Morning sunlight poured through the French windows of the Lu mansion, too soft for the storm still lingering in Tang Yueru's chest.
She hadn't slept.
Not really.
Every time she closed her eyes, she felt the weight of Lu Shenyan's gaze, his touch against her lip, his words—
> "You can fight all you want, Tang Yueru. But I don't lose."
She pulled the sheets tighter around herself, as if that would shield her from the confusion in her chest.
Was she falling into the very trap she promised herself to avoid?
---
Downstairs, the dining table was already set—elegant as ever. Silver cutlery, fresh-cut roses, warm dishes. But he wasn't there.
"Mr. Lu left early for the board meeting," the housekeeper informed her politely.
Yueru's chest tightened.
Of course he did.
Why would she expect otherwise?
But then the housekeeper hesitated and added, "He left this."
She handed her a note—folded, handwritten.
---
> Wear white. Seat beside me is reserved.
— L.
No signature. No flourish. Just enough to make her breath catch.
White?
She walked back to her room, pulled open her wardrobe, and stared at the options.
In a world where appearances meant everything, this felt like more than a request—it was a declaration.
---
Later that day – Board Dinner
Tang Yueru entered in a satin white dress, heels clicking against the marble floor of the Lu Corporation's private banquet hall.
Heads turned. Gasps were swallowed.
She knew what they saw: elegance, confidence, beauty.
What they didn't see: the invisible leash around her neck, held by the man sitting at the head of the table.
Lu Shenyan stood when she arrived. His gaze swept over her.
Approval. Control. Possession.
He didn't say a word—just extended his hand.
She hesitated… then took it.
---
The evening passed in a blur of toasts and fake smiles. Lu Shenyan played his part perfectly. Every nod, every comment made it clear:
> She is mine. And she belongs at my side.
But under the table, his fingers found hers.
At first, she tensed. But he didn't squeeze. Didn't hold tight.
He just… rested them there.
Warm. Present. Unspoken.
It was maddening.
---
Later, after dinner, she confronted him in the hallway outside.
"Why do you keep doing that?" she whispered.
"Doing what?"
"Confusing me."
He tilted his head. "I thought I was being clear."
"You tell me this marriage is just a transaction. Then you touch me like it means something."
His voice dropped. "I said I bought this marriage, Tang Yueru. I never said I bought your silence."
"What do you want from me?"
There was a pause. For once, he didn't have a sharp reply.
"I don't know yet," he finally said. "But I know I don't want to let you go."
Her breath hitched.
And before she could say anything—he leaned in.
But not to kiss her.
He just stood close enough that she could feel his breath, see the storm behind his cold eyes.
> "Not yet," he murmured, then walked away.
Leaving her in the hallway—heart pounding, mind unraveling.
---