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Finally, the limousine turned into a long, winding driveway. Lian's heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of the estate. The mansion was even more opulent than his father's. Towers and turrets rose into the air, gleaming with gold and crystal. Lian's mother leaned forward, her eyes glinting with excitement. "We're here," she said. The limousine pulled up in front of the mansion. Lian came out of the car, his heart racing. He was greeted by a butler, who bowed low. "Welcome, young mistress," he said. "I am Jenkins, the butler of the estate. Please, follow me." Lian hesitated, unsure of whether to follow him, But his mother's push propelled him forward. As they entered the mansion, Lian's eyes widened in awe. The interior was even more breathtaking than the exterior. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the marble floor. They walked through a series of ornate rooms, each one more lavishly decorated than the last. Lian caught glimpses of priceless artwork, rare antiques, and exquisite furnishings. Finally, they arrived at a pair of double doors, adorned with intricate carvings. Jenkins pushed the doors open, revealing a grand ballroom. The room was filled with few people, all dressed in beautiful attire. Everyone turned to stare at him. “oh my God” the crowed gasped. “She is Mei Vince, isn't she the fiancee to Mr cheng. “yes she is.“ “She so lucky” the crowd said in hushed tone as they stared at lian. Lian felt holes boreing into his skin from their stares. “Behave well Mei” Mrs vince whispered giving lian a knowing look as she and Mr vince went to greet the guest. Lian's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for any familiar face. But there was no one he recognized. At the far end of the room, on a raised dais, stood a figure. He was a tall, imposing, handsome, young man with a chiseled jawline and piercing grey eyes. Suddenly Cheng locked his gaze with Lians, his eyes staring and a slow smile spread across his face. He began to walk towards him. Lian's heart skipped a beat. There was something about his eyes that sent shivers down his spine. "So, you're my bride to be Mei," Cheng said, his voice deep and husky as he got to where Lian stood "I must say, you're even more beautiful than I expected." Lian felt a flush rise to his cheeks. Nobody had ever looked at him like that before. “Hello! Mr cheng.“ lian said in a light but also a nervous voice. “You don't have to make it formal, you're going to be my bribe soon.“ Cheng said in a deep musculine voice. You're mine now from today," he said, his voice low and dominating. Lian's heart racing, he tried to step back. But Cheng's hand shot out, grasping his waist tightly. "Don't even think of leaving my side." Cheng growled. "You're not going anywhere away from me." Lian felt a surge of fear. He was trapped. And Cheng was not a man to be trifled with. “Let's go greet the guest.“ Cheng said as he pulled lian with him. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The engagement party came to an end everyone was begin to go home even lian's parents had already left but not without giving lian a last warning not to mess things up. Only lian and Cheng were left in the ball room Without a word, Cheng reached out and grasped Lian's wrist, his grip him so hard. Lian tried to pull away, but Cheng's hold was unyielding. Cheng's eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire as he pulled Lian closer. Lian could feel the heat emanating from Cheng's body, and his heart racing, he knew he was in grave danger. Cheng turned and dragged Lian out of the ballroom, down a long corridor, and into a dark, luxurious bedroom. Lian stumbled, his heart racing, as Cheng slammed the door shut behind them. "Why did you choose to marry me?" Lian whispered, trying to keep his voice steady. This question has been lingering on his mind. Cheng didn't respond. Instead, he reached out and grasped Lian's chin, his fingers digging into Lian's skin. Lian tried to pull away, but Cheng's grip was hard. Cheng's eyes seemed to bore into Lian's soul, as if searching for something. Lian felt a wave of fear wash over him. Why was Cheng looking at him so intensely? Lian heart pounded loudly. Cheng must have discovered something. Without warning, Cheng's lips crashed down on Lian's, the kiss brutal and possessive. Lian tried to struggle, but Cheng's arms wrapped around him, holding him in place. Lian felt like he was drowning, suffocating under Cheng's assault. But at the same time, he felt a spark of desire ignite within him. What was wrong with him? Why was he responding to Cheng's touch? As the kiss deepened, Lian felt himself getting lost in Cheng's embrace. He was trapped in a whirlpool of desire and fear, unable to escape. Just as suddenly as it had begun, the kiss ended. Cheng pulled back, his eyes filled with lust. Lian stumbled backward, gasping for air. He