A Lover in Name Only

Arranged marriage to love + groveling for her back + bittersweet unrequited love

(1)

The most outrageous thing Wen Lanqing ever did was scheme to force Liang Yi to break up with the childhood sweetheart she'd been with for ten years. Wen Lanqing and Liang Yi registered their marriage, making Liang Yi her own.

On their wedding day, when the officiant asked, "In sickness and in health, will you love and cherish her until death do you part?" Liang Yi took the microphone and, in front of everyone, said to the woman who was supposed to be her wife:

"Wen Lanqing, I will never love you or cherish you. I hope death tears us apart as soon as possible."

Wen Lanqing smiled faintly. In the deathly silence, she slid a ring onto Liang Yi's finger and kissed the back of her hand.

(2)

This marriage, which had never been blessed, lasted only three years.

Wen Lanqing was the one who wanted to marry her, and Wen Lanqing was the one who agreed to divorce. After all those years of trying, she still hadn't managed to soften Liang Yi's heart even a little. At last, Wen Lanqing's heart was broken, and she was willing to set Liang Yi free.

"Go. Be with the person you truly love. No matter what, I hope you find happiness."

"It's too late, Wen Lanqing. Things have changed. Do you think she and I can go back to how we were? You ruined everything."

"Do you hate me?"

"Hate you? Don't flatter yourself."

Liang Yi tightened her grip on the umbrella, pretending that all the affection and protection had been nothing but false affection and deceit.

Could someone like Wen Lanqing really have a sincere heart?

Wen Lanqing loved no one. She only loved herself.

(3)

Wen Lanqing disappeared from Liang Yi's life, and Liang Yi's heart remained empty for many years.

When they met again, Liang Yi confronted Wen Lanqing face-to-face over everything that had happened between them. Punishing kisses fell like raindrops.

Wen Lanqing's gaze was indifferent, without a trace of affection or longing. "What makes you think I'd give you another chance?"

"Hate me all you want. It's not as if I love you that much anyway. I only feel guilty toward you."

"We're adults. We bear the consequences of our own choices in love. You don't have to do this."

"Wen Lanqing, you can't drive me crazy and then go back to your life as if nothing happened."

Wen Lanqing tossed her own words back at her lightly. "Why not, Liang Yi? Don't flatter yourself."

Theme: Sincere love, steadfastly staying by each other's side.