Night fell over the Li estate, casting elongated shadows across its marble corridors. Li Xinyue leaned against the velvet armrest of her study's chaise, a glass of red wine in hand. The deep notes of cello music played faintly from the speakers—elegant, melancholic, lonely.
She had just wrapped up a video meeting with her board members and dismissed the house staff. Silence reigned now—until her phone vibrated.
[Unknown Number] 📲 "Long time no see, Xinyue."
Her fingers tightened around the glass.
Another message followed.
📲 "I hear you've upgraded from elite heirs to college waiters. Is this rebellion? Or desperation?"
She didn't reply.
📲 "I'll be in Shanghai tomorrow. Don't keep me waiting."
Her heart didn't race, but her jaw locked. She tapped the screen and called a number from her secure contact list.
"Track this number. Alert me the moment it enters Shanghai airspace."
"Yes, Chairwoman."
She ended the call and stared out at the glittering cityscape. Qin Liang. The man she'd almost been forced to marry. The heir of the Qin Family—one of the Elite Families. Ambitious, cunning, and cold-blooded.
He was the only person she had ever truly feared losing control around.
---
The next morning, Jiayan stood awkwardly at the front gate of Li Group's headquarters in his neatly pressed suit, adjusting his collar for the fifth time.
He had barely slept. His sisters had grilled him again the night before, and his conscience wasn't helping either.
"Is this how goldfish feel in aquariums?" he mumbled, glancing at the photographers already waiting outside.
As he stepped through the lobby doors, a commotion stirred near the reception.
"Sir, you can't just walk in without an appointment—!"
A man in a tailored charcoal suit with sleek, brushed-back hair and a smirk that oozed confidence strolled in like he owned the air around him.
"Relax," he told the receptionist with a slight wink. "I'm here to see my former fiancée."
Jiayan blinked as the stranger walked right past him. Their shoulders brushed, but the man didn't glance his way—until he was a few feet ahead.
Then, the stranger stopped… turned halfway.
"Ah. You must be the husband."
Jiayan raised a brow. "Who wants to know?"
The man smirked, stepping closer now, eyes gleaming with mockery. "Qin Liang. Xinyue's almost-husband."
"Almost." Jiayan said, lips twitching. "That's the keyword here."
Qin Liang chuckled. "And you're the stand-in? The charity case?"
Jiayan's smile sharpened. "Better a charity than an ego trip in designer shoes."
Before Qin Liang could answer, the elevator chimed open and Xinyue stepped out—immaculate as always in a high-necked cream blouse and fitted black skirt. She paused as she saw the two men facing off.
Her eyes narrowed. "Qin Liang."
"Xinyue," he purred. "Looking as ravishing as ever."
Jiayan looked between them. The air thickened—like two blades drawn but not swung yet.
"I wasn't expecting you," Xinyue said coolly, though her posture was rigid.
"I couldn't stay away." Qin Liang's smile faltered for the first time. "You really married him?"
She stepped beside Jiayan and slipped her arm through his. "Yes. And you're trespassing."
Qin Liang's jaw ticked. "This isn't over."
Xinyue raised a brow. "It never began."
Qin Liang stormed out, but not before glancing at Jiayan with a silent promise: This is war.
---
Back in her office, Xinyue slammed the door behind them. Her grip on Jiayan's arm didn't loosen.
He finally spoke. "So... that was him."
"Yes."
"Your ex?"
"Technically, my almost-fiancé. Arranged by our families. I never agreed."
"He seems... aggressive."
She let go and paced to the window. "He doesn't like to lose. And I humiliated him."
Jiayan leaned against her desk. "I don't mean to pry, but... why didn't you tell me he might show up?"
She turned slowly. "Because you're not supposed to be involved."
"I am involved. We're married—remember?"
"For show," she snapped.
"But I'm still standing next to you in public, still taking the heat with your family, your friends, your enemies. You don't get to decide when I matter."
She stared at him, stunned.
There it was again—that spark. That defiance.
He could be sweet, submissive even… but not when cornered. And for some stupid reason, that excited her.
"Don't get brave with me," she murmured, stepping closer.
"I'm not brave," he said, staring back. "I'm just done being your accessory."
The tension crackled between them like live wires.
Then, her phone buzzed again.
📲 [Security] Qin Liang has requested a dinner reservation under your name at La Vielle.
Jiayan noticed her expression change.
He sighed. "Let me guess. He's baiting you?"
She met his gaze. "Yes. And I'll take it."
He raised a brow. "Why?"
"Because he thinks I'm weak now. Because he thinks I married you out of desperation. I need him to know—"
"That you're still the Queen?"
She looked at him.
"No," she said softly. "That I never stopped being her."
---