Chapter 4

I slept without dreaming.

The next morning, Wei Yuxi was already downstairs listening to the financial news at its lowest volume.

I called good morning. His eyes immediately turned toward me inquiringly, confusing me so much that I blurted, “Wait—can you see me?”

“Only an outline.”

When I came downstairs, he took my hand and led me to the picture window. “If you stand in the light, I can see your silhouette.”

“So you aren’t completely blind?”

Instead of answering, he drew several layers of gauzy curtain over my eyes.

“My world is more like this—an indistinct veil hiding every detail.”

“What does it feel like?”

Behind the blurred gauze, Wei Yuxi smiled at me.

“Well…”

Before I found the words, the front door opened. My father stood there in a suit, my sister beside him in a Chanel-style ensemble, with several Wei relatives behind them.

They had arrived just in time to see us standing intimately together. Their expressions were fascinating.

I quickly pushed Wei Yuxi away. “Dad, why are you here?”

“Your mother arranged a homecoming banquet. We’re here to take you back.”

“Now?”

Hearing my hesitation, my stepsister smiled. “Of course. A bride returns to her parents on the third day. Didn’t you know, Sister?”

Of course I had not. Her mother had informed everyone except the guest of honor.

Before I could answer, Wei Yuxi looked toward her. His eyes were calm and unfathomable. “Who are you?”

Xu Ye froze. “Me? I’m her younger sister…”

“Oh. Never heard of you.”

He took my hand. “Your voices do sound rather similar, though.”

My stepsister looked awkward. “Do they?”

“Yes, although my wife’s is prettier.”

Everyone fell silent.

Half an hour later, we sat in the Xu family’s stretch limousine on the way to their estate across the city. Xu Ye took the front passenger seat and kept chirping “Sister” and “Brother-in-law,” as affectionate as could be.

“Mom wanted to send the driver for your third-day visit, but I insisted on coming myself.”

“Thank you.”

My flat response displeased her. “You seem awfully happy to be married to Brother-in-law.”

“I am. Aren’t you?”

She stopped speaking, though her eyes kept straying to the quiet Wei Yuxi in the rearview mirror.