Those people throwing stones at her, her father’s old friends offering to support her, and men making inappropriate advances… from being held in the palm of others’ hands to falling into the mud like a fallen flower, petals battered by wind and rain, unable to flutter…
She rubbed her eyes forcefully; they were sore and swollen. But not a single tear could fall.
She is a woman, yes, but she will revive her father’s business. No matter the cost, no matter how difficult or tiring, no matter how big the gamble is, there’s nothing left to lose in her life!
Amy, a young woman struck by reality, chose a more stumbling path on her already difficult journey.
This was the path she used to disdain the most-a marriage with the goal of exchanging benefits, not for love but for absolute unhappy matrimony.
But if she doesn’t take this path, how will she know if it leads anywhere? How will she know what’s at the other end of the road?
All she relies on is luck and courage!
Amy has the courage to walk this path. She believes that Lucas won’t go so far as to take her life, as long as she follows the rules of the game, guards a marriage, it shouldn’t be too difficult.
The sunlight blankets everything, shining through the vintage hotel entrance.
Amy stands by the entrance, her hair pinned up, wearing a crystal hairpin, no makeup, dressed in yesterday’s cheongsam. With her exquisite Oriental beauty, she draws the attention of all the men around. People occasionally come over to strike up a conversation, but she stands quietly in the sunlight, like a finely crafted porcelain beauty, devoid of any smiles.
Her luggage was taken away, and she’s left with only this dress to wear. She doesn’t like it because the slit by her leg is too large, almost reaching the important parts. Men whistle at her legs, making her embarrassed.
Suddenly, a black suit is draped over her, with the unique scent of a man, covering down to her perky buttocks.
She turns her head in surprise, only to see a tall man, one hand in his pocket, the other around her slender waist. His sharply defined face, deep-sea-like eyes, calmly gaze outside the glass door without glancing at her.
“Lucas,” she unconsciously whispers.
He gently pats her waist, guiding her down the steps. “Amy, you shouldn’t dress like this.”
Amy’s heart skipped a beat; this man’s dominance made her somewhat uneasy.
“I only have this one outfit, Mr. Smith, and also, let’s talk,” she stopped in her tracks, and he released his grip, turning to face her, his deep gaze fixed on her eyes.
“Amy, I only have an hour to handle our affairs. You’d better be quick,” Lucas said without mincing words.
Amy had never encountered such a man. Most men she had met appeared polite or cultured, or sometimes pretended to be refined. But this man could make people fall into the vast depths of his eyes at a glance. He was handsome yet domineering, exuding a sharp and aggressive aura, unapologetically possessive.
Amy wondered if his gaze was directed at all women or just her.
“Amy, let’s go,” he took his eyes off her and started walking, his steps steady and composed.
“Walking?” Amy followed behind him. Her high heels were too high, and with his long legs, she couldn’t keep up.
“You can take a cab.”
He said it casually, leaving her even more conflicted. What kind of man was he?
“I don’t have a passport. How do I register?” she shouted after him.
“That should be my concern. You just need to be quiet and obedient,” he replied without looking back. Amy waved her fist at his retreating back, genuinely wanting to throw a high-heeled shoe at his head.
They crossed the street and entered a shopping mall, surprising Amy. He led her straight to the women’s clothing section. Amy hadn’t set foot in a place like this for six months.
He went straight past everything and stopped at a counter. The display was full of black and white tones. He reached out and grabbed a white-striped dress, then turned to give it to her.
“Go change,” he said, his deep gaze carrying an inscrutable light.
The dress was made of pure cotton, with a boat neckline and an A-line hem. It had a thin black crystal belt at the waist, accentuating her figure while keeping her covered. It was a subtle allure.
Standing in the fitting room, Amy hesitated for a long time before reluctantly coming out. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. She hesitated for a moment before pushing the door open.
He turned around, looking her up and down. Suddenly, he stepped inside, closing the door behind them, locking the two of them inside the fitting room.
In the narrow space, they stood facing each other. Amy’s breath suddenly became erratic.