Chapter 2

As an unfavored concubine-born daughter, I had always watched every word and action, making myself as invisible as possible.

I was noticed only when someone else had a use for me.

Father used my quiet obedience as proof of harmony within his household.

My legitimate elder sister used my dullness to make her own noble brilliance shine more brightly.

And Wen Changfeng? Did he intend to use me as a stepping-stone so he could climb the ladder Father offered?

I could almost see my future laid out before me.

But I did not care. I only wanted to survive.

Better yet, to survive with some dignity.

Love and romance meant nothing beside my own life.

Before I could probe Wen Changfeng’s true intentions, however, something unexpected happened.

I fetched Father as soon as Yun Xiu fell into the lake, but I had not expected Wen Changfeng to be in Father’s study as well.

He had come to discuss our wedding.

The moment Father heard Yun Xiu had fallen into the water, he rushed off without looking back.

Wen Changfeng also glanced anxiously outside, but he did not follow.

“Second Miss Yun.” That was what he had always called me.

Yun Xiu, by contrast, was simply Miss Yun.

“A life is at stake. It would hardly be proper for me to remain. I will take my leave.”

He lowered his head, clasped his hands, and bowed with perfect decorum.

His good upbringing would never permit him to openly chase two women at once.

But his wavering heart and divided affections were no less real.

I returned his bow without emotion.

He stepped out of the study. Just as he lifted a foot to leave, Yun Xiu’s tearful cries drew closer.

He stopped.

How desperately I wished he would turn and go, without caring what had happened to Yun Xiu.

But he merely feigned indecision and looked back. He stood rooted to the spot, gazing expectantly toward the rear courtyard.

“Young Master Wen.” My voice trembled as dread welled in my heart. “Let me see you out.”

I crossed the distance in a few quick strides and gestured for him to follow.

He still refused to move.

His eyes remained fixed on the rear courtyard.

Yun Xiu’s voice drew nearer. Within a few breaths, she came running toward us, soaked through and red-eyed.

She hurled herself straight into Wen Changfeng’s arms, locked both arms around his waist, and kissed him on the cheek without a word.

Shock ripped through me. My fingers clenched hard.

He was my betrothed.

Yun Xiu knew that.

The blood in my body seemed to freeze. At the same time, it felt as if a hammer weighing thousands of pounds had struck my chest and shattered me to pieces.

Wen Changfeng stared blankly.

He did not push her away. Instead, he suppressed his excitement and gently patted her back.

His fingers lingered. Blood surged violently through me until my vision blurred.

In that instant, it was as though a fire had burned away every fragile hope and dream just beginning to take root in my heart.