Zi Yan sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the reflection in the mirror across from her. The truth had finally come to light, but instead of feeling relief, a heavy weight pressed down on her chest.
She was the lost heiress of the Zi and Bai families.
She had been taken as a child.
And now, someone powerful didn't want her to return.
Her fingers curled into the soft fabric of the sheets. Who had stolen her all those years ago? Why had they hidden her? And most importantly—why were they still trying to stop her from reclaiming her rightful place?
A sharp knock at the door pulled her out of her thoughts.
"Zi Yan, open the door."
Lu Yichen's deep voice sent a ripple through her. For a brief moment, she considered ignoring him. She wasn't angry at him exactly, but a part of her still felt unsettled. He had known the truth before she did. He had kept it from her. She understood why, but it didn't erase the frustration.
Another knock. "Zi Yan."
She sighed and got up, unlocking the door. Lu Yichen stepped inside, his sharp eyes immediately scanning her face.
"You haven't slept," he observed.
She crossed her arms. "How can I?"
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he took a step closer, his presence filling the room. "I understand."
Zi Yan scoffed. "Do you?"
Lu Yichen's gaze darkened slightly, but he didn't get angry. "I wouldn't say it if I didn't."
She bit her lip. There was so much she wanted to say—so many emotions tangled in her chest. But in the end, only one thing mattered.
"Lu Yichen," she said slowly, looking straight into his eyes. "If you really understand, then don't hide anything from me again."
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then, he nodded. "Alright."
It wasn't a grand promise, but it was enough for now.
"Did you come here for something?" she asked, trying to push aside her emotions.
Lu Yichen's expression hardened. "I have news."
Zi Yan tensed. "What happened?"
"Wang Yin is making a move."
A chill ran down her spine. "What do you mean?"
Lu Yichen sat on the couch, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. "The Wang family has been in contact with people in the underground world. They're hiring someone."
Zi Yan's stomach twisted. "To kill me?"
Lu Yichen's gaze turned cold. "If they dared, they'd already be dead."
His words sent a shiver down her spine. The calm way he spoke of death reminded her just how dangerous he really was.
"But they are trying something," he continued. "I don't have all the details yet, but we need to be prepared."
Zi Yan clenched her fists. "I won't run. If they want to fight, I'll face them head-on."
Lu Yichen smirked slightly. "I thought you'd say that."
Before she could respond, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and picked up.
"What is it?" he asked.
Zi Yan watched his expression carefully. It didn't change, but his eyes turned sharp.
"Understood," he said before hanging up.
He turned to her. "They've set a trap."
Zi Yan narrowed her eyes. "Where?"
"A charity event tomorrow night. The Wang family is hosting it, and they sent you a personal invitation."
Her heart pounded. A public event. That meant they wouldn't try anything obvious. But if they had planned something, it had to be subtle and dangerous.
Lu Yichen stood up. "You're not going."
Zi Yan crossed her arms. "Yes, I am."
"Zi Yan."
"I said I won't run," she said firmly. "If I hide, they'll think I'm weak. I need to face them."
Lu Yichen sighed, rubbing his temples. "You're stubborn."
"And you're overprotective."
He gave her a long look before finally nodding. "Fine. But I'm coming with you."
Zi Yan smirked. "I'd expect nothing less."
The tension in the room eased slightly, but the weight of tomorrow's event still loomed over them.
The next night, Zi Yan arrived at the Wang family's charity gala dressed in a sleek, black evening gown. Her beauty was striking, her presence commanding. As soon as she stepped inside, all eyes turned to her.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
"That's Zi Yan?"
"The lost heiress?"
"Why is she here?"
Zi Yan ignored them, keeping her head high as she walked through the grand hall. Lu Yichen was by her side, his presence like a wall of steel, keeping any potential threats at bay.
Across the room, Wang Yin was standing with Guo Bao. When she noticed Zi Yan, a sharp smirk crossed her lips.
"So, she really came," Wang Yin murmured.
Guo Bao frowned. "Is it really wise to make a move here?"
Wang Yin took a sip of her champagne. "You still don't understand, do you? I don't need to kill her. I just need to ruin her."
She glanced toward the back of the room, where a group of journalists had gathered. Everything was already in place.
Lu Yichen leaned in close to Zi Yan. "Be careful."
"I always am," she replied.
But even as she said the words, she knew tonight wouldn't be easy.
As the night continued, guests moved about the hall, chatting and sipping expensive wine. Zi Yan remained alert, her instincts warning her that something was about to happen.
"Miss Zi, may I have a word?" A reporter suddenly appeared before her, microphone in hand.
Zi Yan glanced at him. "Yes?"
The man smiled. "There have been rumors that your engagement with Guo Bao was broken because you had an affair. Would you like to comment?"
The room fell silent.
Zi Yan's expression didn't change. She had expected this.
Before she could answer, another reporter stepped forward. "Miss Zi, there are also claims that you've been using Lu Yichen to climb the social ladder. Some say you seduced him."
A cold wave passed through the crowd. Lu Yichen's face darkened instantly.
Zi Yan, however, remained calm.
"Is that what people are saying?" she said softly.
The reporters nodded eagerly, waiting for her response.
Zi Yan smiled slightly and took a step forward. "I see. Then let me clear up the rumors."
The crowd held their breath.
"My engagement with Guo Bao ended because he cheated on me with Wang Yin. As for climbing the social ladder?" Her gaze swept over the room. "I was born into the Zi and Bai families. I don't need to climb anywhere. I am already at the top."
The room erupted into murmurs.
"And as for seducing Lu Yichen…" Zi Yan's eyes glowed with confidence. "I don't need to seduce anyone. If someone loves me, it's because of who I am. Not because of schemes or tricks."
The reporters hesitated. The trap had been set, but Zi Yan had dodged it flawlessly.
Lu Yichen suddenly stepped forward and pulled Zi Yan close. "Let me make one thing clear," he said, his voice like steel. "Zi Yan is my woman. Anyone who tries to slander her is my enemy."
The threat was clear.
Wang Yin, watching from the side, clenched her fists. Zi Yan had once again escaped her trap.
But this wasn't over.
She would make sure Zi Yan fell.
No matter what it took.
Author's Note: sorry for the mixup on the name. Zi Yan - Zi Ning