felt like all the air in him has been sucked out. Cheng's eyes seemed to gleam with satisfaction. He knew he'd gotten under Lian's skin. Without saying a word, Cheng turned and strode out of the room, leaving Lian shaken and confused. What had just happened? And what did Cheng want from him? Lian's mind were filled with questions as he stumbled toward the bed, collapsing onto the soft mattress. As Lian lay on the bed, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. What had just happened? And Why did he want to get married to him. He mind was a heavy mess, all he needed now was a good sleep. Just as he was starting to drift off to sleep, Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a figure slipped inside. It was a woman, dressed in a maid's uniform, with a look of urgency on her face. “i came to serve you your meal.“ the maid said. “Sorry, but not hungry. I'll eat tomorrow morning” Lian replied. He was already sick of making his voice so light but what could he possibly do, he has to get used to it at all times. “Okay Miss” the maid turned to walk out of the room. She unexpectedly stopped and turned back to him. "Listen carefully Miss," she whispered. "I don't have much time. You're in grave danger, Miss. Cheng is not what he seems." Lian's stared at her in confusion. What did she mean? The maid glanced nervously over her shoulder. "I have to go," she said. "But be careful, Miss. Don't trust anyone." And with that, she slipped out of the room, leaving Lian stunned and confused. What did the maid mean? And who was she, anyway? Lian's mind was racing with questions as he lay back down on the bed. But one thing was certain: he had to be careful. He couldn't trust anyone, not even himself. Lian couldn't shake off the feeling of unease after the maid's warning. He tried to go back to sleep, but his mind was racing with questions which wouldn't let him sleep.. Who was the maid, and how did she know about Cheng? What did she mean by "Cheng is not what he seems"? Lian was lost in his thought when the door suddenly opened, which jolted him with shock. The door opened, and Cheng strode in,walking towards to bed. He reached out and grasped Lian's wrist, pulling him out of bed. "Come with me," he said. “where are going?“ lian asked but got no reply from him. It seems like he nevers answer any question. ************************************* They finally arrived at a large, ornate door. Cheng pushed it open, revealing a dimly lit room filled with rows of computer screens and surveillance equipment. Lian's eyes widened in shock. What was this place? Cheng's eyes seemed to gleam with satisfaction. "My security room," he said. "From here, I can monitor every inch of your activities." Lian felt a wave of unease wash over him. So he was going to be watched even when having his bath so his identity will be revealed. The thought of it made him almost pee on his self. Cheng felt lian's nervousness, then he understood it. “You don't have to worry about your privacy, there is no cameras in the bathrooms. I wouldn't want the security guard to see you naked. You're body and soul are all mine and only i have the right to see you that way.“ Suddenly, the computer screens flickered to life, showing a feed of the maid who had warned Lian earlier. She was tied to a chair, her face bruised and battered. The maid's screams echoed through the speakers as she was whipped hardly at her back. "You see, Lian," he said. "I don't take it kindly to traitors." With a swift motion, The guard who was beating her drew a knife and slit the maid's throat. Her eyes widened in shock, and her body slumped forward. Lian's eyes were glued to the screen in horror. He felt a wave of nausea wash over him. The screens went dark, and Lian was standing in shock, his heart racing his mouth widened but a single word refuse to come out, of what he had just seen. what would happen to him if he finds out he is a boy maybe his dick would be cut off and fed to him.THE CHENG'S ESTATE — WEDDING DAY10:04 AM — LIAN’S ROOMLian sat in front of the mirror, dead quiet, watching himself in the reflection. The makeup artist had just finished fixing the last bit of concealer under his eyes, but his hands were still shaking. The weeding gown was tight around the ribs, heavy at the shoulders. Pure white. Designer. Expensive as hell."Everything alright?" the stylist asked, adjusting the veil for the third time.Lian nodded, even though nothing was alright.He kept thinking about his real name. His real self. But he couldn’t afford to think like that today. Not now. Not when he was about to marry the most dangerous man he'd ever met—and somehow, the only person who had ever made him feel safe.He glanced down at his hands. Neatly manicured. Polished. Feminine.Fake.“Breathe,” Cheng’s voice echoed in his mind from earlier that morning.“You get through this and we’re done with all the bullshit. Just me and you.”Lian blinked back the tight feeling in his c
