The prison of marriage
The grand doors, adorned with light pink and white flowers, slowly opened.
And there stood Anya Lu—her gaze lowered, her heart heavy, her face innocent yet sorrowful. Her hair was styled short, beautiful, neatly tied—tight yet a little loose, highlighting her princess-like face. In her shimmering gown, she looked ethereal, almost like a fairy.
She stepped forward slowly.
The hall—decorated with flowers, chandeliers, and candles—echoed with the weight of countless eyes fixed on her. Yet, Anya didn't care.
Her heart was filled with only one thought—her father.
The painful memory flashed before her—the moment her father, with his last breath, entrusted her to Zain Yan.
Her chest tightened—
"If only you were here, Papa… I wouldn't have to marry this cold man, where there's nothing but hatred between us."
Among the guests, women whispered—
"Did you hear? Her father died just a few days ago…"
"And now she's marrying the adopted son of Yan Empire's chairman."
"Honestly, her fate is so blessed. If only my daughter were this lucky…"
At the center of the hall stood Zain Yan.
In his white suit, he looked no less than a prince. Sharp jawline, piercing eyes, a face carved with cold seriousness (his expression like the first photo, his physique like the second).
As Anya reached him, Zain silently extended his hand.
Anya hesitated but eventually placed her hand in his.
Together, they walked toward the priest and stood facing each other.
In that moment, Zain could see the pain hidden in Anya's eyes—the same pain buried deep within him.
Yet neither spoke a word.
Zain glanced at his parents—Jiya Yan and Cheng Yan. Both were smiling proudly. His little sister beamed with joy.
Anya, too, looked back at her family—her mother and younger brother. Tears glistened in their eyes.
Then the priest's solemn voice rang out—
"Mr. Zain Yan, do you accept Miss Anya Lu as your lawful wife?"
For a fleeting moment, Zain saw an image of a girl—his first love. A sharp ache pierced through him. But he lowered his lashes, concealing the storm within, and answered firmly—
"Yes, I accept her as my wife."
The priest turned to Anya—
"Miss Anya Lu, do you accept Mr. Zain Yan as your husband?"
Anya's trembling eyes darted to her mother, who nodded through tears, silently urging her, "Say it, my child…"
Anya turned toward Zain, her voice shaking as she whispered—
"Yes, I accept Mr. Zain Yan as my husband."
The two mothers clasped hands and tearfully said,
"Congratulations."
Cheng Yan looked up at the sky and murmured—
"Your last wish has been fulfilled, my friend."
The priest then announced with a smile—
"You may now kiss the bride."
Anya's heart pounded violently. Her lips trembled. A kiss…?
Without hesitation, Zain cupped her face, pulled her close, and kissed her.
The hall fell into stunned silence.
Anya's eyes widened, her heartbeat raced wildly.
Just ten seconds—but it felt like an eternity.
When the kiss broke, Zain leaned close to her ear and whispered—
"This isn't a marriage… this is a prison we're both trapped in."
Then he lifted his head and flashed a polite smile toward the guests.
Anya stood frozen, staring at him in shock.
From the crowd, jealous girls whispered—
"Look at her luck…"
"She's marrying our crush."
"If only it were us in her place…"
But Anya's heart remained unbearably heavy—while Zain's eyes held that same mysterious depth.
The wedding finally came to an end.
The guests from outside had left, and only the close family members remained at the Yan mansion, staying back for dinner.
Zain was busy talking with his cousins, his tall figure standing out even in the crowd.
Meanwhile, Anya stood all alone in a quiet corner of the grand hall, still dressed in her heavy wedding gown.
Her mother, Lu Ming, walked toward her. She wore simple, inexpensive clothes that looked out of place in such a luxurious mansion. The moment Anya and her mother's eyes met, emotions overflowed. Tears welled up as Anya broke down and hugged her mother tightly.
"Mother… I don't want to stay in this marriage," Anya whispered, her voice shaking as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Lu Ming stroked her daughter's back and said softly,
"My dear child, your father longed for this day. He always wanted to see you as a bride. Today, he is not here to witness this moment… but I know he is smiling from above, watching your wedding. He must be blessing you and Zain right now."
She gently pulled Anya back, wiping her tears.
"Zain is written in your destiny. This marriage was decided by the heavens. No matter what happens, you both must stand by each other. You must trust one another."
Tears streamed down Anya's face, but she nodded. "Yes, Mother…"
Lu Ming embraced her again. Just then, Anya's eyes lifted and met Zain's gaze from across the hall. He was staring at her with his usual unreadable expression. The very next second, he turned his eyes away and walked off without a word.
Lu Ming, noticing her daughter's pain, gently pulled her back.
"Take care of yourself, and of your new family, Anya."
"You're leaving already, Mother?" Anya asked softly.
"Yes. Your grandmother's health is weak, and your aunt cannot manage everything alone."
"Stay for dinner at least," Anya insisted.
"No, dear. I will eat there. You should go and change—these heavy gowns must be making you uncomfortable."
Anya nodded. "Alright. I was just about to change anyway. It feels suffocating in this heavy dress."
With that, Anya went upstairs to her room to change.
Meanwhile, Lu Ming stepped outside, searching for her younger son, Lu Wei. That's when she noticed Zain downstairs. He was sitting on the steps, one leg bent, the other stretched, holding Lu Wei close in his arms. His calm voice was steady as he said,
"Next time someone troubles you, don't cry. Face them with courage."
Lu Wei looked up with wide eyes and nodded. "Okay, brother-in-law."
For the first time that evening, a faint smile curved on Zain's lips. His sharp green eyes softened, almost glowing. He patted Lu Wei's hair affectionately.
"You're really cute…" he said with rare warmth.
Just then, Lu Ming approached. Zain immediately stood and bowed slightly.
