[Marriage between prominent families + love that grows over time + a powerful man patiently plotting + slow-burn romance + six-year age gap + devoted husband]
Clear-headed, resilient beauty in a qipao + stern, steady family patriarch
At the one-month celebration for a close friend's daughter, Wen Nong saw her husband for the first time in three months.
Zhou Jiting was the head of the Zhou family, one of the most powerful in Jingbei. Rumor had it he was austere, cold, and old-fashioned, and no one dared cross him.
That evening, the banquet was packed with prominent figures, glasses clinked, and their eyes met beneath the crystal chandeliers, but they exchanged not a word.
Having witnessed her parents' disastrous arranged marriage, Wen Nong knew that marriages between powerful families were about extending business interests, not growing closer in love.
Aside from the marital duties they had to fulfill, she and Zhou Jiting kept out of each other's way.
Wen Nong focused on her career and played the part of “Mrs. Zhou” to perfection, considerate and obedient.
Zhou Jiting was pleased with the wife his family had chosen for him. Wen Nong was well-mannered, knew her place, and was very agreeable.
But little by little, he wanted more. He wanted Wen Nong's body and her heart.
When Wen Nong realized she had fallen for him, she knew this relationship could have no future. While away on a business trip, she returned to Italy to clear her head without leaving a single word behind.
That evening, in her hotel suite, Wen Nong opened the door and unexpectedly found herself face to face with Zhou Jiting's dark gaze. The man exuded a chill, looking like he'd just come straight from a long journey.
Zhou Jiting pinned her behind the door and kissed her until she could barely breathe. His low, restrained voice sounded by her ear. “Mrs. Zhou, why are you hiding?”
“Do you regret marrying me?”
“Mrs. Zhou, it's too late to regret it now...”
