"Leo Li, go to the housekeeping agency and find some reliable maids—ones who cook exceptionally well. Preferably with a nutritionist certification." I sat in the backseat surrounded by tonics, giving the order after careful thought.
"Yes, ma'am." Leo Li replied.
After marrying Hugh Pei, both sets of parents had suggested hiring staff to clean, tend the garden, and cook, but I—hopelessly love-struck—had refused.
Our "love nest" felt too sacred for extra people. I'd thought they'd cramp our intimacy—steal moments like lingering from the living room to the kitchen.
The result? I lived like a widow without the title.
Reborn now, no more foolish delusions.
Back home, I walked in first with my Prada tote, Leo Li trailing behind with the tonics. The door opened, and Hugh Pei was coming down the stairs, adjusting his cuffs—effortlessly charming in his casualness.
"Leo Li, you can leave." I set down my tote and dismissed him.
Leo Li laid the tonics on the table, bowed respectfully to Hugh Pei, then hurried out.
"There's a reception in an hour. Your parents will be there. Get ready—you're coming with me." Hugh Pei paid no mind to the tonics, just informed me flatly.
He never took me to events unless I served a purpose—like when my parents would be present.
I hadn't visited my parents since rebirth. Not from disrespect, but guilt over what happened in my past life. I still felt too ashamed to face them.
"Okay." I headed upstairs.
I hadn't wasted these past two weeks. I'd bought a whole new wardrobe—styles and cuts a world away from my old, drab stuff.
I picked a little red dress: off-the-shoulder, with a daring V-neck softened by sheer fabric (teasing, not baring), and a mermaid skirt that bared my slim, straight calves.
I was overly thin, but my skin was pale enough to pull it off. At 158cm, I felt decent—save for the obvious chest issue.
As for Lila Wei's innocent vibe? It didn't suit me. I wasn't 20 anymore.
After doing my makeup, I put on a set of crystal earrings and a matching necklace—guaranteed to blind under spotlights. Once so reserved, now I was letting it all show.
Hugh Pei waited downstairs, on the phone. He didn't react when I came down, didn't even glance my way. I didn't care, heading to the car alone.
Minutes later, he joined me. From getting in to pulling out, his gaze never touched me.
We drove in silence the whole way.
He focused on driving; I played on my phone, texting Julian Qi to check in.
Me: Julian, if the hospital food doesn't agree with you, I'll send someone to bring you meals.
Julian Qi: No need, sister! It's fine.
Me: Forgot to bring you tonics today. I'll swing by tomorrow with some.
Julian Qi: You're too kind—really, no need!
Me: It's the least I can do. I'm the one who hit you, after all. Don't be shy—just ask if you need anything.
Julian came from a background similar to Lila Wei's. To her, Hugh Pei was a wealthy, handsome catch. To Julian, I could be the glamorous rich lady.
A strange sort of balance, I thought.
At a red light, the car stopped. Hugh Pei finally turned his head, noticing my new look at last—but his tongue was as sharp as ever. "This dress is wasted on you."
Just as I thought. TV tropes where the heroine's new style stuns the hero? Total lies.
I put down my phone, cupped my chest, and shot back, "Is it really that small? I wore extra padding today."
My bold gesture worked—Hugh Pei's face darkened. "Zoe Xu, can't you act with some dignity?"
"Why?" I countered.
I'd "acted with dignity" for years. Did it ever help? People who've died once learn to let go. Better to free myself than stay caged.
"Remember your place." Hugh Pei's tone turned icy.
He'd never treated me as a wife, yet demanded I behave like one.
I turned to stare out the window, silent. Once, I'd have been thrilled by even two words from him, scrambling to keep the conversation going. Not anymore.
At the reception venue, Hugh Pei and I played the happy couple for a bit—exchanging pleasantries with familiar business partners—before I found a seat alone to rest.
Of all luck. The woman sitting beside me was none other than the "innocent flower" who'd made headlines for checking into a hotel with Hugh Pei recently.
"Ching Ching, why're you sitting alone?" Another woman walked over, addressing Ching Ching Pan.
"Just resting. Lulu, come sit with me." Ching Ching Pan's voice was sickeningly sweet.
I noticed Hugh Pei had a thing for nice voices—Lila Wei, all his flings… same type.
They chatted beside me, as if I weren't there.
Lulu Chen teased Ching Ching Pan, "Your Mr. Pei's over there. Why not go say hi?"
"Don't be silly. He's not 'mine'—he's married." Ching Ching Pan chided, but there was a playful lilt.
"His wife's a ghost—no one's seen her in years. Might as well not exist. Everyone knows you two are close lately. I heard he bought you a house?" Lulu's voice dripped with envy.
"He's been generous." Ching Ching Pan preened, dropping hints left and right. "I don't know why… I guess I'm lucky to have met him."
Hugh Pei was generous with everyone—except me, his so-called wife.
Every woman he'd had an affair with sang his praises afterward. Money talked, plain and simple.
Then my parents walked over. Seeing me alone, my mom asked, "Zoe, where's Hugh Pei? Why isn't he with you?"
At the sound of Hugh Pei's name, Ching Ching Pan and Lulu Chen whipped their heads around. Their faces must've been priceless.
I stood, looped my arm through my mom's, and cooed, "What's the fun in that? Just listening to business talk. I'd rather chat with you."
My mom stared, surprised. I hadn't acted this clingy in years.
"You two chat. I'll go find Old Qin and the others." My dad—classic straight guy—didn't pick up on the shift, just trotted off to his friends, grinning.