The Lu mansion stood like a fortress on the outskirts of Shanghai—its towering walls and sprawling gardens a symbol of wealth and power. From the outside, it appeared as an oasis of luxury, but to Qin Lan, it felt more like a gilded cage. It had been only two weeks since her wedding, but the cold indifference from Lu Yan hadn't waned. Every day was the same routine: waking up in a separate bedroom, attending charity events and social functions as his silent, dutiful wife, and returning home to a man who barely acknowledged her existence.
Qin Lan had once thought she could handle it. She had told herself that this was simply a business arrangement, and love was never part of the deal. But as each day passed, she found herself more and more suffocated by the emptiness in her new life.
That morning, she stood in the grand kitchen, staring out of the window at the lush garden below. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. It was a beautiful day, but the weight on her chest wouldn't lift. She couldn't help but wonder how long she would be able to endure this—living in the shadow of a man who saw her as nothing more than a contract.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind her. She turned to see Li Min, Lu Yan's ever-efficient assistant, standing at the entrance of the kitchen. Li Min's expression was as unreadable as always, but there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes as she approached.
"Good morning, Mrs. Lu," she said with a polite nod. "Mr. Lu has asked me to inform you that he will be working late tonight. There's a board meeting he needs to attend."
Qin Lan swallowed the bitter disappointment that rose in her throat. It shouldn't have surprised her. Lu Yan had barely been home since their marriage. He spent most of his time at the office, immersed in his work, and when he was home, he was distant, almost invisible.
"Thank you, Li Min," Qin Lan replied quietly, her fingers tightening around the teacup in her hand.
Li Min lingered for a moment longer, as if there was something she wanted to say but couldn't. Finally, she spoke again, her voice softer this time. "Mrs. Lu, I know this isn't my place, but... is everything alright?"
Qin Lan blinked, surprised by the question. She had always seen Li Min as the perfect professional—never one to pry into personal matters. But now, standing in the quiet kitchen, there was something different in her demeanor, almost as if she cared. For a brief moment, Qin Lan considered confiding in her. Maybe it would help to talk to someone about the loneliness that gnawed at her heart.
But then she remembered who she was. Qin Lan, the dutiful wife. Qin Lan, the woman who had signed away her freedom in exchange for her father's health. She couldn't afford to show weakness.
"I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile. "Just adjusting to everything."
Li Min studied her for a moment longer, then nodded. "If you ever need anything, Mrs. Lu, please don't hesitate to ask. Mr. Lu may be busy, but I'm here to help in any way I can."
With that, Li Min turned and left the kitchen, leaving Qin Lan alone once more.
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That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the mansion, Qin Lan found herself wandering through the halls, her footsteps echoing in the silence. The house felt too big, too empty. Every room was a reminder of the life she was now living—a life filled with luxury but devoid of warmth.
She paused at the door of Lu Yan's study, her hand hovering over the brass doorknob. She had never been inside his study. It was his private sanctuary, a place where he retreated when he needed to escape the world. But tonight, something compelled her to enter.
With a quiet exhale, she turned the knob and stepped inside.
The room was exactly as she had imagined—dark wood paneling, shelves lined with books, and a large mahogany desk in the center, meticulously organized. It was a reflection of Lu Yan himself—cold, precise, and devoid of any personal touches. No family photos, no trinkets from travels, nothing that hinted at the man behind the businessman.
But as Qin Lan's gaze swept across the room, something caught her eye.
On the far corner of the desk, half-hidden beneath a stack of papers, was a small, framed photograph. Her heart skipped a beat as she approached it, her fingers trembling slightly as she picked it up.
It was a picture of Ji Yi, the woman Lu Yan had never truly let go of. The woman who still haunted his heart, even though she had walked out of his life years ago. Ji Yi was beautiful—effortlessly so. Her long black hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her smile was radiant, full of life. The kind of smile that could capture anyone's attention, including Lu Yan's.
Qin Lan stared at the photo, a sinking feeling settling in her chest. She had always known she was a substitute in this marriage. Lu Yan had never hidden that from her. But seeing the physical proof of it—this photo, carefully preserved and hidden away—made the reality of her situation even more painful.
She was living in the shadow of a woman she could never compete with. No matter how hard she tried, she would never be Ji Yi.
Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the mansion, startling Qin Lan. She quickly placed the photo back where she had found it and hurried out of the study, her heart racing.
By the time she reached the living room, Lu Yan was already there, shrugging off his coat and handing it to Li Min. His expression was as cold and unreadable as ever, but there was something different in his eyes tonight—something darker, more distant.
"Good evening," Qin Lan greeted him softly, trying to hide the unease that still lingered in her chest.
Lu Yan glanced at her briefly, nodding in acknowledgment. "Evening."
It was the same routine—brief pleasantries, a few moments of awkward silence, and then he would disappear into his study or his bedroom. But tonight, something stopped him from leaving.
"I have a business trip tomorrow," he said, his voice low. "I'll be gone for a week."
Qin Lan's heart sank. She knew better than to expect him to stay, but the idea of spending another week alone in this empty mansion felt unbearable.
"I see," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "Is there anything you need before you go?"
Lu Yan shook his head, his gaze already shifting away from her. "No."
And just like that, the conversation was over. He turned and walked toward the stairs, his footsteps echoing in the silence.
Qin Lan watched him go, her hands clenched at her sides. This was her life now—empty conversations, cold silences, and a husband who treated her like she didn't exist. She had signed up for this, hadn't she? She had agreed to be the substitute, the stand-in for the woman he truly loved. But as the days dragged on, the weight of that role was becoming too much to bear.
As Lu Yan disappeared up the stairs, Qin Lan let out a shaky breath. She knew she couldn't go on like this forever. Something had to change—whether it was her own resolve to find a way to survive this loveless marriage or a confrontation that would force Lu Yan to see her as more than just a shadow of his past.
But for now, all she could do was endure.
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End of Chapter 2
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