The chandelier sparkled above the grand dining room, casting soft glimmers on the polished marble floor. Laughter danced through the air as Mei Xing sat at the head of the table, her parents beaming with pride. To anyone looking in, it was the picture of perfection—elegance, grace, and an abundance of love.
Mei Xing's delicate fingers curled around her wine glass, her smile warm and effortless. She wore a silk lavender dress, tailored to perfection, and her long, jet-black hair flowed over her shoulders like a waterfall. She was the pride of the Lin family—beautiful, accomplished, and refined. Everyone in town admired her. Some even envied her.
"Your speech at the charity gala was wonderful, sweetheart," her mother, Madam Lin, said, eyes twinkling. "You've become quite the public figure."
"Thank you, Mother," Mei Xing replied modestly. "I only did what I thought was right."
Her father, Mr. Lin, nodded approvingly. "You carry the Lin name with dignity. I couldn't be prouder."
Mei Xing's heart swelled. She loved her family deeply and cherished every word of encouragement they gave. They had always supported her—every dream, every goal, every step. She was grateful beyond words.
After dinner, she walked through the rose garden behind the mansion. The petals shimmered under the moonlight, and a soft breeze kissed her skin. It was her favorite part of the estate—quiet, calm, and full of memories. She often wandered there when she needed to think, to dream, or simply to escape the noise of high society.
But tonight, as she stood beneath the blooming archway, a strange uneasiness settled in her chest. She brushed it off. Perhaps it was the fatigue of a busy week or the tension from the upcoming business merger her family had been discussing.
Just then, her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: "You don't belong there. Ask them who you really are."
Her fingers froze. Her pulse quickened.
She read the message again, heart pounding. Who could have sent such a thing? Some prankster? A jealous rival? The Lin family had enemies, sure, but this… this felt personal.
She stared at the screen for a long time before finally turning it off. She didn't want to think about it. Not tonight. Not in her perfect world.
But what she didn't know was that everything was about to change.
The perfect life she thought she had… wasn't hers to begin with.
And soon, the truth would tear her world apart.