"Mother," he greeted respectfully.
Lu Ming smiled faintly. "Looks like you and Lu Wei have already become close."
"Of course! Brother-in-law saved me from the bullies!" Lu Wei exclaimed proudly.
Lu Ming laughed. "Thank you, Zain."
"There's no need for thanks," Zain replied calmly.
But Lu Ming's eyes grew moist. "I thank you… because you fulfilled my husband's last wish by marrying my daughter."
Zain's expression darkened slightly, his voice low.
"Mr. Lu once saved my father's life. I'll forever remain indebted to him."
Lu Ming nodded softly. "My daughter is a little naïve. Please don't misunderstand her if she ever says something without thinking. And… don't let her eat anything cold at night. She falls sick very easily."
"I'll take care of her," Zain replied firmly. Then he asked, "You're leaving already?"
"Yes, I must. Anya's grandmother is unwell."
"How will you go in a taxi?"
Without hesitation, Zain pulled out his phone, called, and ordered,
"Send a driver to the parking lot immediately."
He put his phone away and said politely, "I've called a driver. He'll take you safely."
Lu Ming gave a soft smile. "Thank you, Zain."
"There's no need, Mother. Please be careful on the way."
He turned to Lu Wei, ruffling the boy's hair once again.
"Remember what I told you, my little brother-in-law."
Lu Wei grinned happily. "Yes, brother-in-law!"
Just then, the driver arrived with the car. Lu Ming held her son's hand and said, "Let's go, dear."
"Take care," Zain said in a low, serious tone as he watched them leave.
Inside the Yan mansion, a maid entered with folded clothes.
"Madam, Old Madam Yan requests you to wear this for tonight's family dinner."
Anya nodded silently. Dressed in a white silk top, a few jewels, and her hair styled neatly, she stared at the mirror. From outside, she looked perfect. Inside, her dreams lay shattered.
Clutching her phone, she pressed it to her chest. On the screen was a faded photo of her father.
Papa… if only you were here…
The door creaked open. Zain walked in. The air shifted instantly.
Startled, Anya hid the phone. She moved to step aside, but his hand seized her wrist, firm and unyielding.
"Where are you going, Mrs. Yan?" His voice was low, dangerous.
"I… I was just going downstairs."
Zain tilted his head, a mocking smile curving his lips.
"Oh? Ignoring me, are you?"
"Yes," Anya whispered, turning away. "I was ignoring you."
His grip tightened. His voice deepened.
"Don't forget… I am your boss and your husband. Wherever you go, you cannot escape me."
Tears pricked her lashes. "What can I do? This is my fate."
Zain lifted her chin, forcing her eyes to meet his cold gaze.
"Fate? No… fortune. You're lucky. Your boss is also your husband."
"I don't accept you as my husband," Anya whispered, voice breaking. "To me… you're only my boss."
A cruel smile crossed his lips.
"Believe what you wish. But remember—this marriage must stay hidden. To the world, you're Miss Lu. This marriage is nothing more than a name… and for you, a prison."
He released her wrist and strode out. The door slammed. Anya's tears slid silently down her cheeks.
---
That evening, the grand Yan dining hall glittered with chandeliers. A long table brimmed with dishes. Relatives filled every seat.
When Anya entered, Madam Yan's face softened.
"My son's bride… finally here. You look so beautiful."
Anya bowed slightly. "I'm sorry, I was late."
"Don't worry, child. Come, sit," Madam Yan said warmly.
Zain sat at the head, indifferent, his gaze never landing on her.
A cousin smirked.
"So this is Mrs. Yan? She looks so plain. And her father just died days ago, didn't he?"
Laughter rippled.
"Yes," another relative sneered. "This is nothing but debt repayment. Otherwise, Zain wouldn't even look at her."
"And to think… celebrities lined up for him. But he got… her."
Anya bit her lip hard, her nails digging into her palm beneath the table. Her throat ached, yet she forced herself silent.
Almost desperately, her eyes lifted to Zain. Would he say something? Defend her?
But Zain only sipped his wine and turned away, cold as stone.
Her chest tightened. She felt utterly alone.
Then Madam Yan's voice broke the tension.
"Enough! The Yan family needs no arrogant daughter-in-law. I have known Anya since childhood. She is kind-hearted. It was my wish my son marry her—and today, that wish is fulfilled."
She raised her glass. "A toast—for my daughter-in-law."
The table fell silent.
With trembling fingers, Anya lifted her glass, forcing a faint smile.
Zain's eyes suddenly darkened. He slammed his glass down, the crack of crystal echoing, and stood abruptly. Without a word, he stormed out.
"Why did Zain leave?" a relative whispered.
Madam Yan frowned. "Anya, dear, please go see what's wrong."
Anya stood, nodded gently, and followed.
---
Outside in the parking lot, Zain yanked his car door open, his jaw clenched, his knuckles white.
"Why did you leave like that?" Anya asked softly, standing behind him.
He turned, eyes narrowed with disdain.
"And why do you care?"
"Because Mother asked me," Anya replied steadily.
Zain clapped slowly, his smile bitter.
"Amazing. Inside, they mocked you, and you sat there like a saint. Now you dare talk back to me? Truly impressive."
Tears shimmered, but her voice didn't waver.
"And you? You heard everything too. Yet you said nothing."
For the first time, his gaze shifted. Something flickered—conflict, regret.
"My mistake," Anya whispered, voice trembling, "was believing you'd stand by me."
She turned away. After a few steps, she stopped.
"Call Mother. Tell her you're fine… so she won't worry because of me."
Then she walked off into the night.
Zain's fists clenched tight. His chest burned with a strange, unwanted feeling—regret. Yet his pride sealed his lips.
For the first time, he realized…
The prison he had built for her was beginning to suffocate him too.