Six months ago...
Jing Ning sat on the sofa, her gaze fixed on the big French window in her room. Tears began to roll down her face, each drop a silent testament to her inner turmoil. A knock on the door startled her, and she quickly wiped away her tears. "Come in," she said, her voice steady.
Melissa entered, bowing respectfully. "Miss Jing Ning, it's time for dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Jing are waiting for you downstairs at the dining table, and Mr. Xilian is there too."
In her mind, she sighed, **"It's him again."** She waved her hand, signaling Melissa to leave. Melissa had been their housemaid since Jing Ning was a child, a familiar presence in her life.
Descending the stairs, Jing Ning's eyes met Shu Xilian's, and her eyebrows furrowed. She sat at the dining table, picking up her chopsticks without a word, and began to eat. Mr. and Mrs. Jing exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what was wrong with their daughter.
Mrs. Jing broke the silence, "Ning, didn't you see Xilian?"
Jing Ning raised her head and replied simply, "Huh?"
Mr. Jing spoke next, "My beloved Ning, you are not a child anymore. You need to find a suitable husband and get married to take over the family business."
"Dad," she began, but Shu Xilian interrupted, "Uncle is right."
Forcing a smile, she said, "Oh, I see."
Mrs. Jing continued, "Our two families have arranged the wedding between you and Xilian."
Hearing this, Jing Ning choked on her food and quickly drank the water in her cup. She looked at Xilian, then turned to her mother. "Mom, will you please give me some peace? I don't want to get married now, and even if I do, I want to choose my husband myself."
She dropped her chopsticks and stood up. "I'm full. I'm going to my room to take a nap."
As she left, Mr. Jing apologized to Xilian, "I'm sorry for her behavior. We spoiled her too much, that's why she's so stubborn. But don't worry, the wedding will be held in the next two months."
"Don't worry, uncle. Kids are always like this, very stubborn. I'm leaving now," Xilian replied.
"Okay, let me see you off," Mr. Jing said.
Mrs. Jing went directly to Jing Ning's room and pushed the door open. "My regret is for spoiling you so much. This marriage is a command, not advice."
"Mom... won't you allow me to choose the person I love?" Jing Ning pleaded.
Mrs. Jing patted her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "Ah Ning, can't you understand the situation? The company is facing many problems now. This is a marriage alliance; it will help our company. By marrying into that family, we will gain more power in the city. Their company is among the top 100 in the world. Please, try to understand."
"Mom, do you want to sell my happiness just for your interest?" Jing Ning asked, her voice trembling.
"You know Mom loves you so much. I won't make a wrong decision for you," Mrs. Jing assured her.
"Alright, I understand," Jing Ning replied, her voice resigned.
"Good girl," Mrs. Jing said, standing up and walking out of the room, leaving Jing Ning alone with her thoughts and the weight of her fate.
The room's ambiance was a blend of elegance and melancholy, reflecting the emotional turmoil within Jing Ning.
The large French window allowed soft, golden sunlight to filter in, casting a warm glow across the room. The light danced on the polished wooden floor, creating a serene yet somber atmosphere. Outside, the garden was in full bloom, a stark contrast to the heaviness in Jing Ning's heart.
The room was tastefully decorated with a mix of modern and traditional elements. Plush, cream-colored sofas were arranged around a low, mahogany coffee table, adorned with a vase of fresh lilies—Jing Ning's favorite flowers. The walls were lined with bookshelves, filled with volumes of literature and family photographs, each telling a story of happier times.
A grand piano stood in one corner, its glossy surface reflecting the light. It was a reminder of the music that once filled the room, now replaced by a heavy silence. The air was tinged with the faint scent of jasmine, a fragrance that Jing Ning found both comforting and bittersweet.
As she sat on the sofa, the room seemed to close in around her, amplifying her sense of isolation. The knock on the door broke the stillness, but the underlying tension remained palpable. The elegant decor and the soft light could not mask the weight of the conversation that was about to unfold, nor the sorrow that lingered in the corners of the room.
The ambiance was a delicate balance of beauty and sadness, a reflection of Jing Ning's inner conflict and the difficult choices she faced.