Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Zhuang Nainai clenched her fists, only to unclench them again.
Her head was in a mess, and she could only give a self-mocking laugh.
Just a few days ago, he had asked for them to start anew. But today, it was back to square one.
To Si Zhengting, to Ding Mengya, she was just a tool to produce an heir.
And as a tool, she was denied love, and even the right to appear as his wife in public eyes.
Zhuang Nainai bit down on her lips.
She suddenly felt like her current situation was worse than five years ago.
Five years ago, even though she was in a much more wretched position, she at least had the option to leave.
But now, she could not even ask for it to stop.
Zhuang Nainai turned to head downstairs in bitterness and pain.
——
In the office…
Si Zhengting stood in front of the floor-length window with his gaze fixed on the far horizon.
The image of the wooden box in the rubbish bin was like a splash of cold water that extinguished all his hopes and dreams.
He had thought that she truly accepted him and the family when he saw her interact with Mrs. Ding.
But now…
She really was just playing along and had never taken him seriously.
Si Zhengting grew flustered again and took a long draft from the cigarette in his hand.
The entire office was shrouded in thick tobacco smoke. Zuo Yiyi started coughing violently when she walked in.
Zuo Yiyi covered her nose and looked at the countless cigarette butts in the ashtray. How much had Brother Ting smoked?
She coughed and opened the windows for ventilation, keeping her eyes on Si Zhengting at the same time. “Brother Ting, you were never a smoker, is this Su Yanbing’s doing? I must give him a scolding next when I see him…”
Si Zhengting turned to take a glance at her and she immediately stopped talking.
Zuo Yiyi gave him a smile and looked around the room. She brightened when her eyes rested on the lunch prepared for two in the dining area. “Brother Ting, I knew you cared for me! I cried for days when you bailed on me last time. Did you prepare lunch knowing that I will be coming over today? Or why would there be lunch for two?”
Brother Ting might appear cold on the outside, but he must have cared for her!
Zuo Yiyi felt enlivened instantly. Happiness and bliss coursed through her veins.
Si Zhengting’s gaze shifted to the dining area.
Lunch?
He grew even more agitated. He walked to the ashtray to dispose of his cigarette and finally looked at Zuo Yiyi. In a cold voice, he asked, “Why are you here?”
Zuo Yiyi was puzzled. “I’m here for the fitting!”
Si Zhengting did not ask anything more. The Imperial Group had its brand of fashion apparel and Zuo Yiyi often came for custom-made outfits. He assumed it was the usual fittings.
He gave a soft grunt and walked to his desk, where he flipped open the documents he had neglected all morning.
Zuo Yiyi was dumbstruck. What did that mean?
The food was getting cold. Was Brother Ting not going to eat?
Zuo Yiyi reminded him, “Brother Ting, you should eat…”
Si Zhengting’s cool eyes lifted. “I’m busy, leave first.”
“But Brother Ting, you…”
“Leave, don’t make me say it a third time.” Si Zhengting’s voice was so cold, it struck fear in the usually fearless Zuo Yiyi. She shivered, not daring to speak another word, and left.