Mei Ting pulled over in front of a beige building. Rays of the sun fell on her face as she stepped out of the car.
She tucked her hair behind her ear and made her way into the building.
The sound of cars driving by and distant chatters filled the air. When she finally entered the building, her eyes scanned through the crowd of people until they fixed on a man in a grey suit; he was standing impatiently at the side, his eyes fixed on the screen of his phone.
His brows were furrowed.
Mei Ting walked over to him and tapped him gently on his arm, bringing his attention to herself. Her lips shook as she tried to smiled at him.
"I'm sorry I came late, hope I didn't keep you waiting for a long time, Zichen?" Her voice was gentle and soft.
Yang Zichen raised his eyes to meet hers, and a look of disgust quickly etched on his face. He clenched the brown envelope on his other hand, as clips from the video he had just seen resurfaced on his mind.
"Why are you just coming? Where did you go earlier today?" His voice was cold, making Mei Ting flinch. He had always spoken to her softly, never once speaking over the top as he had just done.
Mei Ting chose to let this slide, he must be exhausted from waiting for her, "I'll explain later, let's get the certificate and go." She offered. They have been together for one year. He was introduced to her by Madam Li, Mei Ting's foster mother.
Her eyes moved down to the certificate, and she stressed her hand, reaching for it.
Yang Zichen pulled his hand back.
"So the video is true then, you were thrown out of the Li house. This means that you are no longer part of the Li family, so how can you still dream of getting married to me?" He paused to study her expression.
She wasn't denying it.
"You must think you can use me as a stepping stone or something." Yang Zichen spoke a mocking expression spreading across his face.
"I may not be part of the Li family anymore, and there is nothing I can do, besides, we are already married." Mei Ting said, trying hard to not break.
"This?" Yang Zichen raised the paper in his hand, "this means nothing," he said and rolled the envelope and its contents to tiny shreds.
Mei Ting gasped as she watched him; the tears she had been trying to hold back came pouring down her cheek.
"Zichen, wait listen to me." She tried to hold his hand but he moved it away from her reach.
"Don't even think of reaching out to me or anything. We are done." Yang Zichen didn't see the need to get married to her if she was worth nothing.
To him, marriage was an investment, give and take, if she doesn't offer anything, then he doesn't want her.
"Don't ever contact me; I don't care what you do; I will sue you if I ever hear you utter my name."
Mei Ting's eyes blurred with tears. She tried to stop him from leaving, but it was to no avail.
Their little encounter caught the attention of a few people. It wasn't uncommon for couples to break up just when they were about to get the certificate.
Mei Ting didn't leave immediately, she sat on one of the benches.
Meanwhile, Yang Zichen had left, he went home and quickly spread the news of breaking off his engagement to his family.
His mother, Madam Yang, couldn't mask her anger and disappointment, "I knew you shouldn't have gone for her. I promise you, son, she's not worth it. It's better to be in good grace with Li Weiyoung; after all, she will become the next Chairwoman of the Li corporation."
"But she's married," "You don't have to marry her. Just make sure you are available for her disposal whenever she wants."
Yang Zichen nodded, thinking about his mother's suggestion seriously. He could already see his life moving to something better.
Meanwhile, Mei Ting remained in the registry for a while.
Just when she was about to leave, she was stopped by a staff, "you are Mei Ting, right?" The young lady asked her.
Mei Ting raised a brow. She didn't know anyone here, but she nodded slowly regardless.
"Good, I thought you won't be coming. Come with me, your husband and been waiting for a while now."
Mei Ting squinted her eyes, "huh?"
The staff was puzzled by her reaction. She had been surprised to see Mei Ting seated on a bench instead of coming over to get her certificate.
"My husband?" Mei Ting asked to be sure that was what the lady had said.
The staff nodded, and she studied the girl in front of her. She seemed like a normal girl; why then was she surprised, "Or aren't you here for your certificate?"
"Well yes, but then just…"
"Then come with me," seeing her expression and her reluctance, She stepped closer and touched her arms, "It's normal to be nervous. Everyone is; marriage is a lifelong vow. I get you completely," she rubbed her hand.
Mei Ting was too stunned to speak, she kept blinking. There seems to be no other option other than to go with the lady.
The lady widened her eyes a bit, her smile never leaving her face, "Now can we go?"
Mei Ting didn't try to explain this time. She gave a curt nod. Whoever the husband is, he would be able to tell them she's not his wife anyway; then they'll clear this misunderstanding once and for all.
People sauntered around the hallway leading to the private office.
"Take a deep breath," the woman turned back and said, she watched Mei Ting as her chest rose and fell.
She inhaled sharply as her hand reached for the doorknob.
He had his back towards them, but his presence commanded an air of authority. He was tall, with broad shoulders which even the tuxedo suit couldn't hide.
Upon hearing the door click open and close, Luo Chen's cold eye twitched and he turned.
However, his eyes softened immediately and settled on her, and one side of his lips tugged upward.
"Wifey."