Jiang Yuxi sat in the vast but suffocating silence of the Gu family's estate, her fingers tightening around the delicate porcelain teacup in her hands. Ever since the charity event had been announced, tension had been hanging in the air, wrapping around her like invisible chains.
Yang Meilin and Jiang Roulan wasted no time taking advantage of the situation.
"This is such an important event, Yuxi," Yang Meilin sighed dramatically, setting down her teacup. "All of high society will be there. You wouldn't want to embarrass the Gu family, would you?"
Jiang Roulan smirked from across the table, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against the surface. "Yes, sister, this will be your first real appearance as Mrs. Gu. Imagine the pressure! If you don't carry yourself properly, people might think you don't belong."
Yuxi took a slow sip of her tea, not rising to the bait.
"I appreciate your concern, but I know how to conduct myself," she said evenly.
Jiang Roulan laughed softly, exchanging a glance with her mother. "Of course, you do. After all, you've always been so… adaptable."
Yuxi's grip on her cup tightened, but she forced herself to stay composed. She knew what they were implying—that she had only gotten this far because she had forced herself into this marriage.
Madam Gu, sitting at the head of the table, remained impassive, neither defending Yuxi nor engaging in their mockery.
Yuxi had expected nothing less.
That evening, she found herself in Gu Zeyan's study, standing across from his desk.
"I need to be prepared for the event," she said, watching him closely.
He barely looked up from his laptop. "Then prepare."
She clenched her jaw. "You know what I mean. What's expected of me? Who do I need to be cautious around?"
He finally glanced at her, his dark eyes cool and unreadable. "Don't embarrass me."
His words landed like a slap.
"I see," she said, her voice quiet but firm. "That's all you care about?"
He didn't answer.
Her heart twisted. It shouldn't have surprised her—this was their arrangement, after all. But somehow, it still stung.
She turned on her heel and left, determined not to show any emotion.
The next afternoon, Yuxi went to a high-end boutique, knowing she needed the perfect gown for the charity event. The store was filled with luxurious fabrics and shimmering dresses, each one whispering of wealth and status.
She was examining an elegant midnight-blue gown when an all-too-familiar voice cut through the air.
"Oh, what a surprise," Qin Ruo said smoothly, stepping forward with two women trailing behind her.
Yuxi turned, meeting Qin Ruo's calculating gaze.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Qin Ruo continued, a smile playing on her lips. "I thought you would have Gu Zeyan's assistant pick out a dress for you. After all, isn't that how things work in a contract marriage?"
The two women beside her giggled.
Yuxi held her ground. "I see you're still spending your time concerned about me, Qin Ruo. It's flattering, really."
Qin Ruo's smile tightened. "I just find it fascinating, that's all. One moment, you're struggling to afford rent, and the next, you're shopping in the most exclusive boutique in the city. Quite the transformation."
Yuxi refused to let the words sting. "Life is full of surprises."
Qin Ruo hummed. "Indeed. Let's see how well you keep up."
She turned to the boutique assistant. "Why don't you help Mrs. Gu find something… appropriate?"
The assistant hesitated, clearly aware of the tension. Then, with a too-polite smile, she pulled out a gown. "This should be a good fit for you, Mrs. Gu."
Yuxi's eyes narrowed as she examined the dress. It was beautiful at first glance, but the details were off—too tight at the waist, too long at the hem. A dress meant to make its wearer look uncomfortable.
She knew exactly what Qin Ruo was doing.
Yuxi kept her expression neutral. "You think this suits me?"
The assistant hesitated. "Yes, of course."
Qin Ruo's smirk deepened. "Oh, I think it's perfect. It's elegant but… simple. Something that won't overshadow the other guests."
Yuxi was about to respond when a deep voice interrupted.
"She doesn't need that."
The room fell silent as Gu Zeyan walked in, his presence commanding instant attention.
Qin Ruo's expression froze. "Zeyan?"
He ignored her, his sharp gaze sweeping over the boutique assistant. "Bring out the best gown you have."
The assistant scrambled to obey, returning with a stunning, custom-designed piece. It was an exquisite masterpiece—one-of-a-kind, made for someone who belonged in the upper echelons of society.
Gu Zeyan didn't say a word as he handed the card over.
"Charge it to my account."
The entire room seemed to hold its breath.
Qin Ruo's face twisted, but she forced a laugh. "How generous of you, Zeyan."
Yuxi, meanwhile, was stunned.
She had expected Gu Zeyan to stay out of things. Yet here he was, shutting down Qin Ruo's attempt to humiliate her without hesitation.
As they left the boutique, Yuxi finally turned to him.
"Why did you do that?"
He slipped his hands into his pockets. "Do what?"
"You know what."
He exhaled. "I won't let my wife be looked down on."
His words made something stir inside her, but she pushed it down.
"This doesn't change anything," she said quietly.
He looked at her then, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "I know."
And yet, as they walked back to the car, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them.
That night, Yuxi stood before the mirror, running her fingers over the fabric of the gown.
It was a dress fit for a queen.
For the first time, she wasn't just preparing to attend an event—she was preparing for battle.
She had been looked down on for too long.
Tomorrow, she would walk into that charity event with her head held high.
Let them come.
She was ready.