The flash of cameras was almost blinding.
Reporters crowded around the glamorous hotel stage as he and Lin Xinya stood hand-in-hand, smiling like the perfect power couple.
The PR team had planned everything:
the spotlight, the floral arch, the sparkling backdrop.
But Wei Jun wasn't thinking about any of that.
He was thinking about her.
Lian Yue should have been standing beside me.
He tightened his grip on Lin Xinya's waist. She leaned in, whispering, "Smile. You look like you're attending your own funeral."
He forced a grin, the cameras exploding in satisfaction.
When the host announced,
"Congratulations to Wei Jun and Lin Xinya on their upcoming engagement ceremony next month!"
Everyone clapped.
Everyone but him.
Behind his perfect expression, jealousy boiled.
He had seen the morning headlines:
"Rian Zhao seen leaving Lian Yue's home — new romance confirmed?"
His teeth clenched so tight his jaw hurt.
Lin Xinya noticed.
"Still thinking about her? Pathetic."
Wei Jun didn't deny it.
Because it was true.
And he swore he would not let her go so easily.
---
Lian Yue's pov
Her phone wouldn't stop buzzing.
Every notification was the same:
— Wei Jun & Lin Xinya Announce Engagement
— Golden Couple Makes It Official
— Netizens celebrate the match!
Lian Yue sat quietly in her living room, scrolling through the chaos.
Her heart didn't hurt like before.
It felt… strangely empty.
Rian Zhao entered with two cups of tea.
"You've been staring at your phone for twenty minutes."
"I'm fine," she said softly.
"You lie badly."
He sat beside her, placing the tea in her hands.
"It's okay to feel something. He was part of your past."
She took a sip, letting the warmth settle the cold knot in her chest.
"He looks happy," she whispered.
"He looks trapped," Rian Zhao corrected. "You're just used to blaming yourself for everything."
She paused.
He gently moved her hair behind her ear.
"Tell me what you're afraid of, Yueyue."
She swallowed.
"…That people will compare us. That they'll think I'm rushing into a relationship just to compete. That my parents will…"
Her voice trailed off.
Rian Zhao cupped her cheek.
"Let them think whatever they want. I'm not Wei Jun, and you're not Lin Xinya."
She blinked.
His voice was firm, grounding her.
"And if anyone dares to compare us—"
He leaned closer, eyes locked on hers.
"—I will correct them personally."
Her cheeks burned, her heart thudding painfully.
She looked away, whispering, "Why do you talk like that?"
"Like what?" he asked, amused.
"Like you're already my—"
She stopped.
He raised an eyebrow.
"My what?"
She stood up quickly.
"Nope. Not finishing that sentence."
He laughed softly, shaking his head as he followed her
The Turning Point
That evening, her parents arrived unexpectedly.
Her mother clasped her hands dramatically.
"Yueyue, have you seen the news? Wei Jun and Lin Xinya—"
"Yes, Mom."
"Well," her father cleared his throat, "their families are already preparing for the bride price meeting. So… your mother and I think it's time we finalize things on our side."
Lian Yue froze.
Rian Zhao placed a hand on her back subtly — steady, supportive.
Her father continued,
"Rian Zhao, we would like to officially meet your parents tomorrow. It is time to discuss the gift list and the bride price."
Her mother added happily,
"We must not lose face. If they are moving fast, we should too."
Lian Yue's heart raced.
Too fast.
Everything was happening too fast.
She opened her mouth to speak—
But Rian Zhao stepped forward first.
Calm. Confident. Unshaken.
"Uncle, Auntie," he said respectfully,
"I will gladly bring my parents tomorrow. And whatever the bride price list requires, I will fulfill it."
Her parents exchanged impressed glances.
Lian Yue stared at him, speechless.
After they left, she turned to him sharply.
"Why did you agree so quickly?!"
"Because you're panicking," he said softly, "and when you panic, you run."
Her breath caught.
He stepped closer.
"I'm not giving you room to run this time."
She felt her knees weaken.
"Rian Zhao…"
His hand slid to her waist.
"Yueyue," he said, voice lower than she'd ever heard,
"if this marriage talk terrifies you—we'll slow down. But if the only thing stopping you is fear… then I'll hold your hand through every step."
Her throat tightened.
Her heart beat so loudly she could barely breathe.
"I don't know what I want yet," she whispered truthfully.
He nodded.
"Then let me stay until you do."
She closed her eyes.
For the first time… she didn't push him away.