After the confrontation with Konga, I knew I couldn't rest yet. The household might have been subdued for now, but danger still lurked within its walls. Konga wasn't my only enemy. Her children were just as treacherous as she was, and among them, Ludy, her eldest daughter, was the most dangerous.
Ludy, a year younger than me, had always coveted what wasn't hers. She wasn't satisfied with being the daughter of a concubine—she wanted everything I had. My title. My inheritance. My place as the rightful heir. And, of course, she wanted my fiancé, Xia Shui.
Ah, yes, my fiancé... Xia Shui, the first son and legitimate heir of the Marquis Xia family. A man respected not for his physical strength or battle skills, but for his brilliant mind and unmatched business acumen. At the young age of 23, he had already expanded his family's trading network into regions no one else dared venture into. A true scholar and strategist, Xia Shui was admired by noblewomen for his intelligence and elegance, making him one of the most sought-after bachelors in the kingdom.
Our betrothal had been arranged by my father and his, a way to unite two powerful families. Though I barely knew him, I could already sense Ludy's venomous jealousy whenever his name was mentioned. She was a woman who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted, and I could already see her trying to wrap her claws around Xia Shui.
Ludy's AmbitionLudy had been making her move long before my "return." While I had been presumed dead, she spread vicious rumors about me, calling me a coward who had abandoned the family. She tried to convince others that I was unworthy of being the heir and had run away from my responsibilities. But her ambitions didn't stop there. She also began insinuating herself into Xia Shui's life, trying to convince him that I had shamed the Lee name.
One of the older servants confided in me, clearly nervous, that Ludy had been using the family seal to write letters to Lord Xia Shui, pretending to speak on my behalf. She had been telling him that I had disgraced my family and was unfit to be his future wife.
— "She has been working so hard to undermine you, Lady Silla," the servant whispered. "She wants to take your place, and she thinks Xia Shui is the way to do it."
I clenched my fists as the anger surged through me. Of course, Ludy would stoop to such levels. Taking my place as the heir wasn't enough for her—she wanted to erase every trace of me from this family. And to do that, she needed to tear apart the relationship I had with Xia Shui.
Xia Shui's BetrayalBut even as I began to steady the household, trouble found its way to my door.
The first sign came with the arrival of a messenger, bearing a letter sealed with the Xia family crest. My heart sank at the sight of it. I had been too preoccupied with the chaos in the estate to think about my fiancé, Xia Shui. But now, it seemed, he hadn't forgotten me.
The letter was polite but formal—far too formal for someone who was supposed to be my future husband. He requested a meeting to "discuss urgent matters" and made no mention of missing me or offering support during my supposed disappearance.
I knew something was wrong.
When I arrived at the tea house, my suspicions were confirmed. Xia Shui was seated across from none other than Ludy, who wore an innocent, almost angelic expression that made my stomach churn.
Xia Shui rose to greet me, his expression unreadable. He was just as handsome and poised as I remembered, his scholarly robes impeccably tailored, his demeanor calm and composed. His reputation as a brilliant scholar and businessman was well-earned, and his family's wealth and influence were unmatched.
But as I looked at him now, I realized that beneath his brilliance lay a fatal flaw: he was easily deceived.
— "Lady Silla," he said, his voice cool and measured. "Thank you for meeting me on such short notice."
I sat down without a word, my gaze darting between him and Ludy. She kept her head bowed, playing the part of the demure and virtuous younger sister.
— "What is this about, Lord Xia?" I asked, cutting straight to the point.
He hesitated, glancing at Ludy before speaking.
— "There have been...concerning reports about your conduct since your return," he said. "Ludy has informed me of the unrest within the Lee estate. She tells me you've been using violence to solve disputes and that you've alienated those around you with your behavior."
I couldn't help but scoff.
— "And you believed her?" I asked, my voice laced with disdain.
— "Ludy has proven herself to be reliable and honest," he replied. "She came to me out of concern for the family and for you."
I turned to Ludy, who blinked up at me with wide, innocent eyes.
— "Sister, I only wanted to help," she said softly. "The estate is in turmoil, and I thought Lord Xia might be able to offer his support."
Her words were like honey dripping from poison, and Xia Shui lapped it up without question.
— "If you truly wanted to help, you wouldn't be sitting here spreading lies about me," I said coldly. "What exactly have you been telling him, Ludy? That I'm unfit to be the heir? That I'm some sort of tyrant?"
Ludy gasped, clutching her chest as if I had struck her.
— "Sister, how could you accuse me of such things?" she whispered.
Xia Shui held up a hand, clearly uncomfortable with the tension.
— "Enough," he said. "I didn't ask you here to argue. Silla, I believe it's time we reconsidered our engagement."
The words hit me like a slap to the face.
— "Reconsider?" I repeated, my voice low and dangerous.
— "Yes," he said. "Your recent actions have raised concerns, and I can't ignore the possibility that this engagement may no longer be in the best interest of either family."
My hands clenched into fists beneath the table.
— "And let me guess," I said bitterly. "You think Ludy would make a better match?"
Xia Shui didn't answer, but his silence was damning.
Ludy, of course, seized the opportunity to play the victim.
— "Sister, please don't misunderstand," she said, her voice trembling. "I have no intention of taking your place. I only want what's best for you and for the Lee family."
I stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor.
— "You're a fool, Xia Shui," I said, my voice cold and sharp. "If you're so easily deceived by a snake like her, then perhaps you're not worthy of me after all."
His eyes widened, but before he could respond, I turned and walked out.
A Turning PointAs I left the tea house, I felt a strange sense of clarity. Xia Shui's betrayal was a blow, but it was also a blessing in disguise. For too long, I had relied on the idea of our engagement to secure my position. Now, I realized that my strength had to come from within—not from a man, and certainly not from someone so easily manipulated.
Ludy thought she had won, but this was only the beginning. If she wanted to take everything from me, she would have to try harder.
My resolve had never been stronger. I would restore the Lee family's honor and prove, once and for all, that I was the true heir.