Hua's POV
I didn't even know where to look first. The lights, the flowers, the absurdly elegant décor — it was like walking into a fairytale I didn't sign up for.
And then, in the crowd… I saw him.
Yiran.
He was standing there, pale and frozen, like someone had just ripped the ground beneath him. His eyes darted between me and Yichen — confusion, disbelief, heartbreak all crashing together.
Yichen finished shaking hands with some investors, his smile perfectly polished, his aura calm and unreadable. Meanwhile, Yiran looked like he was about to explode.
The moment the music softened, Yiran stormed over.
"You—!" he began, his voice almost cracking. Thankfully, the music swelled again before anyone noticed the tension.
Yichen placed a hand on his shoulder, all composed. "Enjoying the show?"
"You—You can't be serious," Yiran stammered, his voice shaking. "She's—she's my first love! My Hua!"
My heart stopped.
Did he just say that out loud?
He said it like a confession and an accusation at once.
For a second, I didn't know who to look at — the man who used to love me, or the one who'd just claimed me in front of the world.
Yichen's smile faded. Slowly, he tilted his head, eyes cold.
"Then how," he said evenly, "did I end up marrying her?"
Yiran flinched, his face twisting with anger. "You think you're powerful, huh? Don't forget, your position is still lower than mine in the company!"
"Not for long." Yichen's tone was quiet, deadly calm. "Father promised me something bigger — if I got married publicly, in front of all the shareholders and partners. So…" He smirked. "Let's just say this wedding isn't only about love."
"You're a bastard," Yiran spat.
"Thank you," Yichen replied smoothly, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a bride to kiss."
And just like that, he left — leaving Yiran trembling, fists clenched so tight I could see the veins on his arms.
I didn't know what to think. My mind was spinning.
When Yichen returned, I was sitting at a table with my mom and Mei, both acting like this whole insane situation was normal.
"Mom," I whispered, leaning closer. "Did you know this was a wedding?"
"Of course!" she said with an innocent laugh. "It was written on the invitation he gave me — but he told me to keep it secret!"
I gawked at her. "Secret?! Mom!"
She just smiled, sipping champagne like she was watching a K-drama live.
I turned to Mei, hoping for some sanity. She was… eating cake.
"And you?!" I asked.
She grinned. "The food's amazing."
"Mei!"
Before she could answer, Yichen appeared, sliding smoothly into the empty chair beside me.
"I invited her," he said casually. "The day she brought you a new shirt at work. We met at the entrance hall."
I blinked. "So I was organizing my own wedding without knowing?!"
He bowed slightly, lips twitching. "Sorry. It would've been more expensive to hire a wedding planner."
I stared at him. Was he joking right now?
Around us, the venue glittered like something out of a dream — crystal vases, red and white roses everywhere, a panoramic view of the city through glass walls. Every surface reflected golden light.
It was the kind of luxury I'd only seen in movies. Too beautiful. Too fake.
"Time for step two," Yichen said suddenly.
"Step two?"
He held out his hand. "Follow me."
We walked under an arch of roses and red ribbons, surrounded by hundreds of guests and an MC with a voice like a game show host.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the MC announced, "it's time for the wedding vows!"
A hush fell over the crowd.
Zé Zichen who took the role of an officiant — elegant engineer-looking man — smiled at us. "Today, we gather to celebrate the union of two souls who have solved the most unpredictable equation of all… love."
A soft laugh rippled through the guests.
Yichen stood tall beside me, looking almost too perfect. His usual coldness had melted into something else — pure joy. For once, he wasn't hiding his smile.
I tried to stay calm, but my heart was racing. How did I end up here, wearing white, standing beside him?
"Time for the rings," the MC / Zé Zichen said.
Yichen reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a small box.
Inside — a simple silver band for him… and a breathtaking ring for me. A massive gemstone caught the light, scattering colors across the room. The guests gasped softly.
I swallowed hard as he slipped it on my finger. His hand brushed mine — steady, warm, certain.
Then it was my turn. My hands trembled as I placed his ring on.
"Now," the MC grinned, "the moment we've all been waiting for — kiss the bride!"
The crowd erupted into cheers. Cameras flashed.
I froze.
A kiss? In front of everyone? My cheeks burned.
Yichen noticed immediately. His expression softened, and instead of my lips, he leaned down — and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead.
The crowd melted.
"Aww!" someone squealed.
"How romantic!"
Applause filled the air. And for the first time, I felt my chest ache in a strange, sweet way.
Maybe… this wasn't so bad.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter and music.
We cut the massive cake — and somehow ended up smearing frosting on each other's noses like a cliché rom-com. Cameras flashed everywhere.
Then came the photo booth — one of those vintage black-and-white machines. We posed awkwardly at first, but by the third shot, we were laughing for real.
Later, I found myself dancing, drinking, and chatting with Mei and my mom, finally relaxed. The earlier shock had turned into something warm — a fragile kind of happiness.
Yichen's father approached us, smiling proudly. "Congratulations," he said, clinking glasses with his son. Then, turning to the crowd, he added, "Today marks not only a union of hearts, but a union of vision. I'm proud to announce that both my sons will be promoted to executive positions."
Polite applause filled the room — though I caught Yiran at the bar, glaring daggers into his drink.
By the end of the night, my feet were aching, and the guests were finally leaving.
The hall was dim now, the city lights twinkling outside like stars trapped in glass.
"Ready?" Yichen asked quietly.
I nodded, half-dazed. He offered his arm.
Before stepping out, I turned to the crowd one last time, holding my bouquet. "Okay, ladies!" I called. "You know what time it is!"
A cluster of women screamed and raised their hands.
I tossed the bouquet — it soared in the air like a comet — and landed right in Mei's hands.
She blinked, stunned, then laughed — and when she looked up, she locked eyes with Zhang Wei, Yichen's assistant, who was watching from the corner.
Their gazes held for a moment too long.
I couldn't help but smile.
Maybe fate had more weddings planned than just mine.