The morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, warming the quiet house.
Xinyi had woken up early, moving silently in the kitchen so she wouldn't disturb Yichen.
Footsteps echoed from the staircase.
Yichen appeared with a tight frown, a sleek file in his hand. He looked composed, but something in his eyes was restless.
"You look… stressed," Xinyi said gently.
He hesitated.
"…It's nothing."
But she saw the frustration he tried to hide.
"Is it work?" she pressed softly.
Yichen exhaled, defeated.
"The design team's drafts for our new project are a disaster. The structure is unstable. The angles… the balance… even I can't explain what's wrong. It just is."
His tone carried irritation he rarely showed.
"Can I see it?" Xinyi asked.
He blinked, surprised.
"You?"
"Just let me try."
Reluctantly, he handed her the file.
Xinyi flipped through the sketches, her eyes sharpening for a brief moment — the hidden genius in her surfacing.
She pointed at the page.
"This angle ruins the weight distribution. It'll collapse under stress. And this part—" she tapped lightly, "—isn't aligned with the foundation."
Yichen stared at her.
"How did you know that?"
"It's obvious… isn't it?" she replied calmly.
"No. It's not."
His gaze lingered on her, searching.
"You talk like you've done this before."
Xinyi forced a small smile.
"I just observe carefully."
He wasn't fully convinced.
But he didn't question further.
"Tell them to adjust the right-side measurement by seven degrees," she added.
"That will stabilize everything."
"…Seven degrees?"
She nodded.
He looked from the paper to her again — a silent suspicion growing — before leaving for work.
Once the door closed, the house fell quiet.
Xinyi exhaled slowly.
Then she changed.
Not the soft clothes she wore at home — but a sleek black outfit, long coat, hair neatly tied. A black mask covered her face.
Nancy arrived right on time.
"Director Lin," she greeted with a respectful bow.
Xinyi nodded.
"Let's go."
In the car, Nancy asked, "Should I prepare the client's files?"
"Yes. And remind the staff — no photos. No unnecessary conversations."
"Of course."
The car pulled into the underground parking of her corporate building.
As soon as she stepped out, her posture changed.
Her aura sharpened.
Staff bowed deeply.
"Good afternoon, Director Lin."
"The clients are ready."
"We've prepared the room as instructed."
Inside the meeting room, the three clients stood immediately.
"It is an honor to finally meet the legendary designer," one said.
Xinyi spoke with calm authority.
"Let's begin."
For the next hour, she dissected their designs with precision — identifying flaws, correcting angles, sketching alternatives with elegant confidence.
The clients were stunned.
"You truly live up to your reputation."
"Director Lin… you're extraordinary."
"The entire industry praises your ability."
Xinyi only answered,
"It's just work."
Once they left, Nancy grinned.
"Another perfect deal."
Xinyi finally relaxed.
"Good. I have an appointment this evening."
Nancy raised a brow.
"Your… personal one?"
Xinyi's lips curved slightly.
"Yes."
Golden lanterns glowed softly above the rooftop. Xinyi sat with Nancy and her best friend, Shin Meng — finally removing her mask.
Shin Meng leaned forward dramatically.
"So… how's life with your contract husband?"
Xinyi choked on her drink.
"Don't call him that—"
"But he is!" Shin Meng teased.
Nancy sighed.
"You're flustering her."
Xinyi lowered her gaze.
"It's complicated… and temporary."
Nancy's face turned serious.
"You asked about your real husband. The one you were supposed to marry."
She paused.
"The information is… hidden. Someone erased his identity."
Xinyi stiffened.
"…Erased?"
Shin Meng blinked.
"Xinyi, how can you not know who you were going to marry?"
Xinyi's voice softened.
"I never had the chance. After Mother died, my aunt raised me. But she controlled everything — school, clothes, decisions, even who I could talk to."
She swallowed, memories tightening her chest.
"When she arranged the marriage, I was told nothing. I met the groom once — briefly. He never revealed his real name."
Nancy clenched her fist.
"She used your mother's memory to control you."
Shin Meng touched her arm gently.
"Then the mix-up at the wedding… all because you didn't even know who your groom was."
Xinyi nodded weakly.
Nancy closed her tablet.
"We'll find out the truth. Who erased the records, who switched the brides… everything."
Xinyi stared at the glowing city below.
But a quiet fear crept into her heart.
When the truth is revealed…
What will happen to the contract marriage she now shares with Yichen?
And who… exactly… was she truly supposed to marry?
Shin Meng squeezed her hand.
"We're with you, Xinyi. Always."
A fragile smile touched Xinyi's lips.
"I know."
But the night air felt colder than before.