Stealing a Moment of Joy

[Shamelessly asking for a little advance interest in my upcoming novel, With Zhaozhao. Visit my author page to add it to your collection.]

Ji Chenghuan was forced to marry someone she didn't love, so she plotted to elope with her beloved, but was caught and brought back to the Ji family.

Her father thought she had disgraced the family and wanted her executed.

Her adoptive brother, Ji Chengyun, visited her late at night and taught her a trick.

"Just say that you're carrying my child, and I can save you."

Ji Chengyun was so earnest and caring that Ji Chenghuan believed him and claimed she was pregnant.

She thought it was a lie, but her belly grew larger by the day. In the end, the lie became the truth.

And so did her marriage to Ji Chengyun.

Only then did she realize what a hypocrite Ji Chengyun was.

*Everyone knows the leads are not related by blood

*Both leads are sexually inexperienced

With Zhaozhao

Ten years ago, He Rongyu saved Zhaozhao. He gave her a name and an identity, and from then on, there was a Third Miss He.

When He Zhaozhao turned sixteen, He Rongyu arranged her marriage. He wanted to find her the best match. The refined and incomparable heir to the Prince of Pingyang would surely make a harmonious match with her.

He Rongyu told Zhaozhao, "I've spent my life manipulating power and scheming, and I won't come to a good end. The Prince of Pingyang has no real power, but his family is renowned for its scholarship and respected by His Majesty. He'll be able to protect you in the future."

Zhaozhao nodded to show she understood, then raised her hand and toasted him. "Thank you, brother, for saving me from this chaotic world all those years ago, and giving me a life, a name, and an identity. This cup is for you."

Her smiling face reminded He Rongyu of when they first met. Her eyes had been so clear, and all these years later, Zhaozhao was the one remaining light in his heart.

He Rongyu had always been the one scheming against others. He Zhaozhao was the first to scheme against him.

He had let his guard down around her and readily drank the wine she offered, falling into her trap.

The next morning, wearing He Rongyu's outer robe, she knelt in the inner room and looked at him with those same clear eyes, grinning as she said, "Second Brother, I can't marry the heir now. Punish me if you want, but I'm already yours. You'll have to take care of me for the rest of my life."

*One-on-one pairing, in body and heart

*Dark on the outside, darker within × innocent on the outside, darker within

Theme: As long as you hold on to hope in the face of hardship, brighter days will come.