The afternoon sun bathed the estate in a golden hue, casting long shadows over the sprawling courtyard. The air smelled of freshly cut grass and the faintest hint of jasmine, carried by the gentle breeze that rustled the neatly trimmed hedges lining the marble pathway.
A sleek black sedan rolled to a smooth stop at the grand entrance. The estate staff moved in perfect sync, stepping forward to open the doors with practiced precision. The moment Lu Xinyi stepped out, her breath hitched.
Her gaze traveled from the towering wrought-iron gates behind her to the mansion that loomed ahead—an architectural masterpiece of gleaming ivory stone and imposing glass walls that reflected the sunlight like a fortress carved from crystal. White marble pillars framed the entrance, and just beyond the doors, a grand chandelier glowed like a suspended galaxy.
"Holy heavens," Xinyi breathed, spinning in a slow circle to take it all in. "Sophia… what the hell did you get yourself into?"
From where she stood at the top of the stairs, Sophia smirked. "Took you long enough."
Xinyi barely heard her. She was too busy trying to wrap her head around the sheer level of wealth before her. Every inch of this place exuded power—not the gaudy, overindulgent type, but the kind that whispered control. This estate belonged to someone who didn't need to flaunt their wealth because their name alone commanded enough respect.
"Are you coming inside, or are you planning to keep gawking all day?" Sophia teased, arms crossed.
Xinyi shot her a glare. "You didn't tell me you married a damn king."
Sophia only shrugged, a shadow of something unreadable flickering across her face. "Did it matter?"
Xinyi scoffed, but her curiosity burned as she followed Sophia inside.
The moment she stepped through the towering mahogany doors, her senses were overwhelmed. The interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior. High ceilings stretched endlessly above them, adorned with gold detailing and delicate moldings. The floors were polished marble, smooth and cool beneath her feet, and the entire space smelled faintly of expensive wood and a hint of something darker—something that reminded her of stormy nights and power untamed.
The chandeliers cast a soft, golden glow over the grand staircase that spiraled upwards, its railings intricately carved from dark oak. Along the walls, priceless paintings hung in perfect symmetry, and not a single thing in the mansion felt out of place. It was curated. Designed. Controlled.
Xinyi let out a low whistle. "Sophia… this isn't just rich. This is richer than rich. This is 'I could buy a small country' rich."
Sophia shook her head, a ghost of a smile on her lips. "It's just a house."
Xinyi snapped her head toward her. "It's a palace, you lunatic!"
They made their way to Sophia's room, where Xinyi finally collapsed onto the plush mattress. "Be honest, though. Who is this man? What's he like? And why does it feel like I just stepped into a goddamn novel?"
Sophia hesitated for a moment, fingers brushing against the hem of her sleeve. "I don't know him."
Xinyi frowned. "What do you mean you don't know him? You married him."
Sophia exhaled, leaning against the vanity. "It was an arrangement, Xinyi. A contract. Nothing more."
Xinyi stared at her, stunned. "And you were fine with that?"
Sophia didn't answer.
Before the silence could stretch too long, a sudden knock on the door sent a ripple through the air.
"Come in," Sophia called.
The door swung open, and the atmosphere shifted.
A man stepped inside, and for a moment, it felt as though the very air had been sucked from the room.
Lu Xinyi turned toward the intruder, her lips parting in mild irritation—until her brain caught up with what her eyes were seeing.
And then her entire body locked up.
Her breath stilled in her throat, her spine stiffened, and her fingers curled into the bedspread as if she needed something to anchor herself.
Because standing in the doorway, dressed in a tailored black suit that hugged his tall, powerful frame, was a man she had only ever seen in financial magazines and television broadcasts.
Leon Cheng.
The Leon Cheng.
CEO of Cheng Industries —a man whose name alone carried more weight than most empires.
A man whose empire was an empire.
His presence filled the space effortlessly, not because he was loud or overbearing, but because his very existence commanded attention. His sharp, angular features were unreadable, his dark eyes calculating yet distant. He wasn't just wealthy—he was untouchable.
And Sophia had married him.
Leon barely spared Xinyi a glance. Instead, his gaze settled on Sophia, his expression as unreadable as ever. "The gala is in a few hours. Be ready."
Then, as swiftly as he had entered, he turned and left, the sound of his footsteps disappearing down the hall.
The door clicked shut.
Silence.
Xinyi finally turned to Sophia, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
Then, all at once—
"WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL, SOPHIA?!"
Sophia winced.
"Are you out of your mind?!" Xinyi nearly screeched. "You didn't tell me you married Leon freaking Cheng!"
Sophia frowned. "Does it matter?"
Xinyi gawked at her. "Does it matter?! Sophia, this man isn't just rich—he's one of the most powerful men in Asia! Do you even know what kind of life you're walking into?!"
Before Sophia could answer, another knock came.
This time, two staff members entered, pushing a luxurious rack filled with gowns—gowns that shimmered under the warm lighting, each one a masterpiece of silk, lace, and elegance.
Sophia and Xinyi exchanged a glance.
"Well," Xinyi exhaled, stepping closer to the rack. "If you're going to be a billionaire's wife for the night, we might as well make sure you look the part."
The next half-hour was spent sifting through gowns, each one more breathtaking than the last. Eventually, Sophia settled on an emerald-green dress that pooled around her feet like liquid silk. The bodice was intricately embroidered, hugging her figure before flaring slightly at the hem. The off-shoulder design left her collarbones bare, and the back dipped just low enough to be both elegant and daring.
After helping her pick a dress, Lu Xinyi said her goodbyes and headed home. Promising to call the next day.
A makeup artist arrived shortly after and started working on her.
By the time her makeup was done—soft, natural, but enhancing—she barely recognized herself.
A staff member entered, bowing slightly. "The young master is waiting downstairs."
Sophia exhaled slowly and made her way to the grand staircase.
Leon stood at the bottom, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve.
The moment his gaze lifted and landed on her, something flickered across his face—so quick, so subtle, that she might have imagined it.
His sharp eyes swept over her, assessing, lingering just a fraction of a second longer than necessary.
Then, with a small tilt of his head, he murmured, "You clean up well."
Sophia arched a brow. "You almost sound impressed."
A smirk ghosted at the corner of his lips. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
Sophia rolled her eyes, taking his extended arm.
As the car pulled away, she stole one last glance at him.
He wasn't just rich.
He was dangerous.
And not for the first time, she wasn't sure if she was ready for the world that came with being his wife.