The Gu family mansion was as imposing as ever, a stark reminder that Jiang Yuxi was now bound to this place. The tall gates shut behind her, sealing her fate, while the grand, cold halls echoed with an emptiness she could not ignore.
As she stepped inside, she was immediately met with the disapproving eyes of Madam Gu. The older woman sat elegantly on the living room sofa, a porcelain teacup delicately balanced in her hand. The moment Yuxi entered, Madam Gu's gaze swept over her, taking in every detail, from her expensive gown to the lingering exhaustion on her face.
"You finally remember to come home," Madam Gu said, her voice slow and deliberate, carrying an unmistakable chill.
Yuxi straightened her back, refusing to let the older woman see any weakness. "There was an event I had to attend."
"An event?" Madam Gu scoffed lightly. "I heard about the charity gala. You certainly made a spectacle of yourself."
The words stung, but Yuxi remained composed.
"Since you're now part of this family, you should be more mindful of your behavior." Madam Gu's lips curled into an icy smile. "Or did you think being 'Mrs. Gu' was enough to secure your place?"
Before Yuxi could respond, another voice cut in—sweet, delicate, yet dripping with venom.
"Sister, you mustn't take mother-in-law's words the wrong way. She only wants what's best for the Gu family."
Jiang Roulan appeared beside Madam Gu, her perfectly styled hair cascading over her shoulder, a picture of effortless grace. But behind that demure expression, her eyes shone with amusement—mocking, taunting.
Yuxi met her stepsister's gaze with quiet defiance. "Thank you for your concern, Jiang Roulan," she replied smoothly. "But I know my responsibilities well."
Roulan's smile tightened, but she said nothing.
Madam Gu set down her teacup with a soft clink and dismissed Yuxi with a glance. "If you truly know your responsibilities, you won't embarrass this family again."
It was clear—no matter what Yuxi did, she would never be accepted here.
Later that night, Yuxi found herself in the dimly lit study, facing Gu Zeyan. He leaned against his desk, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
The tension in the room was thick, the silence stretching between them.
"I assume you know what you're doing," he finally spoke, his voice cool.
Yuxi met his gaze steadily. "I'm playing my role. Isn't that what you wanted?"
Gu Zeyan tilted his head slightly, studying her. "Then let me make something clear—since you're my wife, at least in the public eye, you will act accordingly."
He took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. "That means attending social events, maintaining our image, and not stirring unnecessary trouble."
Yuxi narrowed her eyes. "And if I don't?"
Gu Zeyan smirked. "Then this contract becomes very unpleasant for you."
She clenched her fists. "You only care about your reputation."
"And you care about your mother's hospital bills." His words were sharp, cutting.
Silence.
Yuxi inhaled slowly, pushing down the anger bubbling inside her.
"Fine," she said, at last, her voice steady. "I'll do my part. But don't expect me to be a pawn in your games."
To her surprise, Gu Zeyan's smirk deepened, as if amused by her defiance. "Good. At least you're not completely naive."
Then, as if their conversation had already ended, he turned away.
Yuxi stood still for a moment, her hands trembling slightly before she forced herself to regain composure.
This marriage was nothing but a business transaction, but she refused to be the one left powerless.
The following evening, the Gu family hosted a formal dinner.
The room was filled with the city's elite—businessmen, socialites, politicians.
Yuxi sat beside Gu Zeyan, her posture poised, though the cold gazes from across the table did not go unnoticed.
Conversations floated around, laced with subtle barbs.
"I heard Mrs. Gu was a waitress before her marriage," one woman commented lightly, feigning curiosity.
"How romantic," another chimed in. "It must be fate that brought them together."
Soft laughter followed—polite yet mocking.
Yuxi smiled faintly, sipping her wine. "Indeed. Fate has a way of surprising us all."
The subtle jab was clear—she wouldn't let their words shake her.
Gu Zeyan, though silent, observed everything.
At one point, his gaze flickered to her, unreadable.
She didn't need his help.
She wouldn't let these people tear her down.
As the night ended, Yuxi excused herself, stepping into the quiet hallway.
She barely had a moment of solitude before Jiang Roulan appeared beside her, her expression smug.
"You played the perfect role tonight," Roulan mused. "But don't think that makes you one of us."
Yuxi turned to her stepsister, calm but firm. "And yet, you're so eager to remind me of my place. Are you afraid I'll become one of you?"
Roulan's smile faltered.
"I will never see you as family," she hissed.
Yuxi chuckled. "Good. Because I never wanted to be."
Roulan's fists clenched, but before she could respond, a familiar voice interrupted.
"Is there a problem?"
Both women turned to see Gu Zeyan standing at the end of the hall, his gaze sharp.
Roulan immediately composed herself. "Not at all," she said sweetly.
Yuxi smirked before walking past her.
Gu Zeyan watched her go, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.
That woman…
She wasn't as easy to control as he had thought.
And for some reason, he didn't mind.