The Third Year of Unrequited Longing

[Marriage first, love later / Not your typical love-stealing story / The male lead is restrained and meticulously scheming at first, then turns dark and loses control, becoming deeply devoted and possessive.] Crown Prince Yan Jingshen died in battle, and Jiang Yunxi, his betrothed, fell from her pedestal. At her most desperate, it was the usually carefree and unruly second prince, Yan Qiyue, who offered her a marriage contract and promised her a peaceful life. He said, "I don't expect to take my elder brother's place. I only want to make sure you have no worries for the rest of your life." Jiang Yunxi believed him. In the three years after their wedding, Yan Qiyue ruled with an iron fist, yet treated her with courteous respect. Even in their most intimate moments, he kept his breathing perfectly controlled. Jiang Yunxi thought Yan Qiyue had married her only out of brotherly affection for his elder brother, to fulfill a sense of duty. She didn't know that while she mourned Yan Jingshen, Yan Qiyue tossed and turned all night, furious enough to dig his fingertips into his palm. When she lost herself in the belongings of someone from her past, he was so jealous he nearly went mad, yet forced himself to keep his feelings in check. Then Yan Jingshen, who had vanished without a trace, suddenly returned, shattering the peace. On one side was her childhood sweetheart, the former fiance she had been promised to since childhood. On the other was the husband she had shared a bed with for more than three years, whose company she had long grown accustomed to. Caught between them, Jiang Yunxi was lost for the first time. She gathered her courage and went to ask Yan Qiyue for an answer. The moment she stepped into the study, someone grabbed her from behind, holding her so tightly it was as if he meant to pull her bodily into his arms. Yan Qiyue pinned her against him, his breath scorching hot. His fingers slowly tightened, leaving her no room to pull away. "You're leaving? Going to him?" Yan Qiyue gave a laugh, making no effort to hide how out of control he was. He took a heavy golden chain from a hidden compartment in the desk and clutched it in his palm. The links clinked together. Yan Qiyue looked up at her. His tone was gentle, but his voice was strained. "Do you think... I'd still give you that chance?" Reader's guide: 1. Both leads are each other's first and only. A brothers-in-love rivalry. 2. The male lead's campaign promise: However many regrets you have, I'll make them right for you. Theme: Good love shouldn't require settling for less.