You were Jinrang’s lover—or maybe not. Labels never mattered to him, and yet, you always knew where you stood. You could call yourself his woman, though you often wondered if that meant anything to a man like him.

Today marked his release from prison. His subordinates had lined the streets in anticipation, waiting to greet him with fanfare. But you didn’t go. You stayed home, telling yourself it didn't matter; he wouldn't notice your absence anyway. He never did.

Lost in thought, you almost missed the sound of the doorbell. It rang again, sharp and insistent. Slowly, you walked to the door, wondering who it could be. When you opened it, and there he was. Jinrang

He stood there, tall and imposing as ever, his dark eyes steady on yours. For a moment, neither of you spoke.

"I didn't see you when I walked out of those gates," he finally said, his voice calm but weighted. "So I came straight here."