That evening felt nothing like her usual nights.
Lian Hua stood in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection.
She barely recognized herself.
The dress Zhen Wei had sent was elegant.
Soft silk, flowing gently, with delicate details that made her look refined yet natural.
It wasn't overly extravagant—
But it was unmistakably expensive.
"Is this really me…" she whispered.
Her hands smoothed the fabric nervously.
This wasn't her world.
Not yet.
A car arrived right on time.
When she stepped outside, her heart was already racing.
Zhen Wei was waiting.
He stood beside the car, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit.
Calm.
Composed.
Powerful.
But the moment he saw her—
His expression changed.
Just slightly.
But enough.
"You look…" he paused.
Then said quietly,
"Exactly how I imagined."
Her cheeks warmed.
"That sounds dangerous."
"It is," he replied.
He opened the car door for her.
And just like that—
She stepped into his world again.
The event was held in a grand hotel.
The kind she had only ever seen from the outside.
Bright lights.
Elegant decor.
People dressed in luxury.
The moment they entered—
Heads turned.
Not just because of Zhen Wei.
But because of her.
Whispers followed.
Soft.
Curious.
Judging.
"…that's her…"
"…the florist…"
"…he actually brought her…"
Lian Hua felt it immediately.
The attention.
The pressure.
The difference.
Zhen Wei noticed.
Without a word—
He stepped slightly closer to her.
His presence steady.
Protective.
"Stay with me," he said quietly.
She nodded.
"I will."
They moved through the crowd together.
Zhen Wei greeted people calmly, confidently.
Every interaction controlled.
Every movement precise.
Lian Hua stayed beside him.
Trying to remain composed.
Trying not to let the stares affect her.
"You're doing well," he murmured.
She glanced at him.
"Am I?"
"Yes."
A small breath escaped her.
But just as she started to relax—
A voice interrupted.
"Zhen Wei."
They both turned.
A woman approached.
Elegant.
Confident.
Beautiful.
She smiled.
But her eyes went straight to Lian Hua.
"So this is her."
The words felt familiar.
Too familiar.
Zhen Wei's expression hardened slightly.
"You shouldn't be here."
The woman smiled.
"I was invited."
Her gaze returned to Lian Hua.
"You've caused quite a stir."
Lian Hua stayed calm.
"I didn't mean to."
"Of course not," the woman said lightly.
"But here you are."
Zhen Wei stepped slightly in front of Lian Hua.
"Say what you came to say."
The woman tilted her head.
"I'm just curious."
"About what?" he asked.
"How long this will last."
Silence.
Zhen Wei's voice dropped.
"As long as I decide."
The woman smiled faintly.
"We'll see."
Then she turned and walked away.
Lian Hua exhaled slowly.
"That was…"
"Unnecessary," Zhen Wei said.
She looked at him.
"Is she important?"
A pause.
"Yes," he said.
Her heart tightened slightly.
"But not in the way you're thinking," he added.
Still—
The feeling lingered.
Because now—
She wasn't just facing his family.
She was facing his entire world.
And it was watching her.