Qin Lan sat on the edge of the bed, the photographs spread out in front of her like a puzzle she didn't want to solve. Her mind replayed the images over and over, each one cutting deeper into her already fragile heart. Lu Yan—her husband, the man who had sworn to stand by her—was seen with another woman. The intimacy in the photos was undeniable.
She had known from the start that their marriage had been built on shaky ground, but she had foolishly believed that perhaps, over time, they could make it real. The love she thought was beginning to bloom between them now felt like a cruel joke.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her spiraling thoughts. It was a message from Lu Yan: Can't wait to see you tonight. Don't forget we have that dinner with the investors.
Qin Lan stared at the words, bile rising in her throat. How could he act so normal? So casual? Did he really think she wouldn't find out?
Her fingers hovered over the screen as she fought the urge to confront him then and there. But no—this wasn't a conversation to have over text. She needed to look him in the eyes when she demanded the truth.
For hours, Qin Lan tried to distract herself, but her mind kept returning to the mysterious photos. Who was that woman? The way they looked at each other in the images—there was a familiarity that gnawed at Qin Lan's insides. Was she Lu Yan's white moonlight, the one who had never truly left his heart?
By the time the evening rolled around, Qin Lan felt numb. She dressed in silence, choosing a sleek black dress that clung to her figure—one that Lu Yan had once complimented her on. Tonight, she would confront him, but not until after the dinner. She needed to keep her composure in front of the investors, even if her insides were crumbling.
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When Lu Yan arrived to pick her up, his expression lit up with a smile. "You look incredible," he said, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek. His touch was warm, familiar, but to Qin Lan, it now felt like a lie.
"Thanks," she replied, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
As they sat in the car, the atmosphere between them felt heavy, though Lu Yan didn't seem to notice. He chatted about the dinner, the importance of closing this deal, how they would need to charm the investors. Qin Lan nodded along, barely hearing his words. Her mind was elsewhere—on the envelope, the photographs, and the confrontation that would come later.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Qin Lan plastered on a practiced smile, slipping into the role of the perfect wife. She greeted the investors with grace, engaged in polite conversation, and laughed at all the right moments. But inside, she was a storm of emotions, barely holding it together.
Lu Yan seemed completely at ease, the consummate businessman. His charm was undeniable as he smoothly guided the conversation, impressing the investors with his vision for the company. To anyone else, he was the picture of confidence and control.
But Qin Lan knew better now. She knew there was a side of him he had kept hidden—a side she was about to confront.
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The dinner dragged on, each course feeling like a lifetime. Finally, as dessert was served, Qin Lan felt her patience fraying. She couldn't keep up the charade any longer. She had to know.
As the dinner ended and they said their goodbyes to the investors, Qin Lan felt her pulse quicken. The moment of truth was near.
They returned to the car in silence, Lu Yan none the wiser to the storm brewing inside his wife. Once they were back in the apartment, Qin Lan's hands trembled as she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself for what was to come.
Lu Yan loosened his tie, glancing over at her. "You were amazing tonight," he said, his voice warm. "We really made a great impression. I think they'll go for the deal."
Qin Lan swallowed hard, her hands tightening into fists. "I need to ask you something," she said quietly, her voice barely steady.
Lu Yan frowned, his gaze sharpening. "What is it?"
She walked over to the coffee table where she had left the photographs and picked them up, her heart pounding in her chest. "I got these today," she said, holding them up for him to see.
Lu Yan's face changed instantly. The color drained from his cheeks as his eyes landed on the photos. He reached for them, but Qin Lan pulled them back, her voice shaking with anger.
"Who is she, Lu Yan?" she demanded, her voice rising. "Who is this woman?"
Lu Yan's jaw tightened, his expression hardening. "Where did you get those?" he asked, his tone clipped.
"That's not the question you should be answering right now," Qin Lan snapped. "I want to know who she is! Why were you with her?"
For a moment, Lu Yan said nothing, his eyes dark and unreadable. Finally, he let out a long breath, running a hand through his hair. "It's not what you think."
Qin Lan's heart hammered in her chest. "Then tell me what it is! Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you've been lying to me this whole time!"
Lu Yan's face twisted with frustration as he stepped closer to her, his voice low. "She's no one, Lan. She's from my past. It's over."
Qin Lan shook her head, tears pricking at her eyes. "Don't lie to me. I saw the way you looked at her in these photos. You don't look at someone like that if it's over."
Lu Yan clenched his fists, his jaw tight. "I swear to you, it's nothing. She's just... someone I knew a long time ago. Someone who showed up when I didn't expect it."
Qin Lan's voice wavered. "Was she the reason you married me? Was I just... a substitute for her?"
Lu Yan's silence was all the answer she needed.
Qin Lan felt the floor drop out from under her. The truth had been there all along, but she hadn't wanted to see it. She was never meant to be Lu Yan's wife—she was only filling the space in his heart that had belonged to someone else.
Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Not now. Not in front of him. "I thought you were starting to care about me," she whispered. "I thought maybe... we could make this work."
Lu Yan's expression softened, a flash of guilt crossing his face. "I do care about you, Lan. I swear I do. But..." He trailed off, his voice faltering.
"But you love her," Qin Lan finished for him, her voice breaking.
Lu Yan said nothing, his silence speaking volumes.
Qin Lan's heart shattered as she turned away from him, the weight of his confession crashing down on her. She had been right all along—she had always been second in his heart, no matter how hard she had tried to deny it.
"I can't do this anymore," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I can't live in someone else's shadow."
Lu Yan reached for her, his hand hovering over her shoulder. "Lan—"
"Don't," she snapped, pulling away from him. "Just... don't."
Without another word, Qin Lan walked into the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.
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End of Chapter 19
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