My half-sister Nancy was supposed to be my husband’s soulmate, but she was afraid of Hector Shang and asked me to marry him in her place. For my mother’s medical bills, I reluctantly agreed. Two years of marriage, and my husband wasn’t at all like the rumors said. Instead, he was incredibly loving and affectionate towards me. Before our third anniversary, Nancy wanted me to “return” him to her. But as I was blocked at the door, Hector gently caressed my face, his eyes dark and possessive, “Lily, have I been too indulgent with you?” “Lily.” Hector called my name softly. His husky bedroom voice, combined with that devastatingly handsome face, made him an absolute Adonis. “Hector~” “Lily, relax, don’t be afraid.” Hector was always so considerate in these matters. Completely unlike the rumors that painted him as cruel and ruthless. I dare say you couldn’t find a more model husband than him. But Hector’s true love was supposed to be my sister Nancy. I was just a substitute. “Focus on me.” Unsatisfied with my distraction, Hector bit down on my collarbone. I winced in pain. “Hector Shang, are you a dog?” The corner of his mouth curved into a smile. “Mm, I’m yours alone. If you don’t want me, I’ll turn into a mad dog.” His teasing made me laugh, which only encouraged Hector more. “Gentle~” “They say our Lily even speaks in such a sweet voice, I simply can’t hold back.” Hector braced his hands on either side of my pillow, his eyes growing darker with desire as he sought me more urgently. After a night of passion, I woke to find Hector already preparing to leave for work. “Lily, tie my tie for me.” Ever since he learned I could tie a tie, he’s had me do it for him almost every day. Hector sat on the edge of the bed as I carefully tied his tie, unaware of how his gaze grew more intense. A broad hand gently stroked my shoulder. I frowned and glared at him. “Don’t distract me.” After I finished with the tie, he grabbed my waist and pulled me onto his lap, kissing me deeply for a long time. Only when my lips were swollen did he finally let go. “Lily, I want to die in your arms.” “You scoundrel!” I laughed as I shooed him off to work, not taking his words to heart. With me, Hector was always the gentle husband, unlike the rumors. I was just about to go back to sleep when I heard my phone ring. “Hello.” “This is Nancy Shen. I’m sending you an address. Meet me there, we need to talk.” She hung up before I could reply. The truth is, I’m not really Hector Shang’s wife. My sister Nancy is.
Apparently, Hector had his eye on Nancy back then, but she was afraid he would be abusive and volatile like the rumors said. So Nancy came to find me. At the time, I desperately needed money and had gone to the Shen family to beg. “Didn’t you say you’d never take a cent from the Shen family?” “Didn’t you say you’d never come back to this house, even if you were dead?” I ignored my sister’s taunts and knelt on the ground crying as I begged our father. The truth is, Nancy was Father’s daughter from before he was married. She always called herself the child born of true love. My mother was originally the young lady of a prestigious family. After marrying Father, she helped him climb the social ladder to join high society. But after my mother’s family fell on hard times, Father divorced her without hesitation. Mother and I had no choice but to move to my grandmother’s home in the countryside and become self-reliant. But Mother had always been frail since birth. The hard work took its toll and she fell ill. I went to beg Father, and he soon agreed to lend me money, on the condition that I marry Hector Shang in Nancy’s place. At the time, I foolishly agreed without really understanding. The day I moved into the Shang family home, Nancy mocked me. “Congratulations, from now on your life will be hell.” “I hear Hector Shang is abusive. With your weak little body, who knows if you’ll be able to take it.” So this substitute marriage was actually a deep pit. That’s what I thought too. But after marriage, Hector was extremely doting towards me. Jewelry and designer goods flowed into the Shang home like water. I had bodyguards escorting me whenever I went out. I never had to lift a finger for anything. Every time I felt Hector’s love, I would think to myself: He must really love Nancy. Otherwise, how could he change from the rumored volatile, violent man into this incredibly gentle person now? I needed to go out, but I had to shake off the bodyguards. Reluctantly, I called Hector. “What is it? I just got to the office and you already miss me?” “Be good and wait for me to come home tonight.” Steeling myself, I spoke up, “I want to go shopping with friends. But every time you have bodyguards follow me, I feel too embarrassed to ask them out.” There was silence on the other end for a moment before he replied. “Alright. Keep your phone on. Will you have dinner with me tonight?” Hearing his pitiful tone, I immediately agreed. “Of course, I’ll definitely be back for dinner with you.” “Mm, have fun, darling.” After hanging up, Hector sighed and gazed out the window at the birds flying by. Indeed, no matter how beautiful the cage, it can’t keep her.
