei hesitated, overwhelmed by the medical details and the implications of each choice. "The hormonal IUD sounds... practical."

"We can do the insertion today if you'd like," Dr. Martinez offered. "It takes about fifteen minutes, though you might experience some cramping afterward."

Lu Rowan squeezed Mei's hand. "Whatever you're comfortable with."

An hour later, they left the clinic with Mei walking slightly stiffly, Lu Rowan's arm supporting her as the cramping medication hadn't fully kicked in yet.

Back in the Car - 4:15 PM

"There's an excellent spa nearby," Lu Rowan said as Arthur helped Mei into the backseat. "A massage might help with the discomfort."

"No," Mei said quickly, perhaps too quickly. "I'm fine. I'd rather just go home."

Lu Rowan studied her face, noting the flash of panic that crossed her features. "Mei, what's wrong?"

She looked away, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "I just... I don't like strangers touching me."

It was partially true, but not the whole truth. The real reason was the network of faded scars across her back and ribs and marks from Mrs. Liang's years of casual cruelty. Mei couldn't bear the thought of a massage therapist's hands finding those reminders of her past.

Lu Rowan's eyes sharpened with understanding. He'd seen glimpses of old injuries on her skin, but hadn't pressed for details. Now, watching her careful evasion, he made a mental note.

"We'll go to a dermatologist," he said quietly. "Together. There are treatments for old scarring."

Mei's head snapped up, surprised by his perceptiveness and touched by his matter-of-fact approach to her insecurities.

"You don't have to—"

"Yes, I do," he said firmly. "Arthur, make an appointment with Dr. Chen's dermatologist ."

The Lu Family Estate - 6:00 PM

The imposing gates of the Lu family compound loomed ahead as their car wound through perfectly manicured grounds. Mei felt her stomach clench with nervousness, the afternoon's medical appointment forgotten in the face of this new challenge.

"Remember," Lu Rowan said quietly, his hand finding hers. "You don't have to prove anything to them. You're here as my wife, my equal. Anyone who treats you otherwise answers to me."

The main house was a sprawling example of traditional Chinese architecture updated with modern luxury with ancient courtyards surrounded by glass and steel additions, gardens that had been tended for generations alongside cutting-edge security systems.

Lu Rowan's grip on her hand tightened as they approached the front entrance. "Stay close to me."

The Great Room - 6:30 PM

The Lu family had assembled in force. Grandma Lu sat in the place of honor, a woman in her eighties with sharp eyes and silver hair pulled into an elegant chignon. Beside her, Grandpa Lu read a newspaper with the studied indifference of someone accustomed to family drama.

Various aunts, uncles, and cousins filled the room; there were at least fifteen people, all turning to assess Mei as she entered on Lu Rowan's arm. The weight of their collective scrutiny was almost physical.

"Grandmother," Lu Rowan said formally, guiding Mei forward. "I'd like you to meet my wife, Mei."

Grandma Lu studied Mei with the intensity of a general reviewing troops. "So this is the girl who's captured Rowan's attention."

Her voice carried no warmth, but no outright hostility either simply the neutral assessment of someone reserving judgment.

"It's an honor to meet you, Grandma ," Mei said quietly, offering a respectful bow.

"Sit," the elderly woman commanded, gesturing to a chair positioned directly across from her own. "Let me look at you properly."

As Mei settled into the indicated seat, she felt Lu Rowan's presence behind her like a shield. His hand rested lightly on her shoulder it was a subtle but clear signal of protection and possession.

"You're very quiet," Grandma Lu observed after several minutes of silence. "In my experience, quiet people are either wise or stupid. Which are you?"

The room held its breath. This was clearly a test, and everyone knew it.

Mei met the older woman's gaze steadily. "I find that speaking only when you have something worthwhile to say tends to make people listen more carefully when you do speak."

A murmur rippled through the room. It wasn't the deferential response they'd expected from someone of Mei's background.

Grandma Lu's expression didn't change, but something flickered in her eyes as approval, perhaps, or at least interest.

"And what do you think is worthwhile to say about your marriage to my grandson?"

Mei considered the question carefully. Around her, family members shifted in their seats, waiting for her to stumble or reveal some weakness they could exploit.

"I think," Mei said finally, her voice carrying a quiet conviction, "that marriages built on mutual benefit tend to last longer than those built on romance alone. Lu Rowan and I understand each other's value. We protect each other's interests that make us different ."

The honesty of her response seemed to surprise everyone, including Lu Rowan. She hadn't claimed to love him, hadn't made flowery declarations about destiny or soulmates. Instead, she'd presented their relationship as exactly what it was a strategic partnership that happened to include powerful physical attraction.

