Chapter 1 The Bet
"You went through my things?"
Lu Shijin's tone carried clear displeasure.
I lowered my gaze to the carefully sealed album. "In five years of marriage, I opened the safe for you twice for watches and three times for documents. The album was right there. I'm not blind."
It recorded his time with Qiao Yining, the true heiress of the Qiao Family now. Photos from their five years together.
The young master of the Lu Family gave up studying abroad for a poor student. After the college entrance exam, he booked the entire Disney and confessed under fireworks. It was a well-known story in Shanghai.
Their love had been passionate, evident from the photos.
Yet whether it was the intense affection of their youth or the gentle moments after Qiao Yining became pregnant, Lu Shijin had never looked at me that way.
A smile appeared on his lips as he shook his head helplessly. "So, you're jealous?"
Lu Shijin reached out and pulled me into his arms. "I shook hands with her because Qiao Yining had injured her palm before. I wanted to confirm if the Qiao Family's true heiress was her."
He paused, his voice distant. "Her palm also has a scar. But Mother told me her cancer treatment failed. She died in America soon after giving birth to Lu Mingyu. By the time I arrived, the funeral was over."
His fingertips brushed my cheek. "Don't be angry, okay? Yining and I ended long ago. I won't stop her from visiting Lu Mingyu, but that's all. My wife will only be you, Wen Ruotang."
I stared at the warmth in his eyes. I was almost convinced.
Then I remembered his cold gaze on our wedding night. "Lu Mingyu's biological mother passed away early, or this Mrs. Lu position wouldn't have gone to you."
And how his eyes reddened when he saw Qiao Yining.
I couldn't compete with a dead First Love. A living one left me with no chance.
I lowered my head, avoiding his touch. "Then dare you bet with me? That within a month you'll rekindle things with her."
"I have an appointment at the Civil Affairs Office tomorrow. We'll use the divorce agreement from our wedding day. With my status now, I'll take twenty percent of your assets. It's a win for me."
The atmosphere turned cold. Lu Shijin's voice held anger. "You're in such a hurry to divorce?"
I met his eyes with stubbornness. "The thirty-day cooling period is enough to see who wins. Or are you scared to bet?"
Lu Shijin looked at me for a long time before agreeing. "Fine. I'll prove I have no other intentions."