[Marriage first, love later | Resilient little flower × favored son of heaven]
**
The Shi family and the scholarly Qi family entered into an arranged marriage based on a betrothal agreement made by their grandparents. Everyone in the industry wanted to know what kind of woman Miss Shi was, to be fortunate enough to stand beside the Qi family's youngest and most promising heir.
But Shi Nuo knew it was only a marriage on paper. The Qi family could end it whenever they wanted. She had agreed to the arrangement only to escape her rotten family.
Before the wedding, she handed Qi Shixuan an agreement:
"I won't covet a penny of your property."
"I don't want any title."
"We'll live separate lives and stay out of each other's way."
Qi Shixuan glanced down at the agreement and casually tossed her a curt, "As you wish."
After that, she and Qi Shixuan were married for three years and lived apart for three years. She thought they would carry on that way until the Qi family asked for a divorce, but a phone call changed everything.
An elder of the Qi family was critically ill. For the last six months of their life, Shi Nuo and Qi Shixuan were to stay by their side.
During those six months, she played the part of a good wife, going through the motions without ever letting herself get emotionally involved. At the same time, she worked hard to get promoted and planned a career for herself after the divorce.
In the final month, she secured a position at the company's Mexico branch.
Once everything was settled, she returned the Qi family's belongings, packed her bags, and headed for the airport.
Amid the crowded throng, a soft click sounded as the wedding ring, dangling loosely from her ring finger, fell to the ground.
Six months earlier, at the entrance to the old family home, Qi Shixuan had looked at her coldly. "Can you act?"
She nodded, and Qi Shixuan tossed her a wedding ring. She failed to catch it, and it fell to the ground.
Qi Shixuan had tossed off a careless, "Don't wear it in public."
Shi Nuo crouched to pick up the ring, her thoughts slowly pulling away from the past. Just as she was about to draw her hand back, a cold hand closed around her wrist.
Shi Nuo looked up in shock and met Qi Shixuan's gaze.
Qi Shixuan, usually so cold and indifferent, was shaking with nerves as he spoke.
"Please, don't leave me."
**
Tags: Childhood friends
Angst and regret
Theme: Love may be the name we give it, but true love never fades
