Nathaniel Fu sat on the sofa, the dim light casting shifting shadows across his sharp features.
Zane Song poured wine into his glass and leaned back casually."Women may all be women," Zane mused, "but each has her own taste, her own allure. When you hold one in your arms, which feels more intoxicating, more tender—the one who lingers in your heart, the one you truly long for? For someone as selective as you, Second Brother, don't tell me you haven't already chosen."
Nathaniel remained silent, his expression unreadable. No one could tell what was going through his mind.
At that moment, his phone rang—a familiar ringtone. It was Madam Fu.
Nathaniel immediately stood up. "I need to go."
Zane raised his glass in farewell. "Goodbye, Second Brother."
When Yara Lu returned with a towel in her hands, Nathaniel was already gone. She glanced around the room, puzzled."Where's Nathaniel?"
"Miss Lu, Second Brother went back to stay with Madam Fu," Zane explained politely.
Yara nodded. She understood Nathaniel well. He had always been deeply filial. Ever since Madam Fu returned to the capital, her health had been deteriorating, though no one knew the exact reason.
Setting down the towel, Yara looked at Zane with a faint smile."Zane, you never used to call me 'Miss Lu.' Since you came back from your trip, you've grown distant."
Zane had grown up in the capital, often spending time with Nathaniel. Back then, Nathaniel and Yara had seemed like a perfect match, and Zane himself had always been fond of her—so much so that he used to call her Second Sister-in-law.
Meeting her gaze, Zane returned a polite smile."Miss Lu, as you said, that was the past. I did see you as my sister-in-law, but you turned and left."
"True, I left. But now I'm back. Nathaniel said I can return whenever I want, and everything will still belong to me."
Zane said nothing, tacitly acknowledging her words, before deliberately steering the conversation elsewhere."Miss Lu, aren't you even a little curious about the woman your Second Brother has in Yecheng?"
Yara curled her lips into a faint, dismissive smile."I won't pretend I'm not curious. But to be precise—I've never taken her seriously."
"For all these years, I've been the woman Nathaniel could never truly have. He's a man, after all, and it's natural for him to keep someone by his side. That woman is nothing more than a substitute, someone to ease his loneliness and desires. She must look like me, doesn't she?"
Zane looked at Yara—beautiful, confident, and stubborn—and found himself unable to reply.
Yara, however, was convinced that Celia resembled her. Of course Nathaniel, who had always loved her, would find someone in her likeness. Unlike most men who easily tired of novelty, Nathaniel's tastes had always been singular and unwavering.
Zane chose not to argue. If the day ever came when Yara and Celia met, the truth would reveal itself.
Yara picked up her coat and gave him a parting glance."Zane, I'll be going. I trust you'll be calling me 'Second Sister-in-law' again soon."
With that, she turned and left.
Zane watched her retreating figure. Yara had indeed been spoiled by Nathaniel, so much so that she believed she could simply walk away and come back as she pleased.
But in reality, most people never return to where they once were—because along the way, they discover new and more captivating landscapes.
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Nathaniel returned to Xiyuan, where Madam Fu had been living since her return to the capital. Both Mrs. Zhou and Mr. Foster were also there to assist.
"Young Master, you're back," Mrs. Zhou greeted warmly.
Nathaniel nodded. "How's my mother?"
Mrs. Zhou sighed. "Not well. Madam hardly ate today. She just sent her dinner tray back down."
Nathaniel's expression darkened as he went upstairs. Standing at the door, he knocked gently."Mom."
From inside came Madam Fu's cold, tired voice."Get out!"