A Stand-in Bride

Chapter 16

Zhan

I pull up in front of Cheng Xiao’s apartment and walk straight in. Whenever something major happens, Cheng Xiao always hides away at home instead of facing the consequences of her actions. She looks up from her seat on the sofa, her eyes red.

I sigh as I take in the panda onesie she’s wearing and the popcorn on the table. Of course she’s watching a movie. Part of me sympathizes with her. The choice she made isn’t an easy one and for her to do this a week before the wedding means she’s serious. It must have been heartbreaking, knowing she couldn’t have both her career and Yibo.

“Xiao Zhan.” She holds her arms up and I bite back a smile as I sit down next to her, giving in to her silent plea for a hug. I wrap my arms around her and rub her back as she rests her head on my shoulder. “I’m sorry,” she tells me. “I know how much time you put into this wedding, but I can’t do this. I can’t sacrifice my career and even though I love Yibo, I’m not willing to abide by his family’s suffocating rules for the rest of my life. I can’t live like that Zhan.”

I pull back to look at her, my gaze searching. Dad hasn’t told her, has he? “Cheng Xiao,” I murmur. “You have to do this. It’s too late to walk away now. There really is no going back anymore, Xiaoxiao. If you walk away now, that’s it. It’s the end of Yibo and you. Do you really want that? I know you love him and he worships the ground you walk on. I know he makes you happy Xiaoxiao."

She shakes her head. "I can't Zhan. I really can't. If I marry him, I'll just end up resenting him for everything I'll lose in the process."

"Cheng Xiao." My voice is soft yet chastising. "This isn't just about a love marriage. It's an arranged marriage. Have you thought of what will happen to Mom and Dad? The company and everything we own? Without the Wangs' support, we can't survive."

She warps her arms around herself, a hint of insecurity in her eyes. "They won't harm us. You know they won't."

I cross my arms and stare her down. "Grandma Carmen came to our house today, Xiaoxiao. She insists that the wedding take place next week... with or without you. If you don't do this, they'll... they'll make me marry him in your stead."

Cheng Xiao's eyes widen and she fell silent. "What? You can't be serious?"

I nod. "I am. Dad told me that if I don't, I'll lose my company and all the money he promised to invest in me. Grandma Carmen warned him that she'll pull away all support if this marriage falls through."

She runs a hand through her hair. "They're just trying to strong-arm me Xiao Zhan. They won't actually make you do that. Besides, Yibo wouldn't ever agree to it. That's sick."

My heart clenches painfully even as I nod. Sick. Twisted. That's probably what he thinks of this entire situation too. "I'm not sure Xiaoxiao. I don't think they're merely bluffing. Dad seemed worried and I've never seen Grandma Carmen look so serious."

Cheng Xiao shakes her head. "Don't worry," she reassures me. "You won't be forced to do anything Zhan. They won't make you. They're merely threatening us and using you to make me change my mind but I won't."

"Cheng Xiao," I plead. "Can you truly bear to watch Yibo marry someone else? Marry me? I know you love him Xiaoxiao, so please think about this carefully. If they aren't bluffing, then what? Will you really stand back and become Yibo's sister-in-law? Because that's what'll happen if you're not there on your wedding day, I'll have to walk down the aisle in your stead or I'll lose everything I've worked for."

I know Grandma said she wouldn't accept Cheng Xiao at all anymore, but I'm certain she wouldn't object if Cheng Xiao changed her mind now. All she's ever wanted is for Yibo to be happy and his happiness lies with Cheng Xiao. It always has.

Cheng Xiao looks away and runs a hand through her hair. "I'm certain Zhan. I can't do this. I won't sign away my life for anyone -- not even Yibo."

I stare at her in disbelief. "Even if it means he'll marry someone else?"

She nods. "If that is our fate, then so be it."

I grab her shoulders and shake her. "Cheng Xiao!" I snap. "Be reasonable for God's sake. Can't you see what you're doing to me? You'll get off easy but what about me? I'll be stuck having to marry a man who has only ever loved you and if I refuse, I'll lose my career. Don't do this to me Xiaoxiao. Don't do this to Yibo."

She looks into my eyes, her expression a mixture of defiance and disbelief. "It won't come to that Xiao Zhan. You won't lose your company. Neither Dad nor Grandma Carmen would ever let that happen. She loves you more than she's ever loved me you know? Even if I don't marry Yibo, she won't punish you for it. Don't worry, okay? You won't get trapped in a loveless marriage or whatever it is that's going through your mind. Forget the fear Dad instilled in you Zhan. Everything is going to be okay. I promise."

I shake my head. "No," I whisper. "Everything won't be." I don't know how to make her see reason. If Cheng Xiao doesn't change her mind, she'll be destroying three lives, including her own.