Yue Ning pressed herself against the pillar, her heart thudding softly against her ribs. "What is she planning?" she whispered under her breath.
’That is what you need to find out,’ the system replied, its voice low and mechanical in her mind. ’Apparently, you don’t have much time left.’
Her stomach tightened. Not much time left? How could she get it done and protect Yun Li at the same time?
She peeked again just in time to see the servant bow respectfully before retreating down the hallway.
Madam He remained still for a moment, her fingers tracing the edge of her fan as if lost in thought. Then, a faint delicate and elegant smile appeared on her lips... and filled with venom.
Yue Ning’s brows furrowed. That smile wasn’t one of satisfaction. It was a promise... a promise of something dark.
As Madam He turned and walked down the corridor, Yue Ning pressed her lips together, watching until the woman disappeared from sight. The unease in her chest spread like ink in water. Whatever Madam He was planning, it couldn’t be simple mischief.
Taking a quiet breath, she straightened her posture and returned to Yun Li’s room. The chatter and laughter inside hit her like a wave, the scent of powder and perfume once again filling the air.
Yun Li was seated before the mirror now, her wedding gown draped over her form like moonlight. She was stunning, serene, radiant—but there was something in her reflection that made Yue Ning pause. A flicker of melancholy.
Suppressing the awful feeling clawing at her chest, Yue Ning approached slowly and smiled. "You’re looking very beautiful," she said softly, her voice warm, masking the worry in her eyes.
Yun Li turned slightly, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. "Do I?"
"You do," Yue Ning nodded. "You’ll be the most beautiful bride today."
Yun Li laughed lightly but her reflection didn’t mirror the joy in her tone. For a moment, silence settled between them. It was the kind of silence that carried truth more clearly than words.
"Lili," Yue Ning began carefully, "are you truly happy with this marriage?"
The question hung in the air like a delicate thread which could snap at any time.
Yun Li blinked, caught off guard. Then she turned away from the mirror, busying herself with the edge of her sleeve. "He Yuchen is a good man," she said after a moment. "Kind, patient, responsible. My parents couldn’t have chosen better."
"He indeed is a good man." Yue Ning agreed. "I sense you have something else to say. What is it?" Yue Ning prompted gently.
Yun Li’s smile faltered. "But sometimes... good doesn’t mean love."
Her voice was barely above a whisper. "I’m grateful, truly. He Yuchen has never treated me unfairly, but..." She exhaled, forcing a small smile. "Perhaps love will come with time."
Yue Ning’s heart softened. "It will," she said, though even as the words left her lips, her chest felt heavier. She didn’t know whether she was comforting Yun Li or herself.
From the doorway, the wedding coordinator’s voice called cheerfully, "It’s almost time!"
Yue Ning quickly adjusted Yun Li’s veil, her smile returning though her mind was still restless.
She would protect Yun Li, that was a promise. Whatever Madam He was plotting, she would uncover it before it was too late.
------------------------
The wedding hall was bathed in warm golden light. Rows of white roses lined the aisle, and a soft instrumental melody flowed through the speakers.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled above like stars in motion and they reflected the marble floors. Guests were already taking their seats—business elites, family friends, reporters, and a few curious onlookers from the social circle.
It was a wedding that would dominate headlines by morning.
Yue Ning walked slightly behind Yun Li, holding the edge of her long veil to keep it from snagging. Her eyes swept over the room, but instead of admiring the luxury, she was scanning faces.
Madam He stood near the front, her posture impeccable, her expression the picture of grace. No one would ever guess what kind of venom might be hiding behind that smile. The most update n0vels are published on 𝗻𝗼𝘷𝗲𝗹•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝕟𝕖𝕥
’What are you planning, Madam He?’ Yue Ning thought, her fingers tightening slightly around the bouquet she was holding.
The ceremony began. He Yuchen waited at the altar, his black tuxedo, his features calm and dignified. Huo Feng stood beside him as his Best Man. Huo Feng’s eyes met Yue Ning’s and he offered her a gentle smile. Yue Ning forced a smile, still worried about what Madam He was planning.
When He Yuchen’s gaze met Yun Li’s, a small, genuine smile flickered across his face. It was the kind that could melt through formality.
Yun Li returned it, soft but unsure, and that was enough to make Yue Ning’s heart ache a little.
As the officiant began to speak, Yue Ning positioned herself beside the bridesmaids, careful to stay alert. Her earpiece buzzed faintly, a small modification she had learned to use with the system.
’The target has changed position,’ the system’s voice chimed quietly.
Her heart skipped. "Target? You mean Madam He?" She conversed with the system.
’Affirmative. She’s no longer in her assigned seat.’
Yue Ning’s gaze darted discreetly across the hall. Madam He was indeed gone. Her seat near the front was empty, though moments ago she had been chatting amiably with a group of women.
"Where did she—" Yue Ning whispered under her breath, pretending to adjust the bouquet.
’Location unknown. But movement has been detected near the catering section.’
The catering section was off-limits during the ceremony. Only a few staff members were allowed there.
Yue Ning’s pulse spiked. She couldn’t just leave in the middle of the vows, not without drawing suspicion. Her eyes flicked to Yun Li who was unaware of what her Mother-in-law was planning, her attention fixed on He Yuchen as they exchanged rings.
Yue Ning’s hand clenched. Just a few more minutes... hold it together.
When the guests rose to applaud the newlyweds’ kiss, Yue Ning used the distraction to quietly slip out of line.
The hallway outside the banquet hall was quieter, the sound of the music muffled by closed doors. Her heels thudded softly against the polished tiles as she made her way toward the catering area.
The scent of freshly baked pastries and champagne lingered in the air. Staff members moved quickly, preparing for the reception. Nothing looked out of place. That was until Yue Ning caught sight of a tray of glasses set aside near the back counter.
A faint shimmer of powder floated at the surface of one of them.
Her eyes narrowed. "Poison?" she whispered.
’Tranquilizer,’ the system confirmed. ’Fast-acting and odorless. The dose is enough to cause temporary paralysis.’
Yue Ning’s breath hitched. "And it’s meant for—"
’Bride or groom, unknown.’
Someone laughed outside and the sound of approaching footsteps. Yue Ning quickly grabbed a napkin and wiped the rim of the glass before stepping behind a service shelf. Through the narrow opening, she saw Madam He walk in, elegant as ever, speaking softly to a waiter.
"Remember," Madam He said, voice honey-sweet, "this one goes to the couple during the toast. It’s a special mix, from me to them."
The waiter nodded obediently and lifted the tray.
Yue Ning’s fingers curled into fists. ’Over my dead body.’
As Madam He’s laughter echoed faintly behind the door, Yue Ning’s eyes locked on the tray. The waiter was already heading for the hall. Time was running out.