Bride-to-Be

Ningxiang's husband rose to high office and sent someone to bring her to the capital. A cup of poisoned tea killed her on the way.

After death, her soul was trapped in the dungeon of the Teng family residence in the capital, where she saw her husband, Teng Yu, whom she hadn't met in years. He was cold, gloomy, and ruthless, a side of him she had never known.

They had never been particularly close, so naturally her death did not move him in the slightest.

When Ningxiang opened her eyes again, she was back in the little courtyard at the foot of Camel Mountain, still the Teng family's bride-to-be. She had just turned fifteen, and the Teng family was making plans for her marriage to Teng Yu.

When the young man in plain clothes, who had been away from home for years, walked through the door, she gathered her courage and tugged at his sleeve.

"Don't marry me."

Given a second life, she didn't want to repeat the same mistakes.

Teng Yu knew Ningxiang wouldn't leave. The Teng family had raised her, and she had been honest and docile since childhood. She had nowhere else to go. He had no intention of rejecting the marriage they had arranged, either.

The following year, he went to the capital. When he returned, his bride-to-be had vanished without a trace.

He searched everywhere but found nothing. A dark, crazed glint surfaced in Teng Yu's otherwise impassive eyes.

After being locked up for days, Ningxiang was finally let out. Dressed in a bright red wedding gown, she was dragged to the main hall.

The room was festive, red as far as the eye could see. A handsome man in matching wedding robes stood beside her.

Ningxiang stepped back, tears welling in her eyes.

Teng Yu raised a hand, gripped the back of her neck, and forced her to bow before the large red character for double happiness.

He bowed alongside her. "My lady, it is an auspicious day. We should honor our marriage pact."

He wanted to marry her. She must never abandon him!

The title and synopsis have been changed. If that bothers you, dear readers, feel free to skip this one. The original title was Bound by Love.

Theme: Move forward bravely. Don't sigh over yesterday; work hard for tomorrow.