Grandma Lu leaned back in her chair, studying Mei with new interest. "Practical. I appreciate practicality."

"Of course," she continued, her voice taking on a different tone, "practical marriages should produce practical results. When can we expect great-grandchildren?"

The question hit the room like a stone dropped in still water. Mei felt Lu Rowan's hand tighten on her shoulder.

"We're not planning children," he said firmly. "Not now, possibly not ever."

Grandma Lu's eyes sharpened. "Excuse me?"

"Mei and I have discussed it. We prefer to focus on our careers, our partnership. Children would complicate that unnecessarily."

The elderly woman's face darkened with disapproval. "Unnecessarily? The continuation of the Lu family line is what you call unnecessary ?"

"The Lu family line will continue through my cousins if it needs to continue at all," Lu Rowan replied calmly. "Mei and I have made our decision."

Throughout this exchange, Mei sat quietly as she herself wasn't sure about what Lu Rowan was talking about and let him handle his family's expectations while she observed the dynamics around her. She could see the disappointment in Grandma Lu's face, the happiness in the relatives' eyes who knew if Lu Rowan had an heir he would become more powerful in the Lu residency and his shares would increase .

"You're young," Grandma Lu said finally. "Young people change their minds."

"Some do," Lu Rowan agreed. "We won't."

Mei kept her head down, she felt as if the food in her mouth had turned into rubber.

Later - Family Socializing - 8:00 PM

After dinner, the family scattered into smaller groups for conversation. Almost immediately, several relatives approached Mei with the kind of aggressive friendliness that masked deeper calculation.

"Mei, dear," Lu Rowan's Aunt Patricia cooed, sliding up with a wine glass in hand, "tell me about your family. Are they in business as well?"

Before Mei could answer, Lu Rowan appeared at her side. "Aunt Patricia, how lovely to see you. Mei and I were just about to step outside for some air."

His hand settled possessively on Mei's waist, effectively ending the conversation.

The same pattern repeated throughout the evening. Whenever relatives tried to corner Mei for personal information or attempted to establish separate relationships with her, Lu Rowan intervened smoothly but decisively. He created an invisible barrier around her, making it clear that access to his wife went through him.

Cousin David tried to engage her in conversation about her design work. Lu Rowan redirected the discussion to business partnerships that would benefit the family company.

Uncle Robert attempted to invite Mei to a ladies' luncheon. Lu Rowan politely declined on her behalf, citing their busy schedule.

Even well-meaning Cousin Lisa's offer to include Mei in the family's charity committee was intercepted and redirected through Lu Rowan's schedule.

By the end of the evening, a clear message had been sent: Mei was not available for independent relationships with the Lu family. She was Lu Rowan's wife first, and any interaction with her would be mediated through him.Even though he couldn't stop them from talking. Mei would hear them siting that myb she was a puppet that's why he didn't want to have children with her or maybe he hasn't gotten over Linda.

Back at the Car - 10:00 PM

As they settled into the backseat for the drive home, Grandma Lu appeared at the passenger window. Lu Rowan rolled it down respectfully.

"Your wife is interesting," she said without preamble. "Quiet, but not weak. She's practical, but a bit cold like you. You surely know how to choose ."

"She is," Lu Rowan agreed.

The elderly woman studied Mei through the window. "You've chosen well, Rowan. She brings a stillness that this family could use. Too much noise, too much drama. She has good instincts about when to speak and when to listen."

Her gaze shifted back to Lu Rowan. "But the child situation is non-negotiable. This family needs heirs, especially from you."

"Grandma….. "

"I'm not dead yet," she interrupted sharply. "And neither are you. People change. Circumstances change. Don't make permanent decisions about temporary feelings."

With that, she stepped back from the car and nodded to Arthur, who took it as his cue to drive away.

As they pulled through the estate gates, Mei finally spoke. "That went better than I expected."

"You were perfect," Lu Rowan said, his hand finding hers in the darkness. "Exactly the right balance of respect and independence."

"Your grandmother seems to like me."

"She does. And that's going to make things much easier going forward." He squeezed her hand. "Though the baby pressure is going to continue."

Mei nodded, understanding that this was likely just the first of many family battles they'd face in the future. But tonight, she'd held her ground without compromising herself, and Lu Rowan had protected her without making her look weak.

It was, she realized, exactly the kind of partnership she'd hoped for when she'd first agreed to marry him. Strategic, protective, and built on mutual respect rather than romantic illusions.

The physical attraction was just a very pleasant bonus.