After the engagement, the wedding turned out to be a grand affair — a spectacle that captured everyone's attention. News of Mo Li Cheng and Xiotan's union spread like wildfire, reaching even the most distant ears. The guest list sparkled with family, close friends, and dignitaries from all walks of life. It was, without a doubt, an unforgettable event.
As the celebration came to a close, the time finally arrived for the bride and groom to leave for their new home. The air shifted — the laughter and music faded into something more tender and bittersweet. The next chapter of their lives was about to begin.
In a quiet corner, away from the crowd, Xiotan stood with her mother, their faces stained with tears.
"Momma's going to miss you so much," Lifie whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind her daughter's ear. "But don't cry too much, alright? I promise I'll visit."
"Momma..." Xiotan's voice trembled as she hugged her mother tightly. "Can't you come with me? I'm not ready for this. It'll be so lonely without you."
Lifie gave a gentle smile through her tears. "I wish I could, my love. But you're a married woman now. You have to learn to carry your own weight. You'll be alright. I know you will."
Behind them, King Fie stepped forward, his expression awkward but trying to appear fatherly.
"Tan'er, my child… I'm going to miss my first daughter. You've always made me proud. I promise I'll come to visit you," he said, reaching out to pat her head.
Xiotan stared at him with a smile — but it didn't reach her eyes.
"There's really no need for that, Father," she replied, her voice sweet but cold. "You don't have to stress yourself at your age. You could suffocate in the car or… end up in some fatal accident on the way. Best to stay home, right? Pan'er needs you more than I ever did."
Fie froze. The smile on his lips stiffened, but he forced it to stay. Beside him, Queen Sia caught the tension in an instant. She watched silently, lips pressed in a firm line. In her eyes, a child's resentment was often the fruit of a father's mistake — and this was no exception.
"Ahaha… You're still as naughty as ever, Tan'er," Fie said through clenched teeth, placing his hand on her shoulder once more. "But my blessings go with you."
"Haha, Father…" Xiotan echoed with mock cheer as she slipped away from his touch. "Thank you. But I don't need your blessings. I've got God's… and my mother's. That's enough. You should save yours for your perfect little princess, Pan'er."
Her gaze slid to Duguyan and Pan'er, icy but calm.
Duguyan took a step forward, lips parting to respond, but Sia cut in sharply.
"It's time for Xiotan to leave. Li Cheng is waiting."
Everyone stilled. The moment passed.
Xiotan took one last look at her mother and hugged her tightly. After brief goodbyes, she stepped outside where a sleek black Lamborghini Aventador waited. Li Cheng was already seated, visibly impatient as he watched the lingering farewells drag on.
Without a word, Xiotan slid into the car beside him, giving her mother one last wave. Jinxin and another bodyguard entered the second car behind them, carrying the wedding gifts.
The engine purred to life. The driver looked to Li Cheng, who gave a subtle nod. With that, the convoy began to move.
Xiotan leaned back in her seat, her heart full of unspoken words, her mind already racing with thoughts of the unfamiliar world ahead.
A new chapter had begun — one she couldn't run from.