When I met Nancy, she was dressed impeccably in designer clothes, exuding an unmistakable air of wealth and status. “What did you want to see me about?” I had no patience for pleasantries with her. When she first entered our home, she drove out my mother and me. How could I not resent her? If not for her and her mother, I wouldn’t have suffered so much. And my mother wouldn’t have worked herself sick just to pay for my college tuition. Nancy stirred her coffee and laughed derisively. “Mrs. White, have you gotten so used to being a rich man’s wife that you think you can take over permanently?” I knew Hector’s true love was supposed to be her. So in my relationship with him, I always felt guilty and uncomfortable. “You’re the one who didn’t want him.” “Well now I do.” Nancy’s words left me completely stunned. Seeing my shocked expression, Nancy slowly continued, “It’s time for us to return to our rightful places.” Return to our rightful places… Give Hector to her? No, return him to her. My heart sank. I couldn’t hide the unwillingness on my face. Nancy noticed and warned me, “Your mother’s medical bills are still being paid by the Shen family. Are you sure you don’t want to return Hector to me?” I felt frustrated and snapped in a low voice. “He’s not an object for you to want when you feel like it.” “And then give away when you don’t want him anymore!” Nancy laughed lightly. “Lily, don’t overestimate yourself. You have no right to negotiate.” “Hector has only ever loved me. You’re nothing but a substitute. Don’t think you actually belong in that world.” Nancy’s scathing words left me completely silent. I’d heard from Father that when Hector came to propose marriage, just the engagement gifts alone were worth two years of the Shen family’s profits. So they didn’t dare refuse the marriage, afraid of Hector’s retaliation. Everyone in the city knew that Hector was ruthlessly vengeful. Rumor had it that when he was driven out by his stepbrother and mistress years ago, he went to the countryside with his mother to recuperate. But when he returned years later, he immediately crushed the entire company. Now that stepbrother couldn’t even find a job, let alone start a business. Hector didn’t spare Father either, personally reporting his bribery and sending him straight to jail. He wouldn’t give that stepbrother any chance to survive. This ruthlessly cruel man was only gentle with me. I knew it wasn’t because he favored me, but because of his true love, Nancy. “Lily, what’s mine is mine. You can’t steal it away.” “Father was like that, and so is Hector.” I felt suffocated inside. I didn’t dare to bet. I was afraid Hector would retaliate if he found out the truth. I didn’t dare gamble with my mother’s wellbeing. And I didn’t dare bet on Hector’s illusory love for me. What I learned from Father was that love is the most unreal thing in this world. Fleeting and ephemeral. “Give me a month.” Hector’s birthday happened to be at the end of the month. “Two weeks.” For the first time, I stood up to Nancy and prepared to leave. “If you’re willing to wait, I’ll return him to you. If not, then forget it.” Nancy’s voice came from behind me. “Fine.” After I left, Nancy cursed under her breath. “Little bitch, now you dare threaten me!” The truth was, Nancy didn’t really want my leftovers either. But seeing how good Hector was to me, it made her insanely jealous. All of this was supposed to be hers. I walked out onto the street, feeling like I had nowhere to go. Did I really have to return him to Nancy? I walked aimlessly until I reached the company building. Suddenly I desperately wanted to see him.
