Chapter 12: For a Lifetime, Only You

That night, the city lights shimmered like scattered gold on the water.

Gu Nian came home from work, pushed open the door, and noticed the living room looked different from usual.

On the table sat a bouquet of her favorite lilies. A soft white blanket covered the sofa, and a few small candles flickered on the floor.

Lu Chen stood by the window, dressed in a sharp suit, holding a small box in his hand.

“Lu Chen… what’s all this?” Gu Nian asked, surprised.

He turned, his gaze so serious that her heart skipped a beat.

“Gu Nian,” he approached, voice low but unwavering, “since we were kids, you’ve always been by my side—watching me laugh, watching me cry, watching me fumble through everything.”

Her heart pounded as she gently took his hand.

“I don’t know if you realized, but I’ve liked you… from the very first day, I’ve always liked you.”

Then he knelt.

The small box opened, revealing a simple ring that sparkled in the candlelight.

“Gu Nian, will you marry me? Will you spend your life loving only me?”

Tears fell from her eyes.

“You… you’re serious?” she whispered.

“Absolutely.”
His hands cupped her face, eyes shining brighter than the stars in the night sky.

She choked back her tears and answered, trembling,

“I will… I’ll marry only you, for my whole life.”

Lu Chen smiled.

In that smile was the mischievous boy she had known, and the steadfast man he had become.

He slid the ring onto her finger, then pulled her into his arms.

“Gu Nian, I will protect you for a lifetime.”

“I know.” She rested against his chest, feeling his heartbeat. “We’ll always be together.”

Outside, the city lights mingled with the stars, warm and bright—just like their love.

The days that followed were simple, yet full of happiness.

Weekends spent decorating their new home.
She painted while he stayed by her side.
Occasional little trips, wrapped in each other’s arms.
Sweet morning and evening greetings, hugs, and laughter.

Gu Nian realized that love in adulthood wasn’t a fairytale of grand gestures, but every little detail was happiness that reached straight to the bone.

Together, they had walked from childhood sweethearts, to awkward school romance, to mature, steady love and finally marriage.

Every argument ended in an embrace.
Every exhaustion met with care.
Every separation followed by a reunion.

Gu Nian lay in bed, watching Lu Chen’s sleeping profile, and smiled softly.

She understood now—“for a lifetime” wasn’t about grand, dramatic moments.
It was growing up together, from childhood to marriage, never leaving each other’s side.

Outside, the night was calm. Inside, the warmth was constant.

Their story—childhood sweethearts, lifelong guardians of each other’s hearts—finally settled into happiness.

—The End