The next morning, Li Xinyue dressed elegantly, gathering the necessary documents for her unexpected marriage registration.
The reality hit her as she looked in the mirror- she was marrying Mu Zhenyu, a man she barely new.
They shared a clear goal: using this marriage as a shield against family pressures.
When she arrived at the marriage license bureau, Mu Zhenyu was already waiting.
His tall figure cutting an imposing silhouette against the backdrop of the city.
He wore a dark suit, looking every bit the powerful CEO people whispered about. Without wasting any time, he offered her a polite nod and gestured toward the entrance.
"Shall we?"
Inside, the process moved quickly, thanks to Mu Zhenyu's meticulous preparation. He handled the paperwork efficiently, his steady presence somehow calming her nerves.
The marriage registration staff looked at them curiously, clearly sensing the formal, almost businesslike nature of the encounter. But neither of them flinched, maintaining an air of mutual understanding and quiet resolve.
As they signed the final document, Mu Zhenyu's voice broke the silence. "I have some terms to discuss now that our arrangement is official."
Li Xinyue looked at him, her gaze steady. "I'm listening."
"Firstly, we'll live separately. You'll be free to continue your life without interference, but for public appearances, we'll act as a married couple. This arrangement is for convenience, not intrusion."
She nodded, relieved. "That suits me perfectly."
"Good," he replied. "Secondly, in any social or family events, we'll attend together to keep up appearances. But outside of that, you're free to do as you please."
"Understood," she agreed, appreciating his straightforward approach. This wasn't a man interested in trapping her; he only wanted cooperation.
There was a slight pause, and Mu Zhenyu's gaze softened, just for a moment.
"If you need anything, reach out. Despit our arrangement, I'll stand by you if you're in trouble .
And that includes supporting my… wife." The last word came out evenly, but his gaze held a hint of intensity.
Caught off-guard by his unexpected offer, Li Xinyue hesitated before responding. "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."
With their agreement in place, Mu Zhenyu signaled to his assistant, who had been waiting nearby.
"Make sure Mrs. Mu's transportation is arranged," he instructed. His assistant quickly nodded, acknowledging the shift in their relationship status.
As Li Xinyue prepared to leave, Mu Zhenyu turned to her once more. "From now on, the Zhang family won't pressure you. If they do, let me know."
There was a strange comfort in his words, a reassurance that she hadn't expected. As she walked away, she couldn't help but feel a faint sense of liberation. This wasn't love, but it was freedom of a kind she'd never had before.
As she stepped into the waiting car, Li Xinyue let out a deep breath ,feeling a sense of calm wash over her.
The driver couldn't help but steal glances at her through the rearview mirror, curious about their new Madam.
When their eyes met, he looked away, slightly flustered. " Where to madam", he asked.
Take me to the Zhang residence, Xinyue replied
For the first time in years, she fel empowered, like she had a choice and a chance to forge her own path.
The journey ahead was uncertain, but with her new identity and her new found alliance,
she felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.