Chapter 149: Family Turmoil, Unexpected
Gu Lingzi's once sleek, straight hair was now tied into a loose bun atop her head, adorned with a delicate silver butterfly earring dangling from her left ear. Her makeup was strikingly bold, with pink lipstick adding an alluring charm to her appearance.
A satisfied smile graced her lips, radiating a sense of triumph.
"Second Young Mistress, you look absolutely stunning today," the maids chimed in, their voices dripping with flattery.
Gu Lingzi basked in their praise, twirling in front of the mirror as she admired her reflection. The happiness on her face was undeniable, and her eyes sparkled with anticipation. Marrying Ye Tianlin was the culmination of her efforts—a hard-won victory that would make her the envy of every woman. This was the proudest moment of her life.
Her smile deepened, her gaze growing more entranced by the image in the mirror.
A polite knock on the door interrupted her reverie. Moments later, the door opened. Gu Lingzi glanced toward it, her smile broadening as she stood up, lifting the hem of her dress to hurry toward the door. She took the arm of the person who entered, planting a light kiss on their cheek. "Daddy, Mommy," she greeted sweetly.
Mr. and Mrs. Gu gazed at their daughter with warmth and pride. "Our little Lingzi is all grown up and getting married…" Mrs. Gu said, tears of joy welling in her eyes.
"Daddy, Mommy…" Gu Lingzi wrapped her arms around her father's neck, leaning her head on his shoulder affectionately. "I'll be so happy—so very happy," she murmured, her eyes shining with determination.
Mr. Gu patted her arm reassuringly, his gaze drifting toward the doorway. "Tianlin, you're here," he remarked.
Ye Tianlin had been standing silently outside the room, his expression unreadable as he watched the Gu family share their emotional moment. His dark eyes betrayed a hint of disdain.
"Daddy, Mommy, could you leave us for a while? I'd like to have a moment alone with Tianlin." Gu Lingzi turned toward her parents with a smile, her voice soft and coaxing. It had been difficult to see Ye Tianlin lately; if not for today's photo shoot, she doubted she'd have this chance at all.
The couple exchanged a knowing smile. "This girl," Mrs. Gu chuckled as she walked toward the door with her husband.
As they reached the threshold, Mr. Gu turned back to address Ye Tianlin. "Tianlin, after marrying Lingzi, you'd better treat her well. Otherwise, I won't let you off easily."
"Of course," Ye Tianlin replied mechanically, his voice devoid of emotion. His sharp gaze followed the couple's retreating figures, a fleeting glint of malice flashing in his eyes.
Once the door closed, the room grew silent. The tension between Gu Lingzi and Ye Tianlin thickened, the atmosphere heavy and stifling.
Gu Lingzi stepped closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Tianlin, don't you think I look beautiful today?" she asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.
Ye Tianlin's gaze darkened as he studied her. Her makeup and dress exuded an almost ethereal allure, like a temptress trying to ensnare the world in her spell.
"You look stunning," he replied, his thin lips curving into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. His usually cold eyes held a brief flicker of light.
But just as she moved closer, his attention shifted abruptly to his suit jacket. Disgust flickered across his face as he noticed a speck of dirt on it. Without hesitation, he shrugged off the jacket and tossed it onto the floor, his movements deliberate and disdainful.
"I have other matters to attend to. I'll be leaving now," he announced flatly.
Gu Lingzi's smile froze. She couldn't comprehend his indifference, but the icy pain it brought was sharp and cutting. Her breathing grew uneven as she struggled to mask her vulnerability. No matter what, she was determined to win his heart.
"Tianlin, wait!" she called, hurrying after him.
As Ye Tianlin opened the door, a sudden crash rang out behind him. He turned just in time to see Gu Lingzi sprawled on the floor, a fallen lamp shattered beside her. The heavy base had struck her back, leaving her gasping for air.
Despite the sharp pang of annoyance that flashed through him, Ye Tianlin quickly closed the door and rushed to her side. He helped her up, his tone feigning concern. "Are you hurt?"
"Don't touch me!" Gu Lingzi cried, tears streaming down her face. She flailed her arms, trying to push him away.
But this time, Ye Tianlin held her firmly, refusing to let go. "Stop this. Where are you hurt?" he demanded coldly.
"You don't care about me! You don't love me!" Gu Lingzi sobbed, her voice cracking as she lashed out. Her tears flowed freely, each one a calculated weapon aimed at his defenses. She was determined to claim his heart, no matter the cost.
Ye Tianlin's jaw tightened as he suppressed the wave of irritation rising within him. He picked her up and placed her gently on a plush chair, his voice low but steady. "Does it hurt? Tell me where."
Gu Lingzi clung to him, her sobs growing softer as her body relaxed. "Tianlin… promise me you won't ignore me anymore. We're about to be married. Shouldn't we be honest with each other?"
Ye Tianlin's patience wore thin. Standing up abruptly, he muttered, "I'll get you some medicine."
"Tianlin!" Her voice trembled as she reached out for him. "Do you hate me that much?"
Pausing mid-step, he turned his head slightly, his gaze sharp and cold. "Don't overthink it."
"You're lying," she accused bitterly. "You only tolerate me because of my family's company. Without the Gu family's support, the Ye family would've collapsed long ago."
His expression darkened, his clenched fists trembling with barely restrained fury. Turning his back to her, he muttered, "You're rambling. I'll bring the medicine."
"Tianlin, if you ever dare to love another woman, I'll drag you down with me!" she shouted after him, her voice venomous and unyielding. "Remember, I mean it!"
Ye Tianlin stopped, his back to her. After a long pause, he replied coolly, "I'll remember. I hope you do too."
Gu Lingzi watched as he disappeared through the doorway, her body trembling with rage. A bitter smile spread across her face, followed by a low chuckle. Then, she began to laugh uncontrollably, her voice echoing through the empty room.
"Ye Tianlin, you'll regret this," she whispered to herself, her laughter fading as she composed herself in front of the mirror. Adjusting her makeup, she transformed once more into the perfect bride-to-be.