The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the Gu Mansion, casting a golden glow over the grand dining hall. The long mahogany table was adorned with an assortment of breakfast dishes—steamed buns, delicate dim sum, congee, and an array of side dishes that exuded an air of extravagance.
Jiang Yuxi sat at the farthest end of the table, her back straight, her hands resting on her lap. Across from her, Madam Gu sat with an air of effortless elegance, sipping her tea with a slow, calculated grace. She barely acknowledged Yuxi's presence, as if she were an outsider in this home.
Seated beside Madam Gu was Jiang Roulan, her step-sister, who was dressed impeccably in a soft lavender dress, her makeup flawless. Unlike her mother, Jiang Roulan didn't ignore Yuxi—instead, she made it a point to remind her that she didn't belong.
"Yuxi," Roulan said sweetly, setting down her chopsticks. "You should eat more. You wouldn't want to embarrass yourself in public again, would you?"
Yuxi's fingers curled around the porcelain spoon in her hand, but she remained silent. She knew better than to respond—Roulan wanted a reaction, and Yuxi refused to give her the satisfaction.
Madam Gu finally spoke, her voice calm but laced with underlying disdain. "Roulan, don't waste your breath. Some people are simply ungrateful, no matter how much kindness is shown to them."
Kindness? Yuxi wanted to laugh.
Before she could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall. Gu Zeyan entered, dressed in a crisp black suit, his presence commanding as always. He took his seat without a word, picking up his chopsticks and beginning his meal.
He didn't acknowledge Yuxi, nor did he spare her a glance.
Yuxi wasn't surprised—this was how their marriage was. Cold. Distant. Meaningless.
Roulan, however, was all smiles. "Brother-in-law, I saw the photos from the charity gala last night. You and my sister looked… passable together," she said with feigned innocence. "But I do think someone like you deserves a better match."
Madam Gu sighed as if burdened. "Marriage should be between equals," she said lightly. "This… situation is unfortunate."
Yuxi's grip on her spoon tightened, but she remained poised. She would not let them see her falter.
Gu Zeyan, as expected, remained indifferent. He continued eating as if the conversation didn't concern him at all.
Yuxi forced herself to eat, swallowing the humiliation along with her food.
After breakfast, Yuxi retreated to her room, her body tense from the constant insults. Just as she was about to sit down, her phone rang.
She glanced at the caller ID. The hospital.
Her stomach twisted.
"Hello?" she answered, her voice steady.
"Miss Jiang, we need to discuss your mother's hospital bills," the nurse's voice came through, polite but firm. "There's an overdue balance, and we need confirmation of the next payment."
Yuxi's breath caught in her throat.
"How much?" she asked quietly.
The nurse hesitated before answering. The amount made Yuxi's stomach drop.
"Miss Jiang?"
"I… I'll take care of it," Yuxi said quickly, ending the call before her composure cracked.
She felt suffocated.
She was supposed to be Gu Zeyan's wife. He was one of the wealthiest men in the country, and yet… she was still struggling.
She had promised herself she wouldn't rely on him. She had vowed not to ask him for anything.
But now, she had no choice.
Just as Yuxi was about to leave the house, her phone vibrated.
A message.
Gu Zeyan: Come to my office.
She hesitated.
Why? He rarely spoke to her unless necessary.
Still, she had no other option but to obey.
When she entered his office, she found him seated behind his sleek black desk, reviewing documents. The atmosphere was heavy, the air tinged with the faint scent of his cologne.
Gu Zeyan didn't look up immediately, flipping a page before finally speaking.
"You need money."
Yuxi stiffened. "I don't—"
He didn't let her finish. Instead, he pulled out a black bank card and placed it on the table, sliding it toward her.
"Use it," he said simply.
Yuxi stared at the card, her pride clashing with her reality.
Her hands curled into fists. "I don't need your money."
Gu Zeyan finally lifted his gaze, his dark eyes unreadable. "Really?" He leaned back slightly. "Your mother's hospital called. You're overdue on payments."
Yuxi's breath caught.
He knew.
Gu Zeyan smirked. "It's your choice. But don't expect me to save you if you come begging later."
Her face burned with humiliation. She wanted to refuse—but could she afford to?
With clenched teeth, she reached out and took the card.
She didn't thank him.
Gu Zeyan didn't look offended. If anything, his smirk deepened, as if he had expected her reaction.
"You can go now," he said dismissively.
Yuxi turned sharply on her heel and left, her pride in pieces.
At the hospital, Yuxi paid the overdue balance, but every moment felt like a battle within herself.
Standing by her mother's bedside, she reached out and gently touched her hand.
"Mom," she whispered, voice barely above a breath. "I won't let them win. I promise."
She wouldn't let Gu Zeyan her father or anyone else think she was weak.
As she turned to leave, she ran into Lin Cheng.
"Yuxi," he said, his brow furrowing as he took in her tired expression.
"I'm fine," she said automatically.
Lin Cheng didn't look convinced. "If you need help—"
"I don't," she interrupted gently. "But thank you."
She left before he could say anything else.
That night, unable to sleep, Yuxi stepped into the garden.
The cool air brushed against her skin as she closed her eyes, trying to calm the storm inside her.
Footsteps.
She turned.
Gu Zeyan stood there, his expression unreadable.
Silence stretched between them before he finally spoke. "Did you use the money?"
Yuxi didn't answer.
Gu Zeyan smirked. "So much for pride."
Her hands curled into fists. "I'll pay you back."
He let out a soft chuckle. "We'll see."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Yuxi stood alone, her emotions in turmoil.
Their marriage was still cold, still distant. But something was shifting.
She just didn't know what.