The wedding was everything a socialite could dream of—lavish, elegant, dazzling under the relentless flash of cameras. Yet, to Lin Yuexi, it felt like walking through a meticulously staged play where she had no control over her role.
The grand ballroom of the Lu family's hotel was filled with the city's most powerful figures. Crystal chandeliers bathed the space in golden light, reflecting off champagne glasses and designer gowns. Every guest wore a smile, but Yuexi could feel their eyes on her, sharp and scrutinizing. They whispered behind jeweled hands, wondering why a fallen daughter like her had suddenly become the bride of Lu Chenxuan, the city's most untouchable CEO.
Her ivory gown was breathtaking, fitted perfectly to her slender frame, the train flowing like a river of silk behind her. She had always imagined her wedding day as something intimate, warm, a celebration of love. Instead, it was a business exhibition, a show to appease shareholders and silence rumors.
She glanced sideways at the man standing beside her. Lu Chenxuan looked flawless, every line of his suit tailored to perfection, his expression as composed as ever. To outsiders, he appeared the ideal groom—calm, strong, and devastatingly handsome. But to Yuexi, standing this close, she could feel the chill radiating from him.
When the officiant declared them husband and wife, his hand barely brushed hers as they exchanged rings. His lips touched her cheek, a gesture so fleeting it might as well have been a formality. The applause erupted, echoing through the grand hall, but Yuexi's heart remained still.
She was married. And yet, it felt like she had stepped into a cage with golden bars.
Later that evening, when the celebration had ended and the guests had retreated to their luxurious cars, the couple returned to the Lu residence. The mansion stood tall and silent on the outskirts of the city, its minimalist design exuding power and wealth. Yuexi followed Chenxuan through the pristine marble hall, her heels clicking softly against the floor.
"Your room is upstairs," he said, his tone clipped, as though discussing a hotel reservation. "First door on the right. My room is across the hall."
Yuexi nodded, clutching the hem of her gown. The silence between them stretched uncomfortably.
Finally, she found her voice. "Thank you… for arranging everything."
He turned his gaze on her, those dark eyes unreadable. "There's no need for gratitude. This marriage is a contract, Miss Lin. You don't owe me anything beyond what's written in those papers."
His words cut sharper than she expected. She lowered her eyes, forcing her lips into a polite line. "I understand."
He studied her for a moment longer, as if trying to gauge her sincerity, then loosened his tie and turned away. "We'll attend several events together this week. My assistant will brief you. Until then, rest."
With that, he climbed the stairs, his tall figure disappearing into the shadows of the corridor.
Yuexi entered her assigned room and closed the door behind her. The space was vast, elegant, but impersonal—like a luxury hotel suite rather than a home. She sank onto the edge of the bed, her wedding gown pooling around her, and stared at her reflection in the tall mirror.
The woman staring back wore flawless makeup, her hair arranged in an intricate updo, diamonds glittering at her ears. She looked every bit the new Mrs. Lu. But beneath the mask of perfection, Yuexi could see the fear in her eyes, the exhaustion tugging at her smile.
She let out a shaky laugh, tears threatening to spill. "So this is marriage," she whispered to herself. "Cold, calculated, and lonely."
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. It was a message from her father: Yuexi, thank you for everything. You've saved us.
Her chest tightened. At least her sacrifice wasn't meaningless. At least the Lin family would survive. She clung to that thought as she changed into a simple nightgown and lay down on the enormous bed. Sleep came slowly, weighed down by uncertainty.
The following morning, the mansion buzzed with quiet efficiency. Servants moved about swiftly, preparing breakfast in the gleaming kitchen. Yuexi descended the stairs, dressed modestly in a cream blouse and slacks, only to find Lu Chenxuan already seated at the dining table, sipping black coffee.
He glanced up briefly, acknowledging her presence with a nod. "Morning."
She hesitated before sitting opposite him. "Morning."
The silence stretched as they ate. Finally, unable to bear it, Yuexi spoke. "Do you always drink coffee without sugar?"
His brow arched slightly at the unexpected question. "Yes."
"Doesn't it taste bitter?"
He set the cup down, his gaze steady. "Some things are meant to be bitter. You just learn to endure them."
Yuexi blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the weight behind his words. She lowered her eyes, playing with her fork.
When breakfast ended, Chenxuan stood. "We have a charity gala tomorrow night. You'll need a dress suitable for the occasion. My assistant will take you shopping this afternoon."
It wasn't a request, merely another directive. Yuexi forced a small smile. "Of course."
As he left for work, she watched him from the doorway. His back was straight, his stride confident—every inch the commanding CEO. Yet she couldn't shake the thought that beneath his icy exterior, there might be something more. Something hidden.
But for now, she was just his wife by contract.
Nothing more.