Chapter 1 — Happiness in Hand

When my mother asked me whom I wished to choose for our arranged political marriage, I no longer named Tu Dich Than in this lifetime. Instead, I chose his uncle, Tu Binh Khiem. My mother looked at me with absolute incomprehension. After all, everyone across the entire expanse of Kinh Bac knew that Tu Dich Than and I had grown up side by side, that I had spent a decade chasing after him, and that I had once loudly proclaimed to the world that I would never marry anyone else as long as I lived. I offered a bitter, self-deprecating smile, my mind flashing back to my past life. Following our wedding, Tu Dich Than had never once touched me. I had foolishly believed he suffered from some unspeakable affliction, always taking meticulous care to shield his pride and keep his secret safe. It was not until our golden wedding anniversary, when I accidentally wandered into the forbidden private study he had never allowed anyone else to enter, that the truth was laid bare. The room was blanketed entirely with photographs of my cousin. In that single, shattering moment, I finally woke up. He had not been cold or indifferent by nature; he simply had never loved me. Since that was how fate had written our story, in this lifetime, I chose to grant them their wish and set them free. Yet later, when I walked down the aisle in my pristine wedding gown, stepping steadily toward his uncle, the color drained completely from Tu Dich Than’s face before he spiraled into utter madness.

Three days after the union was officially settled, I ran into Tu Dich Than at an extravagant banquet. A cluster of his close friends burst into mocking laughter the moment they spotted my arrival.

Dich Than, your little shadow has come crawling after you once again!

Little sister-in-law, you are already engaged to the Tu family, yet you still cling to him so desperately? Could you not even spare him a single private gathering among friends?

The sight of me brought an unmistakable flash of impatience to Tu Dich Than's features.

Bach Nam Hai, are you truly that desperate to be married? Without even consulting me, you had our families lock down the engagement. Now the entire upper crust of Kinh Bac knows you are marrying into my family. You certainly play your cards well!

The profound disgust in his eyes made my heart skip a beat and turn to ice. After a brief pause, I answered him with utter composure.

As it happens, I had no need to consult you. Because the man I intend to marry... is not you.

The moment those words left my lips, the entire banquet hall erupted into raucous laughter. Several of Tu Dich Than’s friends laughed so hard they had to steady themselves against the tables, turning back to tease him mercilessly.

Dich Than, you had better hurry up and placate your little fiancee! Otherwise, she will find yet another dramatic way to demand your attention!

Tu Dich Than furrowed his brow, his voice dripping with stinging sarcasm.

Bach Nam Hai, have you taken up the art of playing hard to get now?

If you are entering a marriage alliance with my family, if you are not marrying me, then whom on earth could you possibly marry?

Besides, ever since we were children, you have insisted that you would marry me. Who in all of Kinh Bac does not assume that you belong to me?

With that, he strode closer, leaning down until his lips hovered near my ear, lowering his voice to a dangerous murmur.

As for this engagement, I can choose to let it slide. But remember this: while I may grant you a grand, glittering wedding... the actual marriage certificate is something I will reserve solely for the person I truly wish to wed!

I lifted my gaze to stare at him in sheer astonishment. In my past life, at this exact juncture, Tu Dich Than had obediently bowed to family pressure and registered our marriage with me without a moment's hesitation. Could it be... that he had also been reborn? Before I could properly decipher the complex emotions shifting across his face, my cousin, Hua Tinh Xan, suddenly appeared from the shadows. The moment she saw the two of us standing so close, tears welled up and spilled over her lashes.

Sister Nam Hai, Brother Dich Than... I heard the two of you are getting married. Tinh Xan... Tinh Xan does not have any grand gifts to offer, so I can only wish the two of you eternal happiness...

Before she could finish her sentence, she choked back a sob and bolted from the room. Tu Dich Than shot me a murderous glare, his voice simmering with rage.

Look at what you have accomplished!

Without a backward glance, he turned and sprinted after her.

