Chapter 3 - The wife he never wanted

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🕊️ Chapter 3: The Wife He Never Wanted 🕊️

After Yiyi's belongings arrived at the Dong mansion, she unpacked slowly, placing her modest clothes into the grand wardrobe. The closet was massive—elegant drawers, velvet-lined hangers, silk and cashmere whispering in the air. Yet all she had were cheap, worn garments.

A sting of embarrassment crept into her chest. Her fingers paused on the last shirt before she let out a long, trembling sigh and gently closed the wardrobe doors.

She needed to call Nan Nan. She had to let her know about her bad luck, though "bad" didn't even begin to cover it. But when she opened her purse to retrieve her phone—it was gone. Her heart sank. Had she left it behind? Or... was it stolen?

Before her thoughts spiraled, a soft knock came at the door—twice—followed by a deep, calm voice that felt like warm velvet brushing across her skin.

> "Yiyi... it's me."

Her eyes widened comically. She hurriedly composed herself and opened the door.

There he was—Dong Jinye, in casual homewear: an oversized black shirt with a strange heart-shaped paint splash and loose-fitting jeans. He looked disheveled yet devastatingly handsome. The kind of effortless beauty that seemed... unfair.

> "Yiyi," he said again, his grayish eyes locking with hers. "I want you to meet someone today. Is that alright with you?"

She hesitated, then gave a small nod.

> "But first," he added, "let's go shopping. You'll need new clothes and a few essentials."

Her mood shifted. Was he embarrassed by the way she dressed? Did she look that bad?

As if reading her thoughts, he continued:

> "Don't misunderstand. I want you to stand tall—so no one dares look down on you. I may have forced this marriage, and love might not have brought us together... but I will always support you. You're my wife now."

His words were sincere—soft, but powerful. She looked up at him, uncertain of how to respond. But before she could speak, he had already turned to leave.

> "Did he just walk away like that?" she muttered.

Still, she went to the closet and pulled out a red wine-colored dress—her finest. If she was going shopping, she had to look presentable. For herself... if not for him.

Just as she stepped out of the shower in her blue silk robe, another knock came. She barely had time to dress before two female servants entered, arms full with rows of designer clothes on gold hangers.

> "Madam," one of them said with a respectful bow, "Young Master Dong asked us to deliver these. He said... 'Let her pick whatever she wants. Don't let her hold back.'"

Yiyi blinked. Speechless.

Rich people have their own language of care, she thought.

Taking him at his word, she began choosing the best—each item worth more than everything she owned combined. After picking twenty outfits, another set arrived. Then another. It became a parade: nightgowns, lingerie, handbags, shoes, fragrances, makeup—even imported skincare sets and diamond jewelry.

By the end, she was slumped on the bed in exhaustion, her hair clinging to her face despite the perfectly working air conditioner.

> "Just what kind of life is this...?"

As she got up to shower again, a maid knocked with urgency.

> "Madam, the guests are on their way."

Yiyi quickly dressed in a figure-hugging purple gown, modest yet elegant. It brushed her knees and flattered her shape. She applied subtle makeup, sprayed perfume behind her ears, and reached for the door—

But before she could open it, a pair of warm hands gently grabbed her wrist.

It was him.

> "Yiyi," Jinye said softly, "before we go down, we have to act like a couple in love. I want them to believe we've loved each other for years."

Her eyes narrowed.

> "What, afraid they'll find out you took advantage of me, Mr. Dong?"

His expression darkened for a split second—but just as quickly, he composed himself.

> "No. I just want you to win the favor of my family. Even if I'm not always by your side, if they believe you love me... they'll protect you."

She didn't know why, but something in her chest tightened. His words didn't feel manipulative. They felt... like a promise.

So, on impulse, she leaned forward and pecked his lips. Then she wrapped her arms around his waist.

> "I love you so much, A'Jin," she said sweetly, playing her part.

He stiffened, then caught on.

> "I love you too, Yiyi." His voice cracked slightly as he kissed her hair. "Let's go. My family's here."

But as they stepped toward the elevator, they found someone standing at the entrance—a girl of about 22, her eyes red and glistening with unshed tears.

> "Shao?" Jinye asked, puzzled. "What's wrong? Who upset you?"

She smiled bitterly, her gaze never leaving Yiyi.

> "No one. I just saw something I shouldn't have."

Yiyi immediately understood.

> Ah... So this was the girl with a crush on her husband.

She smiled innocently, but her voice was sharp:

> "A'Jin, let's not keep your parents waiting."

He nodded, and they stepped into the elevator together, Shao watching them leave with burning envy in her eyes.

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🏛️ The Dong Family Gathering

Everyone was seated in the grand living room. Yiyi sat between Old Master Dong and Madam Dong. The elders were elegant, well-preserved despite their age, and surprisingly warm toward Yiyi.

> "Shao," Madam Dong said gently, "you need to accept that Jinye has someone else in his heart. You should find someone who loves you, too."

Shao's eyes widened in disbelief.

> "But you promised me he'd marry me!"

> "I asked him to find a wife in three days or I'd arrange a marriage with you," Madam Dong replied. "He found Yiyi. He said he never saw you as more than a sister. I can't force his heart."

Shao turned to Yiyi, eyes filled with fury.

But Yiyi just smiled—sweet and slow, like pouring honey over fire.

> "He never loved you, Miss Fu," she said softly. "It's time to let go."

That smile—so calm, so mocking—was the final spark.

Shao lunged forward and slapped Yiyi across the face.

The room froze.

Jinye's voice sliced through the silence:

> "Escort Miss Fu out. Now."

Two bodyguards instantly grabbed Shao by the arms. She screamed, kicked, cursed—but it was no use.

> "You'll regret this, Jinye!"

> "No," he replied coldly. "What I regret is ever letting you near her."

The elders stood and left silently, leaving the couple alone in the vast, marble-floored room.

Yiyi touched her cheek gently. The sting still lingered, but it didn't matter.

She had won.

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