He said indifferently, "If you think that’s too boring, using your body to seduce me works too."

Jiayi’s face flushed. To avoid the temperature from rising further, she pursed her lips and said, "You think just a few islands can make me a pig? No way I’m agreeing to that."

She was like his little pig to keep for a lifetime. His lips curved into a mischievously tender smile. "You don’t need to do anything; I’ll ’do’ it."

Under the vast starry sky, he carried her without hesitation, firmly heading towards the Huo Family’s villa on the island.

...

Late in the night, after seeing Jiayi off, Liang Anya breastfed her daughter. When she saw the little girl yawning a few times and rubbing her eyes furiously, she knew it was time for bed.

She coaxed her daughter to sleep and gently closed the baby room door.

Although she had been exhausted all day, she found herself wide awake at the moment.

Liang Anya greeted the household assistant and stepped out of the villa, strolling down to the nearby beach.

At this hour, the guests who had come to the island for the wedding were either already resting or letting loose at the island’s central KTV or bars. No one was wandering the beach alone like her.

The beach stretched several miles, and she was the only one there to enjoy the solitude.

Taking off her shoes, she walked barefoot across the fine, soft sands.

The night was tranquil, the ocean breeze refreshing, and the distant sight of scattered boats offered peace.

Her frantic feelings finally settled considerably.

Yes, Xiaoyi was right.

Si Yuheng might not have been searching for her or the child at all.

Even if he had tried, months had passed, and things should have faded by now.

There was no need to be overly anxious.

She had already escaped that man’s control and was free—a long time ago. Was that not so?!

Though he’d domineeringly added a child to her life, her life didn’t need to change because of it!

From this moment onward, she resolved to truly abandon the memories of those few months with him. She would no longer let him disturb her!

She took a deep breath of the night air and then exhaled heavily. Standing on her toes, she threw the handful of stones she’d collected along the way straight into the ocean!

"Si Yuheng—screw you! Goodbye forever!"

On the empty beach, she yelled at the top of her lungs.

Until her voice was hoarse, and sweat had soaked her back, she finally sat on the ground, panting; she felt much better.

*****

Bright and early the next morning, Liang Anya got up, arranged care for Xiaoxiao, and greeted Liang Tao and Liang Jue before heading to the Huo Family villa on the island to prepare for her role as a bridesmaid.

Because Xiaoxiao was still too young, she would stay at the villa during the wedding and be looked after by the household assistant.

When she arrived at the Huo Family villa, Liang Anya was ushered into a room by several young women dressed in formal gowns, who began styling her.

The bridesmaid styling team came from a renowned French makeup master group, specially hired by the Huo Family to the island. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

After an hour, Liang Anya’s hair and makeup were completed, transforming her into an entirely different person from when she first arrived on the island.

In front of the full-length mirror, wearing a white bridesmaid dress, the tightly fitted gown accentuated her figure, making her resemble a mermaid stepping ashore.

Her naturally slim figure showed no trace of having given birth just months earlier, and now, the one flaw she had before—the flat Princess chest—seemed improved.

Possibly due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, she’d gone up a cup size, making her figure better than ever before.

"Miss Chu’s bridesmaid is stunning; she could compete for Miss Universe," one of the makeup artists praised admiringly behind her.

With time about up, Liang Anya stepped out of the dressing room, intending to head over to Jiayi and then accompany her to the island’s cathedral.

Jiayi was staying in the villa’s main residence. As she stepped outside and hadn’t gone far, she heard a familiar male voice behind her:

"Anya?"

Liang Anya’s heart stirred. She turned around, blurting out in surprise, "Mr. Jiang?"

Standing before her was a refined, elegant man dressed sharply in a tailored suit. He looked just as cultured and handsome as ever.

She hadn’t seen Jiang Pinhao since she left for Italy to study abroad. Unexpectedly, they met again today.

Jiang Pinhao smiled, "Long time no see."

She also gave a slight smile. "Yes, it’s been a while. Did Xiaoyi invite Mr. Jiang to the wedding?"

"Mm." Jiang Pinhao nodded. "I just came to the villa to congratulate Jiayi."

She recalled her confession to Mr. Jiang back in her Jin University days. It still felt as vivid as if it happened yesterday.

Jiang Pinhao, being a principled gentleman, had rejected her confession as he didn’t approve of teacher-student relationships. Even now, thinking back on it, she felt a little embarrassed.

Between the two of them, the atmosphere grew slightly awkward.

Finally, Jiang Pinhao broke the silence. "You’ve moved back home?"

She quickly composed herself, "Yes, I’ve been back for a while now."

"You didn’t want to stay in Italy? You studied design, and the industry in Europe is more prosperous than back home. There are certainly better opportunities there."

She shook her head. "No, I still decided to come back. After all, my family is here. How about you, Mr. Jiang? Are you still at Jin University?"

Jiang Pinhao nodded and handed her a business card.

Liang Anya glanced at the card. In just a few years, Jiang Pinhao had become a professor. He must be the youngest professor at Jin University.

Next to his title on the card were his contact details.

She clutched the card in her palm, her heartbeat quickening.

Was he married already?

At the very least, he should have a girlfriend by now.

A young and accomplished professor like him couldn’t possibly be single.

While she was lost in thought, Jiang Pinhao suddenly spoke up, "You still look nearly the same as a few years ago; not much has changed."

His words abruptly pulled Liang Anya back to reality, calming her racing heart.

Not much has changed? How could that be? Within just a year, she had gone through countless experiences she’d never imagined—even having a Little Baozi to call her own.

Could she still act like an ordinary young girl, dreamily admiring her former idol? It would only make people laugh.

She forced a smile. "Mr. Jiang, it’s getting late. Jiayi must be waiting for me. I’ll head over first. Let’s talk again when there’s a chance."

Without waiting for Jiang Pinhao’s reply, she picked up her bridesmaid skirt and hurried towards the main residence, almost as if escaping.

Things had been fine just moments ago, but her expression changed suddenly, as if something had been mentioned that she didn’t want to revisit.

Jiang Pinhao watched Liang Anya’s departing figure, an imperceptible expression flickering across his face.

*********************************************

He’an Cathedral stood atop the highest peak on French Santo Roy Island.

The morning sunlight draped the cathedral in a solemn, sacred glow, signaling the beginning of a grand wedding.

Before the ceremony, all the guests were transported up the mountain by car, waiting inside and outside the cathedral for the arrival of the bride and groom.

At the same time, a select number of reporters from global mainstream media outlets stationed themselves nearby, prepared to broadcast the wedding via satellite.

The cathedral bells tolled solemnly atop the mountain.

The ceremony was just minutes away.

On the steps of the cathedral, Liang Anya inspected Jiayi’s attire and makeup to ensure everything was perfect. Then, she took a deep breath and excitedly exclaimed at the bride wearing her wedding dress for the second time: "Xiaoyi, you look absolutely stunning today."