章)On a rarely traveled national highway, two small cars approached each other in silence.
Suddenly, a large truck with its high beams on sped toward one of the small cars.
In an instant, the small car lost control, and the other car was not spared either, both rolling over several times before crashing into each other, flames erupting instantly.
The fire blazed higher, and cries and shouts drowned in the roar of the truck speeding away.
Amidst the flames, a small girls innocent face, streaked with tears and blood, could be seen as she desperately tried to pull a large boy out of the car.
The boy lay there, his eyes vacant, not moving, not even struggling.
The little girl, with blood trickling down her forehead, cried, "Big brother, please move! My parents were harmed by someone, and I havent avenged them yet. I dont want to die, and you shouldnt die either!"
The girls stubborn gaze met the boys, and his dark pupils flickered slightly.
With a loud "boom," the two cars exploded.
"Ah..."
Lin Ziyuan suddenly opened her eyes, looking at the unfamiliar room before her. She sat up abruptly, the pain in her neck bringing her memories flooding back.
Today was her engagement day, as well as the engagement day of her so-called sister, Clara.
She remembered sitting quietly in her room when Claras friend, Mia, said Clara had sent her a gift of perfume.
Before she could refuse, Mia had sprayed her with it, and then she felt a sharp pain in her neck before everything went black.
If she still didnt understand what was happening at this moment, she would truly be a fool.
"Awake, beauty?" A surprised male voice came from behind Lin Ziyuan.
She recognized that voice; it belonged to Claras fianc茅, the heir to the Johnson family, a leading enterprise in the city, John Smith.
John Smith was decent-looking but was known to be a bit slow-witted. After seeing Clara at a banquet, he insisted on marrying her.
Why was he here today, on her engagement day?
Lin Ziyuan turned abruptly, and unexpectedly, John Smiths foolish smile appeared before her.
Startled, she quickly retreated to the other side of the bed, but suddenly lost her footing and fell heavily to the ground.
John Smith chuckled, "Beauty, does it hurt? Let me help you up."
"I dont want your help; stay away from me." After a moment of fear, Lin Ziyuan regained her composure and slowly backed away until her back hit the bedside table, leaving her with no escape.
John Smith, seemingly oblivious, stepped closer, his silly grin plastered on his face, "Clara said I鈥檓 going to marry you, and a wife should be cuddled up in bed."
"Clara is your wife; you should be cuddling her." Lin Ziyuans face turned pale, her clenched fists trembling slightly. She felt a wave of heat rising to her head, and her whole body felt like it was being gnawed by countless ants, making her dizzy.
The perfume Mia had sprayed on her must have contained some kind of drug, and its effects were starting to kick in.
Lin Ziyuan scanned her surroundings; she needed to leave this room quickly, or she would be in deep trouble.
Meanwhile, in another suite at the hotel, Mia whispered the latest gossip into Claras ear.
Clara wore a smug smile, "Great! Lin Ziyuan is ruined. Lets see how John treats her now. He鈥檚 such a proud man; how could he want a woman who has been sullied by a fool?"
Mia shared in the glee, having long disliked Lin Ziyuan. Taking advantage of Claras plan to deal with her, ruining Lin Ziyuan was a delightful outcome.
"Clara, this plan of yours is brilliant. Not only do you avoid marrying John Smith, but you also ruin Lin Ziyuans engagement with Xiao. Who knows, you might even become Mrs. Xiao yourself. It鈥檚 a win-win!"
"Shh! Keep it down; just keep it to ourselves. No need to say it out loud."
Clara glanced around nervously, ensuring no one was listening before she relaxed and glared at Mia, "What happened today better stay between us."
"Dont worry, I wont say a word, even if it kills me," Mia swore with her fingers crossed.
"Alright, the engagement ceremony is about to start. Lets go." Clara took off her red down jacket, revealing a stunning red dress underneath, swaying her figure as she walked out of the suite.
The next morning, Lin Ziyuan woke up again, surveying the unfamiliar room, feeling a slight relief.
But the chill on her shoulders made her tense up again; beneath the blanket, she was completely naked, and the discomfort in her body shattered any lingering hope.
The memories of last night slowly floated back, leaving only the blurred figure of the man who had entangled with her.
Lin Ziyuan closed her eyes in despair, having dealt with John Smith, only to fall into a den of wolves; she ultimately couldnt escape her fate.
Suddenly, a series of urgent knocks sounded at the door, startling Lin Ziyuan awake.
She opened her dazed eyes, feeling lost.
This confusion didnt last long as the door burst open, and a crowd of people rushed in.
As Lin Ziyuan clutched the blanket, her already pale face turned even whiter.
Clara entered with a heartbroken expression, "Sister, how could you do something so unforgivable to Xiao? He loves you so much, how could you..."
"Ziyuan, yesterday was your engagement day! How could you do something like this on such a special day? How can our family face the in-laws?" Claras mother, Mrs. Chen, said while wiping her tears.
Xiaos mother, Mrs. Lu, stepped forward and slapped Lin Ziyuan across the face, "I cant believe I liked you so much before. Turns out youre just a shameless woman!"
"Mom, get out!" Xiaos gaze remained fixed on Lin Ziyuans pale face.
"Son, Im telling you, the Xiao family will never accept this woman!" Mrs. Lu angrily pushed Lin Ziyuan out of the room.
Clara exchanged glances with Mrs. Chen, who immediately understood and followed Mrs. Lu out.
Clara approached Xiao, speaking softly, "Xiao, you dont need to be too upset; maybe sister didnt mean it."
"You can leave!" Xiao said coldly.
Clara didnt move, wanting to comfort him.
Xiaos patience ran out as he pulled Clara to the door and pushed her out, slamming the door behind her.
Xiao returned to the bedside, looking at the disheveled bed with pain in his eyes, his gaze falling back on Lin Ziyuan, "Did you really sleep with John Smith to become the future Mrs. Smith?"
Lin Ziyuan felt a wave of despair wash over her. Wasnt she supposed to have no expectations?
Xiao thought of her this way!
With all her strength, Lin Ziyuan gripped the blanket, her voice cold, "If you think so, then so be it."
Lin Ziyuans indifferent and even nonchalant attitude completely enraged Xiao.
He raised his hand and slapped Lin Ziyuan, "Lin Ziyuan, I was blind to have liked you. Our engagement is canceled. You go your way, and Ill go mine. We are no longer connected!"
With a loud bang, the door was slammed shut.
Lin Ziyuan pressed her hand against her stinging cheek, a self-mocking and sorrowful smile escaping her lips as the tears she had been holding back finally flowed freely.