When the two of them eventually returned to the banquet hall, their fingers were tightly intertwined. Hua Tinh Xan’s lips were swollen and flushed a deep crimson, while a distinct, intimate mark marred the skin of Tu Dich Than’s throat. Everyone present turned their gazes toward me, brimming with malicious curiosity, waiting for the inevitable volcanic eruption. In the past, whenever I caught sight of any woman drawing near Tu Dich Than, I would have thrown an explosive tantrum, desperately trying to claw his attention back to myself. Tu Dich Than even raised a protective arm around Hua Tinh Xan, wearing an expression that seemed to anticipate my usual meltdown. Yet several long minutes ticked by, and I remained entirely silent, devoid of any reaction whatsoever. A flicker of bewilderment crossed Tu Dich Than’s face before a cold sneer curled his lips.

It seems you have finally grown up a little this time, and are no longer throwing childish tantrums as you used to!

On the drive back home after the banquet, Tu Dich Than intercepted me by the doors.

It is too late for a woman to be walking alone, let alone safely. I will drop you off.

Since a free ride presented itself, I saw no reason to refuse. As I reached for the rear door handle, Tu Dich Than swiftly planted himself in front of the passenger seat.

You should sit in the back.

Without waiting for a reply, he tenderly guided Hua Tinh Xan into the front passenger seat.

I am terribly sorry, Sister. Brother Dich Than is merely looking out for me; he is terrified I might suffer from car sickness...

I offered no response, quietly sliding into the back seat as I had originally intended. Throughout the entire journey, Tu Dich Than and Hua Tinh Xan chatted animatedly in the front, their laughter bubbling softly. When the car halted at a red light, Hua Tinh Xan pouted playfully, begging Tu Dich Than to help her apply lip balm. Their faces drifted closer and closer until the distance between them vanished entirely, their breathing growing heavy and thick with unmistakable intimacy. In the very next second, Tu Dich Than snapped his head toward the back seat, as if suddenly remembering my existence. Seeing me gaze placidly out the side window, his expression froze, darkened violently, and he slammed his foot down on the accelerator, tearing down the street. Upon arriving at my doorstep, the moment I pushed the car door open, Tu Dich Than reached out and yanked me back. He shoved a small bracelet into my hand, his tone dripping with condescending charity.

Stop pretending to be indifferent. It looks utterly pathetic.

Consider this my engagement gift to you.

As long as you behave and play your part, I will give you your wedding. At the very least, in the eyes of everyone in Kinh Bac, you will remain my wife.

I lifted my eyes, looking straight into his. Then who is the person you intend to register your marriage with? Is it Hua Tinh Xan?

Tu Dich Than’s features darkened instantly, yet a flash of triumphant satisfaction flickered deep within his eyes.

I knew you were only putting on an act!

I am warning you right now, you are forbidden from whispering a single word of this to our families!

The bond between Tinh Xan and me is not something your shallow mind can fathom! She is gentle, fragile, and utterly devoid of the vicious schemes and plots that define you. If you dare to inflict even a single tear upon her, do not blame me for stripping away your wedding entirely!

I let out a low, humorless laugh. He clearly lacked the spine to openly defy his family’s decrees, yet he somehow twisted reality to make it seem as though I were the sole obstacle standing in the way of their romance. Without bothering to grace him with a reply, I turned on my heel and walked into the house. The moment I crossed the threshold, my phone chimed with a video message sent by Hua Tinh Xan. Within the recording, Tu Dich Than could be seen meticulously fastening a delicate necklace around her neck. I instantly recognized the luxury brand of the piece, and the truth clicked into place—the bracelet Tu Dich Than had just tossed at me was nothing more than a cheap complimentary trinket that came with the purchase of her necklace. Their necks pressed tightly together, and in the next frame, they melted into a fierce, consuming kiss, the wet sound echoing loudly inside the confined space of the car. [Sister Nam Hai, Brother Dich Than must have already told you, right? Once the wedding with you is over, he is going to register our marriage properly~] [You know, a marriage that lacks legal recognition holds no rights whatsoever when it comes to inheriting wealth. In this lifetime, it is finally my turn to step into the role of the wealthy man's true wife~]