Xion observed his father in a state of disarray. Though he felt a surge of emotion, he managed to choke out, “Dad… What are you trying to say? The ring, it’s meant for my mother, right?”


    Snapping back to reality, Zayne quickly nced at Kairi and, with a mixture of nerves and sincerity, stated, “Kairi, I realize I’ve wronged you for so many years. In front of Xion today, I want to ask if you would marry me. If you agree, I promise to dedicate my life to ensuring both of you are happy.”<fn8f9e> Th?s chapter is updated by f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn8f9e>


    Kairi had suspected Zayne’s intentions beforehand, but when he actually proposed, she found herself utterly shocked and at a loss for words.


    For Kairi, the thought of marrying Zayne was something she had never dared to entertain.


    In fact, she had never envisioned herself marrying Zayne in this lifetime.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    The vast differences in their social standings yed a significant role, but more importantly, Kairi felt deep shame about her involvement in Zayne’s marriage to Du Haiqing over two decades ago. After their initial rtionship, she had avoided Zayne for twenty long years.


    Even as the entire Elms family served the Banks family, and with Xion now an adult and at Zayne’s side, Kairi remained in Mocheng, never stepping foot into the Banks family home again.


    Now, with Zayne unexpectedly proposing, she waspletely taken aback, frozen in ce.


    Xion, noticing his mother’s stunned silence, urged, “Mom, what’s wrong? Dad is still kneeling!”


    Snapping back to reality, Kairi stammered, “Eldest young master… I… I don’t know what to say…”


    Zayne understood her hesitation and responded earnestly, “Kairi, let’s forget about the past. Even if you hadn’t been in the picture, my first marriage would never have brought happiness. I’m no longer the eldest young master of the Banks family; there’s no disparity between us anymore. All I want now is to build a life with you and provide Xion with a loving home. Nothing else matters. If the Banks family makes you ufortable, I’m willing to relinquish all my rights within it. I only ask that you agree to be with me!”


    Xion, standing nearby, chimed in, “Mom, just say yes! Dad and Aunt Deana are already divorced, and you’ve held feelings for him all these years. If you marry him, I’ll finally have a real home…”


    Hearing this, Kairi felt her defenses start to crumble.


    Having grown up in a single-parent household, Xion had been very loved by the Elms family, but she still felt the absence of a father figure.


    Before Charlie’s involvement with the Banks family, Kairi was acutely aware that Zayne would never acknowledge Xion as his daughter publicly.


    Yet, here he was, kneeling before her and expressing a desire to give their daughter aplete family.


    In that moment, all of Kairi’s worries dissipated. Tears welling in her eyes, she dered to Zayne, “I promise you…”


    With excitement, Zayne responded, “Really?! Kairi, are you truly agreeing to marry me?”


    Kairi didn’t need words; she simply nodded vigorously at Zayne.


    Despite the fact that the man she had loved for half her life was older and had lost some of his former vigor, he still held a unique charm in her heart.


    In the past, she had always suppressed her feelings for him.


    But now, her eyes shone with affection.


    Xion felt relieved, urging, “Dad, put the ring on Mom!”


    “Oh yes, right!” Zayne suddenly remembered and quickly retrieved the ring from the jewelry box.


    Unustomed to the idea of using her right arm, Kairi instinctively extended her left hand.


    Zayne gently took Kairi’s hand, ready to slip the ring on, when Xion reminded him, “Dad! The ring goes on Mom’s right hand!”


    In a state of confusion, Zayne relied on his daughter’s guidance, responding, “Oh, right, Ipletely forgot…”


    Taking a moment to collect herself, Kairi then offered her right hand to Zayne, albeit a bit awkwardly.


    Feeling nervous and eager to put the ring on, Zayne didn’t notice anything amiss.


    As he held the ring and carefully ced it on Kairi’s right ring finger, he suddenly realized something was off.


    He stared at Kairi’s right hand, tracing it up to her arm, and was taken aback to discover her entire arm was actually connected to her right shoulder!


    In that instant, panic gripped him, and he eximed, “Kairi… what… what’s happening?!”