---
Su Meilin sat in the backseat of her sleek black car, her manicured fingers tightening around her phone as she stared up at the towering Liang Conglomerate building.
The massive glass structure reflected the afternoon sun, casting glimmers of light onto the busy street below.
Her lips curled into a pout, frustration burning in her chest.
Her fingers clutched the phone tighter to her ear as her father's angry voice thundered on the other end.
"Do you even know what you've done?" Su Zhenghao hissed, his voice low but cold and full of anger on the other end of the phone. "Are you out of your mind leaking that to the press?"
"What? It's just a photo! What's the big deal?" Su Meilin winced. "I didn't leak anything! I just... I just stood near him. The paparazzi did the rest. What's the harm in that? We're engaged, aren't we?"
"Stupid girl!" her father snapped. "You think that man is someone you can play games with? If Liang Yexuan decides to investigate and retaliate, I won't lift a finger to save you."
Her heart skipped a beat, panic flooding her. "Dad, you said he'd marry me eventually!"
"Eventually doesn't mean now! One wrong move and everything we worked for will be destroyed. Don't test his patience again."
The line went dead.
Beep! Beep!
Su Meilin stared at the screen, the sharp beep echoing in her ears.
She swallowed hard and turned her gaze back to the building.
Would he really do anything?
He wouldn't hurt her...
She was his fiancée, wasn't she?
---
Two days later...
Sunlight spilled onto the quiet street as Lin Yue stood in front of her soon-to-be gallery.
She wore a flowing white dress under a light blue hoodie, her hands tucked into the hoodie pockets as she admired the ongoing renovation.
Workers bustled around her.
One team was building the counter near the entrance, another was painting soft pastel hues along the inside walls, while a third team was carefully installing the elegant signage that read:
Dreamlight Gallery
A soft smile tugged at Lin Yue's lips.
She hadn't smiled like this in a long time.
The clatter of tools, the scent of fresh paint, the energy of creation—it was all so real and good.
A car pulled up behind her and a familiar voice called out, "Lin Yue!"
"Yuwei!" Lin Yue smiled, warmth blooming in her chest.
Mo Yuwei approached with a curious look, her gaze sweeping over the gallery. "I was nearby and thought I'd drop in. How's everything going?"
"It's... good," Lin Yue said, turning to look back at the storefront. "Better than I imagined."
Mo Yuwei walked closer to the entrance, peeking inside at the busy workers.
The modern lighting, soft palettes, and open layout made it feel like a space meant for stories told in color.
"It's beautiful," Mo Yuwei said, clearly impressed. "You've done well, Lin Yue. Really well."
Lin Yue smiled faintly.
She glanced at the workers before looking back at Mo Yuwei. "Thank you... for everything. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be standing here."
"Don't thank me yet," Mo Yuwei replied with a mysterious smile. "Come on. It's almost lunchtime. I know a place nearby."
Lin Yue hesitated, checking the time.
It was just a little past eleven.
She could take a short break. Besides, she had a feeling Mo Yuwei wanted to talk.
"Alright," she said with a nod.
---
The hotel restaurant was quiet, tucked away from the usual noise of the city.
Soft music played in the background as the two women were led to a table by the window.
The light filtering in made Lin Yue's complexion look even more porcelain than usual.
They ordered quickly, and then the silence lingered.
Mo Yuwei fiddled with her napkin for a second before meeting Lin Yue's eyes.
"I want to ask you something."
She knew it.
---