The morning light crept into the room, bathing the bed in a warm, golden hue. Wu Mei murmured in her sleep, her brows furrowing as she turned slightly, caught in the grasp of a nightmare. Her voice trembled softly, the words slipping from her lips like fragile ghosts.
"He Sheng... Don't do it... Please..."
Qin Yanzhou had already been awake, holding her close to his chest, her head nestled over his heart. At her anguished whisper, his arms tightened around her protectively.
"A Mei," he whispered gently, his hand stroking her back. "I'm here. It's just a dream. You're safe."
He pressed his lips to her damp forehead. Her body relaxed gradually in his embrace, but the pain in her unconscious words lingered in his mind.
Later, Wu Mei awoke, blinking as the sunlight filtered in. Her hand reached out for him—but the bed beside her was empty.
"A Yan?" she called softly, getting up.
She walked down the hall, her silk nightdress swaying around her legs. The air carried the faint scent of cigarettes. She followed it to a side room and gently opened the door.
There he was.
Qin Yanzhou sat on the sofa, dressed casually in a dark shirt, his collar unbuttoned. A cigarette rested between his fingers, smoke curling into the air. His eyes were distant, lost in thought.
The moment he saw her, he quickly stubbed the cigarette in the ashtray.
"Why don't you get more sleep?" he asked, standing up.
She walked in, and he pulled her into his lap.
"I couldn't find you," she murmured.
He wrapped his arms around her, grabbing a coat from nearby and draping it over her shoulders. "You're out like this. Aren't you afraid of catching a cold?"
She smiled, curling into him. "A Yan is holding me. How can I get cold?"
He chuckled softly, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Did you sleep well last night?"
"Not so good," she admitted, resting her head on his chest.
His expression turned serious. "Why?"
She hesitated, haunted by memories she couldn't speak aloud. In her past life, He Sheng had strangled her with a rope, his eyes filled with hatred. "I should've killed you earlier," he'd said before walking away and leaving her nearly lifeless.
Wu Mei blinked and gave a small smile. "It's nothing. Just a nightmare."
Qin Yanzhou turned her chin gently to face him. "Wu Mei... Did He Sheng bully you?"
She froze. "What?"
"Tell me. Did he?"
"He didn't," she replied quickly.
His dark eyes searched hers for the truth, but he didn't push. "That's good."
He kissed her forehead. "Today is your mother's birthday party. Do you want to go?"
Her face darkened. "What for?"
He smirked. "Of course, to watch the jokes."
Later that day, a sleek luxury car pulled up to the extravagant villa where the birthday party was hosted. Wu Mei stepped out in a deep red dress that hugged her curves perfectly, her hair cascading in waves down her back. Her heels clicked on the marble steps as she approached the entrance.
Qin Yanzhou, dressed in a caramel-colored suit, adjusted her shawl before leaning down to whisper, "You're stunning."
His phone buzzed. It was his assistant.
"There's a business matter I need to handle for a few minutes," he said, frowning.
"Go," Wu Mei said. "I'll head in first."
He hesitated. "I don't want you going in alone."
"I'll be fine. It's just a party."
"Call me the second something feels off."
She nodded and kissed his cheek before walking through the grand doors.
Inside, chandeliers sparkled and classical music filled the air. Waiters glided by with glasses of champagne. Her parents and stepsister were at the center of attention.
"Wu Mei won't be coming," her mother was saying with a sneer. "She knows better."
"She's too ashamed," her father muttered.
Just then, a hush fell over the room. Heads turned.
Wu Mei stood tall in the doorway, eyes cold, lips painted blood red.
"Guess who didn't miss the party after all?" she said, walking in with grace and steel in her spine.
Her stepsister, Wu Yue, paled.
Just as Wu Mei was turning away, a sharp voice rang out behind her.
"Is this how you come back home after all this time? Dressed like some seductress and parading in front of people like you're someone important?"
It was her mother.
Wu Mei turned around slowly, her red dress swaying elegantly, her gaze sharp and distant. "I came to attend a party, not a funeral. But it seems like the atmosphere is already dead."
"You ungrateful—!" Her mother raised her hand to slap her, fury twisting her features.
But before the slap could land, a strong hand caught her wrist mid-air.
Qin Yanzhou.
He stood behind Wu Mei, his presence cold and dangerous. His hand clutched the woman's wrist tightly, pushing her back just slightly, enough to make her understand she had crossed a line.
"Who dares touch my wife?" he asked, voice low and lethal.
The entire hall fell into stunned silence.
Wu Mei's mother and stepsister stood frozen, their mouths slightly agape.
"Y-your wife?" her father stammered.
Qin Yanzhou didn't waste another word. He turned to Wu Mei, cupped her face gently, and kissed her—right there, in front of everyone.
It wasn't just a kiss. It was a declaration, a warning, a brand.
Gasps filled the air. Cameras clicked. A few whispers rippled across the hall.
Her mother's face turned pale, her lips trembling. "You married him?"
Wu Mei smiled, wrapping an arm around Qin Yanzhou's. "Yes"
Her stepsister Wu Yue's smile cracked. She had once tried to seduce Qin Yanzhou, only to be ignored completely. Now he was married—to Wu Mei?
"Impossible," Wu Yue muttered. "He wouldn't… she's just—"
"She's my wife," Qin Yanzhou interrupted smoothly. "And you," he glanced at Wu Yue without blinking, "should be careful. The next time you try anything funny, you won't just be embarrassed. You'll be destroyed."
What will happen in chapter 15?