*************************************Cheng caught Lian’s wrist gently as he passed. “Are you okay?”Lian nodded. “Yeah. I’m fine.”But his eyes were glassy. His breathing shallow.Cheng leaned in close, voice low. “Did he touch you?”“No.” Lian swallowed. “He just… offered me a check.”Cheng’s face turned to stone.“I said no,” Lian added quickly. “I told him he could go to hell.”Cheng exhaled like he hadn’t realized he was holding his breath. His hand tightened just slightly around Lian’s.“Good girl,” he said, quietly but fiercely.************************************************ THE WILSON VILLA *********"Finally back to this deadass house," Mei muttered, tossing her bag onto the couch like she owned the place.Footsteps pounded from the stairs. Mrs. Wilson appeared, her face pale with shock. "What the actual fuck, Mei? What are you doing in Spain? You’re supposed to be in Portugal!"Mei rolled her eyes. "Damn, Ma. I show up and that’s the welcome I get? You ain't even gonna as
“you're parents”. The word tasted bitter in Lian’s mouth.“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”“Would you have slept if I had?”Lian didn’t answer. He already knew the truth.Cheng stepped closer, his tone softening. “Just be yourself. They won’t bite.”Lian laughed, humorless. “That’s great, coming from a man whose father once shot someone over an undercooked steak.”Cheng smirked. “He won’t shoot you.” Cheng didn't bother to ask how he knew about what his fafher did.Lian arched a brow. “You sure?”“He wouldn't dare,” Cheng admitted, and gently brushed a strand of hair behind Lian’s ear, “but I’d take the bullet first.”The intimacy of that gesture caught Lian off guard. He looked away quickly, pretending not to feel the warmth blooming in his chest.He pretended to smooth the fabric of the robe, trying to ignore the heat climbing up his neck.“You don’t need to say things like that,” he said, his voice quieter now.Cheng tilted his head, still watching him. “I don’t say anything I don
Cheng’S PRIVATE VILLA – NIGHTThe Rolls pulled into the driveway just as the villa’s exterior lights flicked on, casting golden glows against stone walls. The chauffeur exited the car, opening the door.Lian stepped out, the hem of his deep blue dress catching the breeze. Cheng emerged next, moving with that careless, predatory grace of his — all lean muscle and sharp confidence. His jacket was off, sleeves rolled up, collar unbuttoned. That usual smirk lingered on his lips — half arrogance, half amusement.“I don’t like being ignored,” he said coolly as Lian brushed past him.“I’m not ignoring you,” Lian murmured without turning. “I’m just… tired.”“Oh, you’re definitely ignoring me,” Cheng replied, following him inside. “You’ve been quiet since we left the boutique. That usually means you’re overthinking again.”Lian stopped in the foyer and turned to face him. “I’m not used to being… paraded around.”Cheng raised a brow, stepping closer, hands slipping casually into his pockets. “
*************************************Lian turned slightly. “Sorry, I’m not ready yet—”He froze.A tall, blonde-haired woman stood just inside the boutique. She wore a trench coat and sunglasses, despite the warm weather, and carried a small quilted handbag. Her aura was expensive. Elegant. Confident. But familiar.Not until she removed her glasses.Lian’s blood went cold.It was Vivian.“you……” Lian muttered.Vivian’s lips curved in amusement as she stared at him.“Ueah me! Well,” she said softly. “I heard the rumors… but seeing you today? Much more entertaining.”Lian stepped back slightly, his pulse pounding. “What… what are you doing here?”Vivian tilted her head. “Shopping. Obviously.”She walked slowly around the room, her heels tapping in a gentle rhythm. “I heard Cheng was marrying you for real,” she added casually. “Didn’t believe it at first. You were always the reckless one, the wildest bitch. Not exactly bride material.”Lian's heart raced. Wildest bitch?He tried not to
FLORENCE UNIVERSITY – ART HISTORY LECTURE HALLLian clutched the leather strap of his bag a little tighter as he walked into the lecture hall. The polished floors clicked beneath his heels. Every movement, every glance, every breath in the room felt too loud.He spotted an empty seat in the middle row and made his way toward it, head low. Don’t attract attention. Don’t trip. Don’t—He paused.Andy.Sitting two seats away, hunched slightly over his sketchpad, legs crossed the same casual way Lian remembered from back then. He looked the same — messy curls, leather wristband, a silver ring he always fidgeted with when he was anxious.Lian’s chest tightened.He hesitated for only a second before sliding into the seat beside him.Andy didn’t look up.The professor’s voice started in the background — introductions, syllabus, brushwork techniques — but Lian barely heard any of it. His skin prickled. His thoughts were louder than anything around him.He risked a glance.Andy finally turned h