Hector was in a meeting. His assistant told me to wait in his office and brought me some coffee. Suddenly lowering his voice, the assistant said to me. “Ma’am, it’s lunchtime but the CEO is still in the meeting. He’s rejected all the proposals. Could you maybe…” I understood what the assistant meant and decisively stood up to go to the meeting room. This wasn’t the first time I’d been asked to do this. I knocked on the door of the meeting room, well-practiced. As soon as I pushed it open, Hector’s piercing gaze, so sharp it could be felt even through his glasses, made everyone feel a chill down their spine. But his eyes quickly softened as he stood and walked towards me. “Why are you here?” “I wanted to have lunch with you.” The employees behind him gave me a thumbs up. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Now that the wife was here, the CEO would finally calm down. Hector ordered some food and gestured for me to look out the window. “I heard you can see the most beautiful fireworks in the city from here on New Year’s Eve. Let’s come then.” New Year’s was indeed approaching, but by then, I would probably already be gone. “Mm…okay.” He keenly noticed something was off with my mood and frowned seriously. “What’s wrong? Didn’t enjoy shopping? Or you don’t want to see the fireworks? Prefer to stay home?” I looked at his concerned eyes, thinking to myself that I had deceived him. “It’s nothing. I just feel so happy being with you.” My childhood wasn’t happy. After Father was discovered to have a child from before marriage, my parents argued constantly. So I never felt much security growing up. Later, when Nancy was brought home to be raised, I was too timid and got bullied a lot. But Father always turned a blind eye. Only when Mother made a fuss would he pay any attention. Hector’s love for me was almost unconditional. Buying me whatever I wanted, coming home on time and avoiding social events, no scandalous rumors, a perfect gentleman in every way. Though he would get angry for a long time if he saw other men talking to me. I knew it was just because he cared about me too much. No, cared about Nancy. Hearing me say this, Hector’s expression softened. “Me too.” “Lily, you’re a gift sent to me from heaven.” There was something in his eyes I couldn’t quite understand…nostalgia?
I looked at Hector. He had no idea I wasn’t Nancy. When we first got married, Hector would still call me “Nanxi”. But I always felt uncomfortable, so I told him my nickname was “Lily”. He was so happy then, calling me that over and over. He said me telling him my nickname meant I was starting to accept him, to grow close to him. “Hector, do you really love me?” Hector didn’t understand my question and teased. “What’s gotten into you today?” “I’ll prove to you tonight that I only love you. I’m saving all my energy for you.” His flirting made me blush. Hector’s gaze was always so gentle when he looked at me. That night, I was especially proactive. Probably because I was afraid of our impending separation. After this, we’d be strangers. Hector held me in his arms as I wrapped my legs around his waist, clinging tightly to his neck. In the heat of passion, my neck arched in a perfect curve. He placed a kiss on my throat. It made my body tremble. He wasn’t doing much better. Groaning, his breathing ragged and uneven. “Lily, you’re so good tonight.” Praised like a child, I tried even harder to please him. But he still maintained the upper hand. I drifted off to sleep in a daze. In my hazy state, I heard him say: “Lily, I’ll love you forever.” “When will you recognize me?” “Silly girl.” When I woke up, Hector had already left for work. There was a message from him on my phone. “Rest well. It’s my fault for indulging in your temptation last night. If you’re sore, remember to use the ointment.” I blushed and hid under the covers. After tidying up a bit, I went out. Thankfully Hector wasn’t having me followed anymore. Nancy was accompanying me to handle the paperwork for going abroad. “Accompanying” really meant making sure I actually left. “After I’m gone, you better treat my mother well. Otherwise, I can come back anytime and expose you.” “Don’t worry.” Nancy knew not to jeopardize her big plans over small matters. After finishing the paperwork, I went to my mother’s nursing home. She was frail now, mostly bedridden. When I arrived, I saw her knitting. “Lily, why are you here?” “I was just passing by.” Mother looked at me contentedly, stroking my cheek. “Lily’s gotten so pretty. Your husband really knows how to take care of you.” I had told Mother the medical bills were paid by my husband. With no one from the Shen family visiting her, Mother never knew the truth. “What’s wrong? Did you have a fight with your husband?” “No…” I paused for a moment. “Mom, my husband and I might have to go abroad for work. You stay here and focus on treatment. Once you’re better, I’ll come get you.” Mother quickly tried to reassure me. “Don’t worry about me. You two just focus on your work. I don’t want to be a burden.” Tears welled up in my eyes as I buried my face in her embrace. “Mom, I’m sorry.” I might never come back in this lifetime. To keep our agreement, I had to stay away forever. Only then would Nancy ensure my mother’s treatment. “What are you saying? It’s Mom who’s useless. Otherwise you wouldn’t have had such a hard time.” The pampered young lady had a difficult time adjusting to life in the countryside. But Mother still had her pride. Even when times were tough, she refused to ask the Shen family for help. Though sometimes she would wonder if she had failed Lily. “No, I have the best mom in the world.” Mother came from a scholarly family. Like her, I was well-read and knowledgeable. And she gave me all her love. After leaving the nursing home, I suddenly felt nauseous, like I was going to throw up. My eyes widened in shock. Could I be pregnant?
