Chapter 3: Unwelcome Consequences

Xìng Ruò barely had time to process the events of the night before her father’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

“Where were you?”

The moment she stepped into the grand yet suffocating silence of the Xìng family estate, she knew she was in trouble.

Her father, Xìng Wéiyán (幸威严), sat in the main hall, his expression as cold and unreadable as ever. The dim glow of the antique chandelier cast sharp shadows over his face, making his already stern features even harsher.

Ruò lowered her gaze. “The rain started while I was in the library. I had to wait for it to stop.”

It wasn’t a lie. Not entirely.

Her father exhaled, setting down his tea cup. “You should have called the driver. Instead, you returned home soaking wet, hours late. That is unacceptable.”

She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.

This was how it always was.

No concern for her well-being. No questions about whether she was okay. Only disappointment that she hadn’t followed his strict rules to the letter.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured.

Xìng Wéiyán studied her for a long moment. “I expect better from you, Ruò. You are my daughter. The heir to this family’s legacy. Do not forget that.”

She bit her lip. “Yes, Father.”

Without another word, he dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

Ruò bowed slightly before turning on her heel, heading straight for her room.

But just as she reached the top of the grand staircase, her younger half-brother’s voice drifted from the shadows.

“You’re lying.”

She froze.

Xìng Jùn (幸骏) stepped forward, leaning casually against the wooden railing. His face bore the same sharp, aristocratic features as their father, but unlike Xìng Wéiyán, his eyes gleamed with amusement rather than cold authority.

He was only a year younger than her, yet he had always carried himself with the arrogance of someone who knew he would never have to try too hard. Being the son of their father’s second wife gave him a certain untouchable status.

Ruò narrowed her eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Jùn smirked. “Oh, come on, Ruò-jie. I saw you.”

Her stomach dropped.

“What?”

“I was coming back from my own... outing.” He tilted his head. “Imagine my surprise when I saw my oh-so-perfect sister getting off a motorcycle. And not just any motorcycle—Lóng Yì’s motorcycle.”

Her breath caught.

Jùn chuckled. “I wonder what Father would say if he knew.”

Ruò’s heart pounded. “You wouldn’t.”

He gave a lazy shrug. “Depends. What’s it worth to you?”

She glared at him. “Jùn, this isn’t a game.”

“For me, it is.” He grinned. “But don’t worry, I won’t tell Father... yet. It’s much more interesting to see what you’ll do next.”

With that, he turned and disappeared down the hallway, leaving her standing there, pulse racing.

Damn it.

This was bad.

Really badThe Next Morning

Xìng Ruò barely slept that night.

When morning came, she forced herself out of bed, dressed in her neatly pressed uniform, and made her way to school.

The whispers started the moment she stepped onto campus.

“She was with him?”

“I heard he drove her home on his bike.”

“Since when do top students hang out with guys like Lóng Yì?”

Her stomach twisted.

She kept her head high, walking straight to her locker.

But just as she reached for her books, a familiar voice cut through the noise.

“Well, well. Didn’t take long for the rumors to spread, huh?”

She turned.

Lóng Yì leaned lazily against the lockers, arms crossed, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.

Unlike her, he didn’t seem fazed at all.

If anything, he looked amused.

Ruò tightened her grip on her books. “This is your fault.”

His smirk widened. “Oh? I don’t recall forcing you onto my bike.”

Her cheeks burned. “People are talking.”

“They’ll get bored eventually.” He shrugged. “Or maybe they won’t. Either way, who cares?”

She frowned. “I care.”

Lóng Yì’s gaze flickered over her face, and for a brief moment, something unreadable passed through his expression.

Then, just as quickly, it was gone.

“Relax, princess.” He leaned in slightly, voice dropping. “Unless, of course, you’re worried about what your father might think.”

Her breath hitched.

How did he—?

His smirk returned, but there was something sharper behind it now. “Your family’s reputation means everything to you, doesn’t it?”

Ruò’s throat tightened. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“Maybe.” He stepped back, slipping his hands into his pockets. “But I do know this—you’re not as boring as you pretend to be.”

Before she could reply, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing there, heart pounding.

She hated that he was right.

She hated that he saw through her.

But most of all... she hated that part of her didn’t want to stay away.

And that terrified her more than anything.

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