Chapter 7

I got married.

But the man standing next to me wasn’t the boy who’d been with me for five years.

Within a month of Ryan running away, I’d married a wealthy man I’d only known for a few days.

Ethan Brown and I stood in front of the camera, an awkward distance between us—we didn’t look like a couple at all.

“What’s with you two lovebirds? Get closer!” The photographer couldn’t help but complain.

Ethan Brown slowly inched toward me. I could smell the faint scent of his cologne.

“Smile for me, you two!”

And so, an excruciatingly awkward wedding photo was taken.

Staring at the red marriage certificate in my hand, my heart ached.

Today was supposed to be the day Ryan and I officially became husband and wife.

But now, everything had changed.

“We have the certificate. What’s next?” I shook the marriage certificate in my hand.

Oh right! I had something important to do—I needed to post on Moments.

I was sure someone would tell Ryan about it.

I typed a caption, took a photo of the certificate cover, and wrote:

“After all the twists and turns, it’s still you.”

I hit send.

Ryan Smith, you think only you can have a first love? Well, I’ll play your game.

Sure enough, within minutes, my WeChat and phone were blowing up.

“Aaaaaah! Yuanyuan, what’s going on?!” Luna’s scream came through the phone.

I didn’t know how to explain, so I promised to tell her everything the next time we met.

My mom called too. I was so annoyed I hung up immediately.

Her scolding that day still left a bitter taste—I couldn’t forgive her for it.

“Ms. Gu.”

Ethan Brown paused.

“Or should I call you ‘wife’ now?” His gaze fell on me.

“W-What?” I stammered, suddenly flustered.

Iris White, get a grip! This is embarrassing!

Ethan Brown seemed amused by my awkwardness.

“Yuan’er—how does that nickname sound?” He tilted his head slightly.

“Ethan Brown!” I’d had enough.

“Alright, I’ll stop teasing you,” he said, his smile fading.

“Tomorrow’s task: meeting the elder at home.”

I clenched the hem of my clothes, feeling anxious.

Having to pretend in front of the chairman of Haishi Group—the most powerful man in the family—how could I not be nervous?

Two weeks ago, I never would’ve imagined that a regular office worker like me would become the daughter-in-law of Haishi Group.

“Let’s go eat,” Ethan Brown said suddenly.

“Do we still need to put on an act when we’re alone?” I asked, confused.

Ethan Brown gave me a sideways glance.

“Ms. Gu, I’m the one calling the shots here.”

Ugh, fine—you’re the boss, you win.

“Of course, Mr. Wen. I’ll listen to you,” I said, forcing a flirty smile.