I’m not sure what I was hoping for, but I went to the hospital for a pregnancy test. It would take some time for the results though. What I didn’t expect was for Hector to show up. In that moment, I felt anxious. If I really was pregnant, it would be impossible to “return” him. A despicable part of me begged: please let me be pregnant. I think…I’ve fallen in love with him. Hector looked tense. “Why didn’t you tell me you were getting a pregnancy test?” If this hospital wasn’t partly owned by him, he wouldn’t have known his wife came for a test. “I…I wasn’t sure if I was pregnant.” “I was afraid…of getting our hopes up for nothing.” Afraid of getting my own hopes up. Hector let out a relieved sigh and hugged me. “There’s nothing to worry about. We’ve only been married for three years. We have plenty of time.” “Besides.” He lowered his voice mysteriously. I leaned in to listen. “If we have a baby, I’ll have to abstain…” I quickly covered his mouth, embarrassed as I looked around. How could he say such things? Hector grinned and moved my hand away. “It’s true. Not only would the baby steal my wife, but I’d have to compete for your attention.” Suddenly I felt hopeful too. If it was a girl, Hector would surely spoil her rotten. “Do you want a boy or a girl?” “As long as you’re the one having it, I don’t care if it’s a boy or girl.” In that moment, my heart was filled with joy and anticipation. Suddenly a nurse called out a name. “Nancy Shen, please come in.” Hector helped me up, acting as if I was already heavily pregnant. But I was lost in thought. The nurse had just called my sister’s name. I had almost forgotten – I was just a substitute. “Based on Mrs. Shang’s test results…” The doctor trailed off, glancing at Hector. He tensely gripped my hand. “Is something wrong with my wife? Or the baby?” I grew worried too. The doctor shook his head. “It’s like this – the chances of Mrs. Shang getting pregnant are quite low…” Rich people care most about having heirs. The doctor was clearly trying to gauge our reaction. My eyes immediately darkened. So I wasn’t pregnant. And it would be difficult for me to get pregnant. It felt like the last bargaining chip I held had just crumbled to dust. As we left, Hector put his arm around my shoulders and made me look at him. “Lily, the truth is I don’t even like children. I only want you.” I knew he was lying to make me feel better. Seeing how dejected I looked, Hector joked to try and cheer me up. “Maybe I’m the one with the problem. Not putting in enough effort. We still have plenty of time, it’ll happen eventually.” I looked at him helplessly. Hector didn’t know that I just felt like I had lost my last reason to stay by his side. “It’s okay, don’t worry about it.” That night as I lay beside him, I had trouble falling asleep. Suddenly Hector pinned me beneath him, with a slightly threatening tone. “Stop overthinking. It’s just a baby. If we have one, great. If not, that’s fine too!” “You’re my wife. I don’t want to share you with anyone.” I looked up at him as tears slid down from the corners of my eyes. He gently kissed away the tears, then slowly kissed my neck. That night was especially tender and passionate. Hector was extremely enthusiastic, as if trying to distract me. “If you really want a child and we can’t have one, we can always adopt.” I cried, “I just want to have your baby.” “We will, someday.” The night was wild. I initiated several times. But in my heart, I had started a countdown. Because I knew Hector’s birthday was approaching soon.
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