The days following their peaceful getaway felt like a dream, with Lu Cheng and Su Nian more in sync than ever. But as with all dreams, reality came crashing back in—harder and faster than either of them had anticipated.
Su Nian's phone buzzed late one night as she sat working on a new design. Her heart skipped when she saw the name flashing on the screen: Yanmei.
"I know your secret, Su Nian. Stay out of my way, or I'll make sure everyone else does too."
Her fingers froze, the message like a slap to the face. It wasn't just a threat—it was a declaration of war.
The next morning, Su Nian's worst fears came to life. A whisper campaign had begun. Students murmured in corners, eyes shifting to her with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
"Did you hear? Su Nian's secretly married to some CEO. They say he's part of the Lu family."
"Is that why she's suddenly so confident? Must be nice to have a rich husband backing her."
Su Nian's cheeks burned as the words stung, the weight of them heavier than she'd expected. How could Yanmei know? The only people who knew about their secret marriage were her, Lu Cheng, and a few close friends.
But before she could respond, another message from Yanmei popped up:
"Everyone's going to find out sooner or later. I'll be the one to expose you."
Su Nian's stomach turned. Her mind raced, heart pounding. She couldn't let this sabotage everything she and Lu Cheng had worked for.
That afternoon, Su Nian couldn't take it any longer. She marched straight to Yanmei's studio, where the girl was busy with her latest designs, acting like nothing was wrong.
Su Nian stood in the doorway, her gaze icy. "Why are you doing this?"
Yanmei didn't look up immediately, but the sly smile tugging at her lips was unmistakable. "I'm not doing anything, Su Nian. I'm just telling the truth. If you want to live in the shadows with your rich CEO husband, that's your choice. But I'll make sure everyone else knows the truth, too."
"You don't understand what you're doing," Su Nian said, her voice steady despite the fury brewing inside her. "This isn't just about a marriage. This is my dream—my future. I won't let you destroy it."
"Destroy it?" Yanmei scoffed, standing up. "I'm not the one ruining things. You and your 'perfect life' are the problem. Not everyone can have a fairy tale, Su Nian. I'm just making sure people know where you really belong."
Su Nian's patience snapped. "Don't push me, Yanmei."
Before she could say anything more, Su Nian turned on her heel and left, her mind already planning her next move.
That evening, Su Nian sat in her studio, the sketchpad before her forgotten as her thoughts swirled in chaos. The door opened softly, and she didn't have to look up to know it was Lu Cheng.
His voice was calm, but she could hear the undercurrent of anger in it. "What's going on, NianNian? Why didn't you tell me?"
She met his eyes, her own heart breaking. "It's Yanmei. She found out about our marriage. She's threatening to expose us."
Lu Cheng's expression darkened immediately. "She thinks she can scare you? We'll deal with her. I won't let anyone drag you down."
His words were fierce, and there was no mistaking the protective anger in his eyes.
But Su Nian placed a hand on his arm, stopping him. "No, Cheng. I can't hide anymore. We can't hide forever."
He stepped closer, cupping her cheek gently. "I promised you, NianNian. No matter what, I'm by your side. If the world knows, then they'll know. I won't let anyone tear us apart."
The following day, Lu Cheng called a press conference, something that shocked everyone in his circle. He stood before reporters, Su Nian by his side, their hands firmly clasped together.
"Ladies and gentlemen, there has been speculation about my personal life, and I would like to address it now," Lu Cheng began, his voice steady and commanding. "Yes, I am married to Su Nian. We've been married in secret for some time now. And no, this is not a marriage of convenience. I love her, and she is the most important person in my life."
The reporters buzzed with excitement, their questions flying. But Su Nian stood tall beside him, her heart racing yet steady. There was no turning back now.
Lu Cheng's eyes never left hers, as if silently reassuring her.
The next few days were a whirlwind. The public reacted with a mix of shock and fascination, but in the midst of it all, Su Nian felt a sense of relief wash over her. The truth was out, and it wasn't the end—it was the beginning of something new. Something real.
But not everyone was pleased.
Yanmei's smirk was gone when she saw the press coverage. Her expression darkened, but Su Nian stood firm. There was no more hiding, no more running from the truth. Su Nian had a future to build—and it was one she would fight for, with Lu Cheng by her side.