Huai Xi: A Long-Plotting Love

My ex had his arms around his new girlfriend as he mocked me. “A goody-goody like you is destined to end up alone.”

I turned and walked into the booth next door, then kissed the most powerful man in Haicheng.

“Pretend to be my boyfriend. Name your price.”

He stubbed out his cigarette with a soft laugh. “Marry me, and I’ll make them cry.”

Later, at our engagement party, my ex asked me with red-rimmed eyes how I could possibly have won.

My new husband lowered his head and toyed with my wedding ring.

“Because the day she slipped strawberry candies into my desk, ten years ago, you had already lost. Completely.”