Feng Mian sat at her vanity, carefully applying the finishing touches to her makeup. She had chosen a deep blue silk dress that complemented her figure in a way that was modest yet refined, with a delicate shimmer that caught the light just right. She adjusted the neckline, smoothing the fabric, as her gaze drifted to the reflection staring back at her. She looked poised, confident, perhaps even beautiful, but in the back of her mind, she knew she was merely dressing for a part she didn't belong to.
Tonight's dinner was a rare social gathering, one she hadn't initially planned to attend. But when Han Chen's friend personally invited her, she knew declining wasn't an option. It was the type of gathering where couples were expected to attend together, reinforcing the appearance of unity that, in her case, was a mere facade.
As she waited by the door for Han Chen, a quiet dread settled over her. She couldn't remember the last time they'd gone anywhere together. This evening felt like a test, a moment where she'd have to play the role of his wife in front of his friends, a crowd where she always felt like an outsider.
When she met Han Chen at the door, he gave her a brief glance, his gaze impassive. He wore a tailored black suit, sharp and sophisticated, and for a moment, she couldn't help but think how effortlessly handsome he looked. But he said nothing, only nodded in silent acknowledgment before they made their way to the car.
The drive was quiet, as always. Feng Mian kept her gaze fixed on the passing streets, bracing herself for the night ahead. She knew he hadn't wanted her to come, he never did. But tonight, the host was an business friend, someone who had insisted that she join him, leaving him with no choice but to bring her along.
The silence stretched between them, cold and familiar, as they drove toward the venue. She stole glances at him, wondering, not for the first time, if he even remembered that she was by his side.
She was about to speak, to make some small comment to ease the tension, but stopped herself, knowing he likely wouldn't respond. She turned her gaze to the window again, the streetlights casting fleeting shadows across her face.
They arrived at the venue, stepping into a room filled with elegant guests and the hum of conversation. Feng Mian stayed close to Han Chen as they made their way through the crowd, her smile polite but reserved. A few acquaintances greeted her, offering warm smiles and words of welcome and though Feng Mian put on her best polite smile, she felt the familiar sensation of being on the outside looking in. She caught whispers and stares, people eyeing her curiously before shifting their attention to Han Chen with respectful admiration. She knew she didn't belong in this world of wealth and status, a fact that was only made clearer as the evening wore on.
It wasn't long before she spotted her: Li Yun, Han Chen's first love, the woman she had always felt inferior to. Li Yun looks stunning tonight, draped in a sleek black dress that accentuated her graceful figure. Her skin glowed under the lights, her dark hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders, and she moved through the crowd with an ease that made her look almost ethereal. It was no wonder men looked at her with awe, drawn to her elegance and beauty. Feng Mian couldn't deny the pang of jealousy that twisted in her chest, it was easy to see why her husband cherished this woman like a precious memory.
Her gaze found Han Chen almost immediately, and Feng Mian could see the faint spark of recognition in her eyes, the subtle glint of satisfaction. Li Yun made her way over, her steps graceful, a smile on her lips as she addressed Han Chen with a familiarity that felt like a deliberate provocation. Feng Mian watched from the sidelines as they exchanged pleasantries, her stomach tightening as Han Chen's usual coldness softened just slightly around her. His colleagues noticed too, teasing him good-naturedly, their laughter echoing in the air as they hinted at an unspoken connection.
A pang of jealousy and humiliation twisted inside her. She knew Han Chen's indifference toward her, knew that he only saw her as an obligation. Yet, seeing him respond so naturally to Li Yun, so easily, was like a wound that refused to heal. She excused herself quietly, turning away to find the restroom, needing a moment to steady herself.
In the solitude of the lady's room, Feng Mian took a few steadying breaths. She gazed at herself in the mirror, smoothing her dress, pushing down the ache in her chest. When she finally felt composed, she made her way back to the gathering, determined to keep up appearances for the rest of the evening.
As she walked back, her gaze found Han Chen, standing with Li Yun and a group of friends. His expression was calm, his posture relaxed, his gaze no longer carrying the edge of irritation she was so accustomed to seeing around her. The sight made her heart clench painfully, stirring a deep sadness within her, a hollow feeling that reminded her of just how far she was from him. She tried to look away, lost in her thoughts she didn't notice the slight step down on the path, her steps faltered as she moved and her heel caught on the edge of the carpet. She stumbled forward, bracing herself for an inevitable fall.
But before she could hit the ground, strong arms wrapped around her, catching her just in time. Her heart raced as she looked up, meeting a pair of intense, steady eyes that held a glimmer of something she couldn't quite place.