Volume One, Chapter Six: Sovereignty

In that instant, Jiang Wan’s memories were pulled back to three years ago. Back then, she was entwined with him in the darkness. He sensed her tension, held back his own loss of control, and kissed her gently, whispering soothing words in her ear again and again.

But now, the man who once escorted her to paradise had dragged her down into hell once more. The same face, yet it was no longer what she remembered. His eyes were lowered, his expression vicious.

Jiang Wan hated him so much her teeth clenched.

“Get out!” she commanded in a low voice, her eyes full of disgust.

The man behind her acted as though he hadn’t heard, the crimson in his eyes spreading, as if he were about to unleash carnage.

“Get out?” Lu Wenzhou sneered coldly, his voice dangerously deep. “Call someone over?” He threatened her with his actions, showing not a shred of gentleness.

Her wedding dress was crushed beneath his leather shoes. He was like a beast lurking in the shadows, finally released to feed without restraint, leaving nothing behind.

The hatred she had buried in her heart now spilled over madly.

Jiang Wan bit down hard, wishing she could grind him to dust.

The anger in her eyes provoked Lu Wenzhou all the more, as if he needed to prove something. His dark gaze locked onto her, dominance and ownership clear in his expression.

Jiang Wan was furious and resentful.

The silent battle continued.

Until—

The sound of the door handle turning, accompanied by a staff member’s voice.

“Miss Jiang?”

The call startled Jiang Wan, making every muscle tense. Even with the curtain separating them, her heart was in her throat, blocking her voice.

The man behind her was no better. His jaw was tight, a sheen of sweat forming on his brow.

“Are you alright?” The staff sensed something strange and stepped in a bit further. “Young Master Gu is still adjusting his suit; he asked me to check on you.”

Jiang Wan’s heart settled slightly. When she spoke, her voice trembled.

“I’m fine... Please, let me be alone a little longer.”

The staff paused for a few seconds. Hearing the quiver in her tone, they assumed she’d learned some distressing truth about the wedding dress and was quietly crying.

The staff member looked down, feeling guilty. “I’ll go check on Young Master Gu then.”

Once the staff left, Jiang Wan finally regained her freedom.

The man stood behind her, his expression unnatural, his aura still overpowering.

Lu Wenzhou straightened his clothes, his gaze cold as it swept over her reflection in the mirror.

Her graceful body was as alluring as ever. The innocence of youth had faded, replaced by a vibrant beauty. She was in full bloom, a rose dazzling and resplendent.

“You can’t erase the marks of the past,” Lu Wenzhou said, turning his gaze away and fastening the loose cuff of his shirt. “Your body remembers more clearly than you do—remembers who it belongs to.”

With that, he strode toward the exit.

Lu Wenzhou’s arrogance was beyond Jiang Wan’s imagination, and it made her laugh bitterly.

“It belongs only to me,” she retorted, teeth clenched. “I can give it to whomever I wish. It’s not a one-time thing.”

Lu Wenzhou paused for a moment as he lifted the curtain. His steps stopped, but after a brief hesitation, he continued forward.

Once he left, Jiang Wan’s strength seemed to drain away. She collapsed onto her wedding dress.

Seeing the pristine fabric stained with blood, she clenched her fists in annoyance.

*

When Gu Huaixu arrived, the staff were cleaning the wedding dress, and Jiang Wan had changed into her own clothes, sitting pale-faced to the side.

“Sweetheart, is it that time of the month?” He strode over, sat down, and took her hand.

Jiang Wan’s fingers were cold, and she nodded awkwardly.

“But it just ended at the end of the month, didn’t it?” Gu Huaixu frowned, clearly displeased. He had chosen the wedding date specifically to avoid her cycle for their wedding night.

“It’s probably because I’ve been busy and stressed, preparing for the wedding...” Jiang Wan worried he might overthink, or worse, change his mind. She covered his hand, softening her voice, “Honey, I’m sorry. I didn’t expect this either. I’ve always been regular before.”

The gentle call soothed Gu Huaixu’s heart, scratching at his feelings. His mood, once troubled, began to improve.

He sighed, both helpless and frustrated. “Sweetheart, you’re really going to torture me!”

Love and annoyance mingled in his tone.

Jiang Wan looked innocent. “Just bear with it for a few more days. When the time comes—”

Before she could finish, Gu Huaixu interrupted, “Silly girl, then you’ll help me in other ways, won’t you?”

He squeezed her hand meaningfully.

Jiang Wan didn’t answer, only pretended to be shy, lowering her head.

The fire in Gu Huaixu’s heart ignited instantly, burning him inside out.

He embraced Jiang Wan tightly, wishing to fuse her into himself.

But the Jiang Wan in his arms, resting her chin on his shoulder, her beautiful peach blossom eyes were void of any tenderness.

Her cycle could only delay things for a week; she needed to think of another solution.

Once the sizes for all the wedding outfits were finalized, Gu Huaixu took Jiang Wan’s hand and led her out of the VIP fitting room. They prepared to head to their next destination.

Just as they entered the main hall, they saw Lu Wenzhou emerge from the corridor opposite.

“Uncle Lu?” Gu Huaixu recognized him at once and led Jiang Wan over. “I thought I saw someone who looked like you earlier, but I didn’t expect it really was you.” He spoke in a relaxed, familiar tone, smiling at Lu Wenzhou. “Thanks to your advice last night, my new proposal has been approved.”

“Mm,” Lu Wenzhou responded indifferently. His face was expressionless, his gaze swept coldly over Jiang Wan.

She lowered her eyes, never looking at him again. Her hand, entwined with Gu Huaixu’s, squeezed a little tighter unconsciously.

Sensing her unease, Gu Huaixu defended her. “Don’t take offense, Uncle Lu. My sweetheart isn’t feeling well—trying on outfit after outfit has exhausted her.”

“Is that so?” Lu Wenzhou’s voice was muffled, tinged with disdain. “What’s the matter?”

“Oh, just women’s things.” Gu Huaixu changed the subject, asking, “Are you here to order outfits too, Uncle Lu? Great taste—this shop is the best in Rong City...”

He didn’t finish his sentence.

A stunning figure approached behind Lu Wenzhou.

“I recommended it to Wenzhou,” Lin Zhi said, stopping at his side.

All four stood facing each other, and the atmosphere shifted instantly.

Gu Huaixu was stunned for two seconds.

“Wen... Wenzhou?” Seeing the faint crease between Lu Wenzhou’s brows, Lin Zhi corrected herself, “Are you satisfied, Mr. Lu?”

She turned to smile at Lu Wenzhou, openly displaying her affection in her eyes.