Here is your scene rewritten in a cinematic, emotionally immersive style, with smoo
Palace Dining Hall – That Night
My father smiled as he looked at me, pride glowing in his eyes.
> "You've grown up so much... You're so beautiful, my dear daughter."
His voice, gentle and kingly, echoed through the gold-trimmed dining hall. The air was heavy with the scent of roasted lotus duck and plum wine. My heart, still aching from the past few days, found a moment of stillness—until he added, with a wide smile:
> "And look who is here… Bai Long, crown prince of Longshan Kingdom."
What?
My gaze snapped to the man beside him.
He rose with perfect poise, dressed in silver-embroidered robes that shimmered under the lantern light. But I already knew that face—the arrogant smirk, the sharp jawline, the eyes that had once hovered inches from mine. It was him.
> The boy who dragged me into the shadows… who whispered things that still made my skin crawl.
But now, he was royalty.
I lowered my eyes quickly, keeping my voice formal.
> "Greetings, Crown Prince. Welcome to our kingdom."
> "Such elegance," he said smoothly, his gaze lingering. "The princess honors me."
I sat down beside my father, determined to focus on anything—anything—but Bai Long. But throughout dinner, I could feel it… that persistent stare, warm as fire, sharp as glass. Every time I looked up, his eyes were there—watching me like I was prey.
I tried to ignore it. I forced a smile, filling my cup with wine.
> "Father, I really missed you all," I said, trying to draw the attention back to safer ground.
> "Now you are home," he replied, resting his hand over mine. "So be happy. No more worries, my star."
I smiled softly, but my moment of peace shattered the instant I glanced toward Bai Long.
He winked at me—biting his bottom lip.
I stiffened.
> Is he… reminding me of what happened? Is this some twisted game?
But before I could process it, my father stood, raising his cup high.
> "Tonight is special not just because my daughter has returned—but because I now announce… her engagement to the Crown Prince of Longshan!"
The hall erupted in polite applause.
I felt like I'd been slapped.
My wine glass slipped slightly in my hand. I barely registered Bai Long stepping closer until his hand slid over mine, fingers curling gently—but possessively.
> "Oh, my princess," he whispered under his breath, "you want to run, don't you?"
His voice was soft enough that no one else heard, but every syllable coiled around me like rope.
> "But I won't let you."
I turned sharply to face him, heart pounding.
> "Crown Prince, please… leave my hand."
He leaned in, eyes gleaming with smugness.
> "Oh, you want me to move? Then say it… Call me hubby first."
> "Wha—what?" I stammered, caught between fury and disbelief. "We're not married yet."
His grin deepened.
> "Just say it. Once. That's all."
My face flushed crimson. My breath came shallow. I glanced at my father—still distracted in conversation—then back at this man-child wearing royal silk and a predator's smile.
I swallowed my pride, clenching my teeth.
> "...Okay. Hubby, please take off your hand."
He released it immediately, humming a satisfied sigh.
> "Ahh… such a sweet word from your lips. I'll treasure it forever."
I turned away, hiding the storm in my eyes behind a calm smile.
> This isn't over.