She thought back to herself at ten years old, willful and headstrong, spoiled rotten by her parents, the apple of their eye. Now standing in the crowd, she felt as though a thousand arrows were piercing her heart, with rumors and slander shadowing her like a specter, every word a stab to the heart.
Qiao Lan was furious. It was supposed to be she who led everyone to misunderstand Qiao Xia, to reveal Qiao Xia's true colors—how had the tables turned so that Qiao Xia bit back, spilling all the unsavory details?
Li Hui was momentarily dazed. How had a proper proposal turned into this scene?
Such was the Qiao Xia that dazzled and moved people.
This girl, she once belonged to her.
There she stood at the center of the crowd, facing countless cold arrows. Even though her heart was nearly collapsing, her spine remained straighter than anyone else's, like a plum blossom thriving on a branch against the wintry chill.
Gu Xiaowu said, "Fourth Young Master, your little goddess is fighting alone, surrounded by enemies on all sides, truly heart-wrenching. Won't you go and play the hero to save her?"
The handsome man narrowed his eyes, his gaze steadfastly on Qiao Xia, a faintly unusual expression flickering through his deep eyes.
He remembered Qiao Xia as a young girl.
So pampered and arrogant, afraid of neither heaven nor earth, spoiled and proud, yet kindhearted. Her face was always filled with joy, innocent and beautiful. Now seeing Qiao Xia as strong as a winter plum, he could not express the anger in his heart.
Where had that spoiled, pampered little girl gone?
Who had murdered his girl?
He wanted Qiao Xia to revert to that willful, capricious girl.
"You are simply jealous of your sister. Do you even realize who you are, what face do you have to spout such nonsense here? You say you are Li Hui's fiancée, does everyone just believe it? What's the point?" Lv Mengxi said viciously, "If you have any evidence, then bring it out."
Qiao Xia sneered, her gaze sweeping around her. The guests' eyes were all filled with curiosity.
After all, a scandal was always of great interest.
"Don't forget, I am an entertainment journalist. I always carry a voice recorder. It's easy to provide evidence. I can post it online tomorrow, how about that?" Qiao Xia was ready to go all out.
She didn't know how much longer she could hold on, but she knew she couldn't fall.
"Shameless!" Fang Xiaoxia finally exploded in anger.
Qiao Lan was also anxious, clinging to Li Hui's arm, "Li Hui, tell us, is she your fiancée or am I your fiancée?"
Everyone was waiting for Li Hui's answer.
The banquet was full of twists and turns, with pitfalls at every turn, a spectacle that left the onlookers dumbfound, more sensational than a television drama. Qiao Xia did not want to entangle herself with these matters; she found it humiliating.
However, without clarification, her name would not be cleared even if she jumped into the Yellow River. Why should she be humiliated by Qiao Lan like this?
Why should she bear such a disgraceful reputation?
Li Hui gripped Qiao Lan's hand tightly, "Of course you are my fiancée, Qiao Xia, you've really gone too far. Since middle school, you've liked me, but the person I like is Qiao Lan. She didn't want to affect the relationship between you sisters and asked me to be nicer to you, so much so that you misunderstood and fancied yourself as my fiancée—what gave you the right? Who is causing trouble and spouting nonsense? If not for my consideration for your sister, I wouldn't even glance at you."
No matter how Qiao Xia defended herself, and regardless of how the guests viewed the Qiao family's complicated disputes, Li Hui's words seemed to be the final verdict, harshly slapping Qiao Xia's face.
Qiao Xia's complexion was so pale it was nearly transparent, her heart already numb.
Li Hui, you are ruthless!
His denial negated the feelings of over a decade, negated her entire youth.
The heartlessness of a lover turning his back is unmatched.
Each word cut to the bone.