The Reluctant Heiress: A Tale of Love and Vengeance -
I have been married to my husband for three years, yet he seldom returns home. Today, he called me, asking me to prepare Goji Pigeon Soup, specifically instructing me to remove the oil, a request that puzzled me, but I complied nonetheless.
Ever since our marriage, the number of times he has initiated contact can be counted on one hand, and each visit to the Shen family mansion fills me with anxiety.
Facing my in-laws and numerous relatives, I am so nervous I hardly know where to put my hands.
Rumors have always swirled that my marriage to him is a mistake, with some even betting on when our divorce will come. Everyone seems to think I am not a match for him. I am like a Cinderella, while he is a king, looking down upon all from on high.
Not only do I face the pressure of these rumors, but my mother-in-law also looks down on me as a "woman with nothing"鈥攏o looks, no education, no background. My father-in-law, who was somewhat considerate at first, has gradually become indifferent. And my husband, always with a cold face towards me.
Ha ha ha, how ridiculous it is to think that when I was young and naive, I was smitten with him at first sight, he took root in my heart.
I, an obscure person, harbored a secret crush on the most famous school grass of Locke High School.
Three years of high school, four years of college, a total of nearly eight years of unrequited love, every day dreaming of being united with my beloved.
Finally, my dream came true, but at the cost of my fathers life. My father, Roger Lin, a firefighter, happened to save Mr. Shen, Senior from a raging wildfire.
But the fire was too fierce, and my fathers injuries were too severe to be treated. On his deathbed, my father was most worried about me, fearing that after he was gone, my mother and I would live a hard life, hoping we could live better in the future.
Faced with his savior, Mr. Shen, Senior impulsively decided to let me marry into the Shen family, becoming Julian Shens wife.
From being young and tasteless to now being full of vicissitudes, it has been eleven years, I have loved for eleven years, and been his wife for three years.
But I have always known clearly that in these three years, I have never entered his heart. I know that he actually somewhat blames his grandfather for insisting that he marry me.
No matter how he treats me, I remain a good and dutiful wife, hoping that one day he will change his perception of me.
"Madam, Assistant Lv said that Mr. Shen is returning from the company!" Lin, our housekeeper, stood at the kitchen door to remind me.
"I know, Im almost done, just one soup left."
Happily, I brought the Goji Pigeon Soup, his favorite, to the dining room, of course, without oil.
Looking at the full table of dishes, I actually feel a sense of achievement, for him, I am trying hard to be a good wife.
Julian Shen has not returned yet, I let out a sigh, took off my apron, planning to take a bath first, change into a beautiful dress, and then do my makeup.
I dont want to meet him with a smell of smoke and sweat all over me.
Just as I was about to go back to my room, I heard the doorbell, and saw the door slowly open.
Looking through the living room, the first thing I saw was my husbands face, as if finely carved, his tall figure, as soon as he appeared at the door, instantly attracting countless rays of light.
The man, wrapped in a well-tailored dark suit, showed a slender and tall figure, deep and dark eyes embellishing his Roman sculpture-like facial features, his eyes sharp and spirited, like an owl patrolling its territory in the dark, sharp and overwhelming, exuding an air of superiority over all.
Julian Shen, my husband, and the man I love deeply.
Although it has been more than three months since I last saw him, he has not changed, still so aloof and handsome, attracting everyones attention.
Subconsciously, I want to shrink into a ball, afraid of letting him see my embarrassed side.
I muster up my courage and walk towards him, wanting to take his briefcase in the capacity of a wife.
However, he half-turned his body, looking into the darkness behind him. A woman emerged from the darkness.
Wearing a white loose bat-sleeved sweater with a simple pair of jeans and white flat shoes, but even in such simple clothes, she shone as if on a runway. The bat-sleeved sweater, always a bit bulky, only made her look slimmer this time. Her long, straight legs wrapped in jeans made her figure even more perfect. With her fair skin and rose-like delicate lips, she was as beautiful as a peerless beauty.
She linked arms with Julian Shen, and on Julian Shens face, there appeared a rare smile.
That kind of smile, I have never seen, nor have I ever possessed.
At that moment, I felt as if my heart was tightly squeezed and then released, before I could catch my breath, I was thrown from a great height to the ground, and I could still hear a "pop" loud noise.
Is it pain? Even the word "pain" seems inadequate to describe it.
That woman, I know, I have always known who she is!
A nationally renowned female painter, Zara Zhang, is first-class in terms of figure, appearance, and education. She is a favored daughter of heaven, and I cannot compare with her in any aspect.
They stood together, a talented and beautiful couple, deeply hurting my eyes.
"Hello, Miss Zhang!" Lin, our housekeeper, greeted her skillfully, bringing me back to my senses.
I walked towards Julian Shen and Zara Zhang with difficulty, as if my legs did not belong to me.
"Miss Zhang, long time no see, I didnt expect you to come today," I tried to restrain myself, trying to keep calm. I reached out my hand, maintaining a steady and elegant voice, saying insincere words.
Zara Zhang glanced at me, as if seeing the grease on my hands, touched it lightly, and quickly retracted.
Her beautiful face wore a proud expression, and she said slowly, "Mrs. Shen, it has indeed been a long time. You seem more haggard!"
I pursed my lips and stopped talking, turning to Julian Shen, "Honey, let me take your bag, lets eat quickly, the food is getting cold, its not good for your health." Julian Shen glanced at me coldly as if he didnt recognize me, and gave the bag to Lin.
My face turned pale, I endured the humiliation, and tears almost fell.
Faced with the showy visitor, I felt like an outsider.
Zara Zhang hooked her beautiful lips, smiled triumphantly, looked at me with both pride and ridicule in her eyes, and then smiled gracefully and skillfully hugged Julian Shen, coquettishly saying, "Junyu, Im hungry!"