Xinyi followed behind Yichen as they walked out of the study.
She wasn't sure what felt heavier—
The contract in Secretary Wen's hands,
or the new title attached to her name.
Mrs. Lu.
It still didn't feel real.
Madam Lu walked beside her proudly, as if Xinyi were truly her daughter-in-law.
"From today onward, child, you'll stay in the Lu residence," she said warmly.
Xinyi almost stumbled.
"W-What? I thought the contract was only for public occasions!"
Madam Lu smiled.
"In public, yes. But in private, people might come looking. It's safer here."
Safe.
Safe…
Under the roof of the man whose real bride she had accidentally replaced.
Xinyi's heart tightened.
Yichen stopped walking and turned slightly.
"You don't have to be scared," he said quietly.
His tone wasn't gentle…
but it wasn't cold, either.
Just steady. Unshakeable.
Xinyi looked down, flustered.
She followed them through the huge hallway until they reached the guest wing.
Secretary Wen opened the door.
"This will be your room, Miss Xinyi—ah… Mrs. Lu."
Xinyi flinched at the title.
Inside was a large room, elegant but simple.
Much nicer than anything she had ever imagined sleeping in.
Madam Lu squeezed her hand before leaving.
"Rest, child. Tomorrow, we'll prepare you for your public introduction."
Public… introduction?
Xinyi felt dizzy.
After the door closed, it was just her and Yichen.
He stepped inside, looking around the room with an unreadable expression.
She froze.
"W-Why… are you here?"
Yichen gave her one glance.
"To set a few rules of my own."
Her breath caught.
He stepped closer—not too close, but enough that she could feel the authority surrounding him.
"You made your rules," he said.
"Now you'll hear mine."
She nodded nervously.
Yichen folded his hands behind his back.
Rule 1:
"Never leave the house without informing me."
His voice was calm.
"There are reporters everywhere, and some people would love a scandal. You're not trained to handle them."
Xinyi swallowed and nodded.
Rule 2:
"If someone questions your identity, you will not explain anything by yourself."
His eyes locked with hers.
"I will speak for you. Always."
Xinyi felt something warm press against her chest. Not romantic. Not dangerous.
Just… protective.
Rule 3:
"You must stay close to me during public events."
Xinyi blinked.
"C-Close? How close?"
Yichen raised an eyebrow.
"Close enough that no one doubts you're my wife."
Her ears turned red instantly.
"But I said no physical—"
"I didn't say anything about touching," he replied.
"Just proximity."
Was he teasing her?
No. Yichen didn't tease.
Right?
He looked toward the window, then back at her.
"Lastly…"
His voice dropped lower.
Serious. Sharp.
Rule 4:
"If your real groom appears…"
Her breath caught.
Yichen's jaw tightened slightly.
"…you will tell me first."
She hesitated.
"Why? Shouldn't I just explain everything to him?"
"No," he said instantly.
Too fast.
Too firm.
"You belong to this contract now. No one will take you away without my approval."
Xinyi froze.
A strange shiver went through her.
Not fear.
Not excitement.
Something in between.
She nodded silently.
After a moment, Yichen turned toward the door.
"If you need anything, call the staff," he said. "And remember—stay in this wing."
He paused at the doorway.
"And Xinyi…"
She looked up.
His eyes softened for a second—barely a second.
"You did well today."
Her heart skipped a beat.
Then he left, closing the door gently behind him.
Xinyi sat on the bed, clutching the sheets.
Her first night in the Lu mansion.
Her first night as… Mrs. Lu.
She whispered to herself:
"This is only temporary…
Right…?"
But the faint warmth left behind in her chest—
the warmth from Yichen's last words—
told her things were already starting to change.
An Ruo placed the cushion down gently, eyes lowered, lips pressed together in a delicate, harmless smile.
Anyone looking from afar would think she was the very definition of innocence.
Soft voice.
Soft steps.
Soft heart.
But her thoughts were anything but soft.
If I arrange the house well, Auntie Zhen will like me more.
And once she likes me… Zhen Yu will have no choice but to accept me.
That was her plan.
And she was doing perfectly—
until Zhen Yu walked in.
His gaze swept the room, and he knew instantly that someone had touched the things he wanted untouched.
The sofa.
The cushions.
The table.
All of it had lost the familiar traces he associated with Xinyi.
He stiffened.
"Who told you to change this?"
An Ruo blinked up at him with those big, wide, innocent eyes.
"Oh… I'm sorry, Brother Zhen. I just wanted to help. Auntie said I could."
She spoke like a weak little rabbit.
But inside she smirked.
He's so sensitive about Xinyi… interesting.
Before Zhen could reply, Mother Zhen walked in.
"Zhen Yu! Don't talk like that. She's helping."
Zhen's voice came out sharper than he intended.
"She shouldn't be doing this."
An Ruo immediately stepped back, lowering her gaze like she was about to cry.
"Auntie… I didn't know he would get angry. I just wanted to do something good…"
Mother Zhen glared at her son.
"She's such a sweet girl. I would be happy if she becomes my daughter-in-law one day."
Zhen froze.
An Ruo hid her smile.
Yes. One day… that's what I want.
But Zhen's voice cut the air.
"She's not Xinyi."
Silence.
Mother Zhen's disappointment.
An Ruo's fake shock.
"A-Ah… I didn't mean to replace anyone," An Ruo whispered tremulously, her lashes trembling.
"I only wanted to help… I'm sorry if it bothered you."
But inside?
Good. Keep thinking about Xinyi. The more I act harmless, the more your mother will push me toward you.
Zhen turned his face away, annoyed and confused.
Mother Zhen sighed.
"Zhen, you must move on from the past."
An Ruo lowered her head even more—
so innocent, so gentle, so misunderstood…
But behind those lowered lashes,
her eyes gleamed with ambition.