Wedding with heartless husband
From behind the grand, carved red-lacquered doors of the Yan family's ancestral hall, there was a faint creak.
The entire wedding venue—adorned with glowing lanterns, intricate gold silk banners, and fresh white plum blossoms—fell silent for a moment. Every eye turned toward the entrance.
There stood Anna Lu, dressed in a magnificent long red and gold wedding gown embroidered with phoenixes. Her wide sleeves trailed gracefully, and her skirt shimmered like flowing fire. A delicate gold bridal crown with dangling pearls rested on her head, framing her face like a princess… yet her eyes carried no joy.
In her hands, she held a bouquet of white and soft pink peonies. Step by step, she walked into the hall. Every movement of her gown whispered of sorrow, as if each fold of silk hid an unspoken truth.
Some guests clapped politely, others took photographs, while a few became misty-eyed. But Anna… she simply stared straight ahead—not smiling, not crying. It was as if everything was a dream… or a dream already shattered.
At the end of the aisle, waiting before the altar table, stood Zhen Chen Yan.
He was tall, with sharp, striking features that carried the poise of his Chinese heritage, but a trace of warmth in his expression that came from his late Indian mother. His smooth brown hair framed intense, narrow black eyes that could read the truth in anyone's heart. The sole heir of the Yan Empire, Zhen's cold and composed personality had earned him the title of the "Unreachable King" of the business world.
His gaze on Anna was unreadable, and Anna didn't dare meet his eyes.
This marriage… no, she thought bitterly, this is nothing but an obligation.
In the corner of her heart, a name was hidden—a name not present here today. Someone who once existed… or perhaps only in her dreams.
The deep voice of the Master of Ceremonies broke her thoughts:
"Groom, Zhen Chen Yan—do you take Anna Lu to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Zhen's reply was calm, yet cool:
"I do."
The master then turned to Anna:
"Bride, Anna Lu—do you take Zhen Chen Yan—"
She hesitated, inhaled deeply, and spoke softly:
"…I do."
Applause broke out, the hall filled with congratulations… but Anna's heart? For a moment, she turned away even from herself.
"The groom may kiss the bride."
Anna froze. She was about to speak when kiss to Zhen, without a single warning, leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. Gasps rose from the crowd, followed by a storm of applause and flashing cameras.
But the moment the kiss ended, Zhen bent to her ear and whispered:
"Welcome to hell, Mrs. Yan."
With a devilish smile, he turned and walked out of the hall with full confidence.
In his mind: I will take my revenge through you… starting with taking away your precious Lin Dangwu.
Anna adjusted her veil, matching his cold attitude, and walked out as well.
Later that evening
At dinner, Madam Priya Yan sent a servant to deliver a delicate white silk blouse to Anna's room.
"Who sent this?" Anna asked in surprise.
"Madam," the servant replied respectfully. "She requests you wear it tonight."
Anna smiled faintly. "Alright, I'll get ready."
Soon she was dressed in the blouse, with a jade necklace that caught the light, and matching earrings that looked like they belonged together. She stood before the mirror, adjusting her appearance.
Under her breath:
Five days ago, I was just an employee of Yan Empire… and now, I'm married to this cold man. There's no love in this marriage… no respect. , but Zhen had him imprisoned with false charges, forcing me to marry him with threats against my father and Lin. If they are ever freed… I will leave this marriage and disappear to another city.
Her eyes watered as she looked at father picture on her phone.
But now… I am the wife of a heartless husband.
Just then, the door opened. Zhen entered, wearing a black suit over a crisp white shirt.
Anna quickly wiped her tears, slipped her phone into her bag, and headed for the door.
But Zhen caught her wrist and pulled her back. Their bodies almost touched.
"Where are you going alone, Mrs. Yan?" His voice was low. "A wife should walk with her husband. Husbands like me… are a rare fortune."
Her eyes burned as she replied sharply:
"You are my misfortune. If you hadn't framed my father, and lin my friend—who is a hundred times better than you."
His grip tightened at the sound of Lin's name.
"You have no idea you're defending a criminal—the man who killed my father!"
"You're wrong! He's not a criminal!" she cried, trying to pull away, but his hold was unyielding.
Just then, the door opened again. Amelia Yan, Zhen's younger sister, walked in, smirking.
"Bhai, sister_in_law… save the romance for later. Everyone's waiting downstairs."
Anna smiled sweetly at her:
"Your brother seems to like me a little too much… he won't even let go of my hand. Isn't that right, Boss?"
Amelia laughed and left. Zhen still didn't release her.
He then took her hand like a real couple and led her down the stairs. All eyes turned toward them.
His mother greeted them warmly, her voice trembling:
"If only your father were here… he would be so happy to see his son married."
Zhen hugged her. "I miss him too, Mom."
A relative sneered:
"She's pretty… but isn't she from a lower class? You were the daughter of a businessman, and she's just a manager's daughter."
Zhen's reply was firm:
"She was a manager's daughter. Now she is the wife of Yan Empire's owner. I married her for her heart, not her class."
The relative continued:
"Why marry so soon? Your father's been gone barely a week…"
Zhen's tone turned cold:
"That's my personal matter. Please, don't interfere."
Later, after the guests had left, Anna entered their room—lavishly decorated with red silk curtains, lanterns, rose petals, and soft candlelight. She took pictures but quickly began dismantling the decorations.
When Zhen's mother visited and saw the flowers removed, she asked gently, "Why did you take them down, child?"
Anna smiled faintly. "I thought the boss wouldn't like them."
Madam Yan sat beside her and took her hand. "Zhen may seem harsh… but he has a soft heart. Life changed him after his father passed. You'll help bring him back to how he was."
Anna's eyes softened. "I'll try my best… Mom."
Madam Yan's smile deepened. "That's better. At home, call him Zhen—not Boss."
After she left, Anna lay down, glancing at the clock—10:45 PM.
He's still not back… fine, I don't care.
Pulling the blanket over herself, she drifted into sleep.