At the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Lu Xixi was waiting anxiously alone.
Her current mood, much like the weather outside, was caught in a stormy downpour.
A crazy stepfather, in his desperation to repay his gambling debts, had beaten her mother until she could hardly move, forcing Lu Xixi to marry a man she'd never met. Her fragile and defenseless mother, unable to escape the claws of her stepfather and faced with her life hanging in the balance, left Lu Xixi with no choice but to agree.
"Miss Lu, we've completed the paperwork for the marriage. I will take you to the Huo residence now.” The Huo family's butler spoke respectfully yet distant, handing over a red book to her.
Lu Xixi stared at the marriage certificate in her hand and couldn’t help but sigh. Wealthy people were capricious; they settled everything without having to show up in person.
She knew nothing about the man’s appearance. The only information she had was that her husband-to-be was Huo Yuting, a twenty-eight-year-old businessman who was the youngest entrepreneur in City S. His diverse businesses were worth billions, making him the city's financial pride.
Ironically, ten years ago a car accident had left him wheelchair-bound. Regardless, a line of women were keen to enter the doors of the Huo family. After all, marrying him would not only allow one to become the young mistress of the prestigious Huo family, desired by many, but also to live a life of wealth and affluence.
Sadly, Lu Xixi wasn't attracted to these perks. All she wanted was a simple love and an ordinary, peaceful life. She was content with living in hardship as long as they were together!
The silver car slowly came to a stop before the mansion's grand entrance.
Even though she was prepared for what was to come, stepping foot in the mansion made her heart lurch; the fear of the unknown encapsulating her being.
"The young mistress is here, sir," the butler announced respectfully.
Before she saw him, she heard his voice, an icy tone piercing her ears, "Lock her in the attic."
She frowned. She wasn’t a criminal, so why should she be locked in the attic?
She suddenly looked up…
The man before her had a stunning visage with pronounced features —an impassive, godlike face that emanated an elegant and noble air, despite its coldness. His inherent regal aura was undeniably commanding, demanding respect and causing heads to turn.
So, he's not that ugly after all!
"Is it pretty?" His voice was soft with a hint of disgust.
It was rare for a woman to dare hold his gaze for more than three seconds; this one was an exception.
She was quite bold.
He initially had no interest in her, but her bold stare stirred up a flicker of interest in him.
His chilling gaze swept over her from head to toe, eventually landing on her clear eyes that looked as though they could cleanse one's soul. Those eyes genuinely suited her!
Lu Xiaoxi was unsettled by his naked stare, her heart pounding like a frightened deer.
Strange, what on earth was happening?
She always considered herself a strong and capable person, so why did she feel a bit intimidated when facing this man?
With her cheeks blazing hot, she inwardly scolded herself for being such a coward while trying to muster the courage.
"Bai Yu, lock her up!" The man withdrew his gaze, his tone mixed with impatience.
"Hold on!" She widened her eyes, stopped the approaching butler, and glaring at the man sitting in the central hall, said, "What right do you have to lock me up?"
Such questioning, falling on the man's ears, was nothing less than a provocation!
Huo Yuting gave a cold smile, his thin lips parting slightly: "Defiance?"
