The gala hummed along, two hours in, when lilting music filled the air. Guests paired off, swaying to the rhythm. All eyes tracked Lu Zhe, the enigmatic CEO. Several women approached, offering dance invitations with hopeful smiles.
"Sorry, not interested," he said, his tone clipped, eyes barely lifting.
The stoic president, despite his striking looks, lacked the playboy charm. Whispers called him aloof, but no one dared say it aloud.
Brushing off every offer, Lu Zhe strode to a quiet corner where Lila sipped wine alone. "Ease up," he said, his voice firm. "Don't get drunk."
Lila set her glass down, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "What, no dancing, Mr. CEO? Pity those ladies chasing your spotlight."
Her words carried a barb, but her smile didn't reach her eyes. Lu Zhe smirked, his voice low. "No peach blossom's as captivating as you."
"Spare me the act," Lila shot back, her tone sharp. "We're just playing the happy couple for show. No need for fake feelings."
She knew her love for him was a stubborn flame, but this engagement was theater. Lu Zhe, she figured, didn't care enough to understand her heart.
He didn't argue, just flashed a faint, almost tender smile. Extending a hand, he bowed slightly. "Then, may I have this dance?"
Lila blinked, then nodded. "My pleasure."
Her hand slid into his, the other resting on his shoulder. His arm encircled her waist, and they glided into a waltz. Her elegant purple gown and his sleek silver suit collided in a breathtaking tableau—regal grace meeting icy allure.
"Didn't peg you for a waltzer," Lu Zhe said, a hint of surprise in his voice. The Jo family wouldn't have given her such chances.
Lila's smile was cool. "Picked it up in my spare time. Can't let you down in public, can I?"
He raised a brow. "You wouldn't, even if you couldn't dance."
"Hmph." Lila huffed, thrown by this non-sarcastic Lu Zhe.
His sincerity caught her off guard, but she assumed ulterior motives. Their hearts, misaligned, danced to different tunes.
The song ended, applause erupting. Lila realized the crowd had been watching, captivated.
"Miss Lila's dancing is stunning!"
"A perfect match for the Lu family!"
Lila nodded politely, Lu Zhe echoing her with a subtle nod— their synergy seamless. The gala cemented their image as a power couple, and Lu Zhe sealed several deals.
Exhausted by the schmoozing, Lila excused herself to Lu Zhe and slipped away. Back home, she collapsed, drained, and slept until 11 p.m.
When she stirred, Lu Zhe was in the living room, eyes on the news. "Awake?" he asked, not turning, sensing her door's creak.
"Mhm," Lila mumbled, groggy, shuffling to the bathroom.
Checking her phone, she saw a 6 p.m. text from the Sunshine Orphanage director, inviting her to tomorrow's renovation unveiling to thank her for years of support. That orphanage had taken her in when no one else would, connecting her to the Jo family. It held a special place in her heart.
After washing up, Lila crawled back to bed, her thoughts lingering on those days.
The next morning, she dressed carefully—casual pants, practical for playing with kids. As she headed out, Lu Zhe's voice stopped her. "Going somewhere?"
"Orphanage. Got some business."
"I'll drive. I'm free."
She opened her mouth to protest, but he was already moving, decision final.
At Sunshine Orphanage, the director waited at the gate, her smile warm. Lila hugged her, touched by the welcome. The director glanced at Lu Zhe, curious.
"I'm Lila's fiancé, Lu Zhe," he said, his tone steady but his gaze sharp, like he could pierce souls.
Lila's lips twitched. Technically true, but that look… Did he see through her, too?
They exchanged pleasantries, and the director, busy with other guests, led them to a lounge.
"You come here often?" Lu Zhe asked.
"When I can," Lila said, cradling a teacup. "I visit the kids, bring supplies. The orphanage struggles, so I help where I can. They took me in when no one else would. The director's a saint—just overworked."
Lu Zhe listened, silent, hungry for her past.
Lila paused, eyeing him. "You're digging into my life, aren't you?"
He didn't flinch. "Knowing my fiancée is only fair."
He'd already clocked the director's savvy—running a struggling orphanage while solving Lila's case wasn't the work of an ordinary person.
The renovation ceremony kicked off, simple but heartfelt. The director spoke briefly, then invited Lila to cut the ribbon. The orphanage had added new buildings and a playground, costing over a million. Lila's $30,000-$40,000 donation—scraped together from part-time jobs—earned her the director's affection and the kids' adoration.
Afterward, Lila suggested visiting the children's area. Lu Zhe, claiming business, headed to the director's office.
The director, sorting files, greeted him with a knowing smile. "Mr. Lu. Here about Lila."
"Obviously," he said, impressed she'd anticipated him.
She poured water, her voice soft. "Let me tell you a story."
Lu Zhe nodded.
"A six-year-old girl had a happy family. One day, a speeding car swerved into their path. Her father died instantly, her mother became a vegetable. The girl survived, miraculously."
Lu Zhe's jaw tightened. He knew this much.
"There's more," the director said, setting down her papers. "Where did that car come from? The crash was meant to kill them all. And who bribed the police to bury it?"
Lu Zhe's eyes darkened. His own digging had hit dead ends.
"You know the truth?" His voice was low, predatory.
She sidestepped, continuing, "Lila was timid as a child, but she grew strong. I still see that little girl clinging to my sleeve."
Lu Zhe shifted gears. "The orphanage is strapped for cash, right?"
"Yes. Donations are down, government aid's tight. The kids need so much."
He leaned forward. "A deal: you give me the truth, I'll fund the orphanage indefinitely."
The director smiled. "We don't lack money most—we lack people who bring these kids real happiness."
Lu Zhe blinked, wrong-footed. He'd pegged her as pragmatic, not idealistic.
"I know you've investigated Lila," she said. "She was miserable at the Jo house, staying only for her mother. Our kids, once they age out, face harsh fates—some adopted, then mistreated."
Lu Zhe nodded. "I'll handle placements for the older kids. You manage adoptions. That's my limit."
"Deal," she said briskly. "I'll email you the files."
He left, his expression heavy.
Meanwhile, Lila was in her element with the kids.
"Sister, what're we learning today?"
"Tell us a story!"
Lila hugged one child, kissed another's cheek. "Storytime and clay sculpting!"
The kids cheered.
"What're you making, Sister?" a girl asked.
"A fairy figurine," Lila said. "Say good morning to her daily, and when you marry, she'll bless you with a sweet baby."
"Wow, magic!"
The kids crowded around, Lila guiding their hands with patience.
Outside, Lu Zhe watched silently. This is the real Lila.
He slipped in, sitting quietly, his gaze softening on the girl he couldn't quite unravel.
"Lu Zhe?" Lila looked up, catching his eyes. "When'd you get here?"
"Just now. Talked funding with the director."
"Is this Sister's brother?" a boy asked, wide-eyed. "Will you and Sister have a baby?"
Lila's face flushed, glancing at Lu Zhe. "Yes, we'll be happy."
"Blessed by fairies?"
She ruffled the boy's hair. "Yup, so be good."
The day at the orphanage shifted something in Lu Zhe. Lila—warm, genuine—was more than he'd ever seen.
But the crash… Did she wonder about it, too?