innocent lotus flower

Dreams

Wei Ying had always wanted to be free. He had been adopted by the Lan family when he was little. To the outside world, he lived a life of luxury and privilege, but inside the Lan residence, he often wished he were nothing more than a servant. Whenever he stepped outside, people would envy him, telling him how lucky he was to be adopted by such a wealthy and powerful family—how spoiled he must be. But none of them knew it was all a farce.

His body was littered with scars—souvenirs from Madam Yu. Even at his young age, he suffered chronic pain. His knees ached whenever it rained or the weather turned cold, and his back still throbbed from the time Madam Yu broke it after he dared to outperform her son in an international competition. She had once broken his finger in a fit of jealousy over his talent in drawing. When he brought home an art award, Uncle Jiang had rushed him to the hospital, and thankfully, there was no permanent damage.

Once, he had tried to run away from the Lan household, but he didn't even make it to the front gate. That day, Lan Xichen had ordered their brood of dogs released on him. To this day, Wei Ying walked with a slight limp. But today—today was different. Today, he was finally getting his freedom. He was getting married to Lan Wangji, to whom he had been engaged since before his parents died.

Wei Ying knew the Lan family only adopted him to seize his family's properties and wealth. Even now, on his wedding day, Madam Yu held all his important documents. He couldn't open a bank account or make any decisions without the Lan family's approval. Still, he held on to hope—perhaps his future husband would help him.

Everyone feared Lan Wangji. People said he was cold and violent—even to women—except for the one person he loved. That person had gone abroad. Yes, Lan Wangji had once dated someone else while engaged to Wei Ying. But Wei Ying didn't care. All he wanted was freedom, and if Lan Wangji was the way out, then so be it.

They had attended the same high school. Lan Wangji had never once acknowledged his presence, and Wei Ying had never dared to speak to him. Even when Lan Wangji dated another girl, ignoring the fact that his fiancé was right there, Wei Ying endured it. It hurt—but he didn't mind. Escape was all that mattered.

Wei Ying was nervous today. He was getting married—finally free. Excited and anxious, he managed to keep his cool. The wedding went smoothly, and he was taken to the Lan mansion. Relief coursed through his body as he entered. For the first time in years, he felt the faint breeze of liberty.

But Lan Wangji didn't even glance at him. He moved with a cold detachment, performing his duties without feeling. Wei Ying didn't mind. He was finally out of the Lan home.

Lan Wangji led Wei Ying to their shared room. It was large, elegant, and beautifully designed—obviously belonging to someone extremely wealthy. He took one look at Wei Ying and sneered. To him, Wei Ying was just a spoiled brat protected by the Lan family, pampered and sheltered. He wouldn't allow that to continue here. There was no love between them—only a contract. He had no intention of staying married. As soon as he found his true love, he would divorce Wei Ying and marry her.

Ning Xi. She had saved Lan Wangji when he was kidnapped. She had even been injured in the process. She gave him half of a jade pendant so he could recognize her someday, though she had lost her own half while escaping. She remembered everything. It was she who called the police. That was how Lan Wangji realized she had saved him. Since then, he had fallen deeply in love with her. They had dated before she went abroad. He was convinced she had been forced to leave and once he discovered who was responsible, he vowed to ruin their life.

Wei Ying suddenly shivered, not knowing why. He looked at his husband but quickly dismissed the idea. Surely, Lan Wangji hadn't caused that chill. Gathering his courage to speak, he opened his mouth—but Lan Wangji beat him to it.

"I didn't marry you because I love you, nor do I expect anything from you," he said coldly. "So don't expect anything from me. I love someone else and I will never love you. The room beside this one is off limits. If I catch you there, you're finished. Don't think I won't hurt you. This is not your home. You're not going to be spoiled here, so don't try it. Don't make me angry. Don't come near my bed, don't touch my wardrobe, and don't let me catch you using my things—or I'll burn them. Your stuff goes in that corner. Don't let it cross into mine."

With that, Lan Wangji disappeared into the bathroom to shower.

Wei Ying stood frozen, stunned by the harshness of it all. But after a moment, he laughed bitterly. At least he hadn't come into this marriage with dreams. If he had, his heart would be shattered.

"Don't worry, Wei Ying. You can do this," he whispered to himself.