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The Stand-In Bride

The Stand-In Bride

Author: Luna Pierce

Chapter 10: Public Kissing
Author: Luna Pierce
Nov 18, 2025
"I'll call Wen Xi," Mu Jiangde said after a moment's thought, nodding decisively. "You go on ahead to the hotel and get things set up." Not long after, a call from Mu Jiangde summoned Wen Xi to the hotel. In the bridal suite, Ou He studied the face so similar to Mu Shuyu’s, nodding repeatedly in approval. She never thought this face she’d always despised would end up being her saving grace. But Wen Xi’s gentle disposition was a stark contrast to Shuyu’s sharp, haughty demeanor. The difference was glaring, and the deception could easily fall apart. In terms of features, Wen Xi's skin was much fairer, and her eyelids had a natural crease, unlike the ones Shuyu had paid a surgeon for. After a long pause, she explained the situation to Wen Xi, ending with a stark warning. "Wen Xi, the Mu family has been good to you. When this is over, I'll arrange for a specialist consultation for your mother. But you will bury what happens today. If a single word of this gets out to the Lu family… you know what will happen." Wen Xi’s hands clenched into fists. She had thought that after that night, she would never have anything to do with that man again. She never imagined they would force her to stand in for Mu Shuyu and complete the engagement ceremony with Lu Qinghan. The risk was immense. The slightest misstep and he would discover the truth about that night. But her mother’s illness couldn’t wait… "Fine. I'll do it." With her consent, two assistants helped Wen Xi into the bespoke gown, a creation worth millions. The hem, studded with glittering diamonds, was breathtaking. But the gown was made for Mu Shuyu, and Wen Xi was slenderer, her waist more delicate. It took two or three pins at the back to make it fit. A pristine white lace veil was lowered, obscuring her view. She was led downstairs by the hand, Mu Jiangde eventually placing her hand into Lu Qinghan’s. His hand closed around hers, and even through the thin fabric of her glove, she could feel its warmth. Her heart fluttered in her chest. Everything was so perfect—the lavish engagement ceremony, the million-dollar gown she wore. And the impossibly handsome man standing before her. But for her, it was all a phantom, a dream that wasn't hers to keep. "And now, will our bride and groom-to-be please exchange engagement rings!" The emcee's voice pulled Wen Xi from her thoughts. She looked up, her gaze meeting the man's. A faint smile played on Lu Qinghan’s lips. The grand engagement party had been arranged entirely by the Lu family’s housekeeper; to him, it was merely a formality. And marrying Mu Shuyu? That was just a way to settle a debt. Yet, as he gazed at the shy, timid woman before him, an unexpected wave of contentment washed over him. Perhaps… marriage wouldn't be so bad after all. He slipped the engagement ring onto her middle finger. The diamond flashed brilliantly, its light catching in Wen Xi’s eyes and making her feel as if her heart might leap from her chest. Prompted by the emcee, she picked up the other ring and began to slide it onto the man's finger, her hand trembling slightly. "Don't be nervous," Lu Qinghan murmured, his voice low. A sourness bloomed in Wen Xi’s heart. She looked up, seeing his handsome face as a blur through the veil. The man let out a soft chuckle. He took her hand, his fingers gently closing over hers to guide the ring into place. The emcee led a round of applause. “Let’s give our blessings to this perfect couple—a true match made in heaven!” Someone from the crowd catcalled, “Aren’t you going to kiss her, Fourth Master Lu?” Lu Qinghan had always been cold and self-possessed, immune to such taunts. But today was his engagement. He looked down at the beautiful woman in her wedding gown, his hand moving to her waist. Amid a collective gasp from the crowd, he leaned in and kissed Wen Xi through the veil. Beneath the lace, her lips were soft and carried the faint scent of cherry blossoms, pulling him under. It was just like… that night. Her, beneath him, so sweet and beautifully innocent. Lu Qinghan’s arm tightened around Wen Xi's waist, deepening the kiss.

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