Chapter 22: I Heard You're Getting Married

Si Yao felt a chill in her chest. Others might not understand, but she knew well—Bai Yu would never want her.

Many people believed they had been in a relationship for four years, but the truth was she had pursued him for four years. Bai Yu never agreed, always cold and indifferent, his face full of annoyance.

Si Yao cared about her reputation. Relying on the fact that no one was connected to Bai Yu, she told those closest to her that they were dating, that Bai Yu liked her very much. But in reality, not a single day had been spent as lovers; it was all lies she fabricated to save face, each one tormenting her.

Looking back, Bai Yu had never respected her orphaned background. Otherwise, why would he neither reject nor accept her, dangling her along for four years, watching her circle around him like a monkey performing for an audience?

If her grandmother truly chose Bai Yu as her match, given Bai Yu's personality, the truth would soon be exposed. The whole family would know she had never been wanted by anyone. It was... mortifying.

Xing Jue's hand slipped in again, pressing close to Si Yao and murmuring, "Is this the clever plan you've cooked up?"

What? Si Yao had no energy to ponder.

The main door opened; her grandmother and Bai Yu walked in side by side. A faint sense of despair crept in.

Si Yao's eyes turned red, and she sniffled, "Let go."

From a distance, Aunt Xiang was called over. After a few words, her grandmother sent Aunt Xiang running joyfully into the house.

Were they... looking for her?

Si Yao pressed down on Xing Jue's hand. "Let go."

Xing Jue did not release her; his grip only tightened.

A wave of impatience swept over Si Yao, and she couldn't help herself, scolding coldly, "Xing Jue, don't take advantage of my kindness."

The next moment, she was shoved into the corner and turned away.

The rough wall scraped against her face, and Si Yao let out a small cry of pain.

"Shh," Xing Jue leaned in, his whole body pressed firmly against hers, his voice was harsh and sly, "Don't move, or if your future husband sees, he might not want you."

Si Yao's earlier rebuke had been loud enough to make those in the distance pause.

Seeing her grandmother and Bai Yu looking their way, Si Yao dared not utter a sound.

When their gaze shifted back and they walked inside, Xing Jue's hand became even more unruly.

Si Yao's voice, now trembling, carried a hint of sobs, "Aren't you afraid Grandma will see you shamelessly acting out and just marry us off right then?"

Xing Jue pause