A Second Chance to Your Heart

Jiaxuan staggered into the mansion, the heavy door slamming shut behind her with a deafening echo. The silence of the house wrapped around her like a snake, pressing into her ears, into her chest, into her already spiraling mind.

Her skin was on fire.

Her body... trembling.

Her fingers struggled to grasp the wall for support as her heels clacked against the marble floor, her legs nearly giving out beneath her. She was burning from the inside—like flames had found a home beneath her skin and were now licking at her veins with hungry tongues.

She barely made it past the staircase before her knees buckled.

"Breathe," she rasped to herself, pressing a hand to her chest as her heart pounded like a drum. "Just breathe…"

The chandeliers overhead swayed slightly in the night wind whispering through the open window on the far end of the hallway. The shadows flickered against the walls—shadows that looked too much like ghosts.

Her dress clung to her like second skin. Red satin, soaked now in sweat. Her cleavage rose and fell rapidly with every breath she fought to take. The drug was merciless—it didn't ease its grip even for a moment.

Her hands trembled as she yanked off her heels and stumbled barefoot toward the grand staircase. She could feel the heat intensifying, crawling like insects under her skin. She needed cold. Ice. Water.

She needed to wash it all away.

By the time she reached their bedroom, she was panting, tears of humiliation already slipping down her cheeks.

She didn't turn on the lights.

She didn't need to.

She made her way straight to the bathroom, her hands yanking open the glass door of the tub enclosure. The scent of lavender oil from her previous bath still lingered faintly in the tiles.

She turned the tap.

Water burst out with a roar.

Cold. Icy. Brutal.

Without a second thought, she pulled at her dress—hands fumbling as her fingers slipped over the fabric—and peeled it off her body. Her bra. Her underwear. Everything. All of it felt like it was suffocating her. She flung them to the floor like they were burning her alive.

Then, with a silent cry, she stepped into the tub.

The moment the icy water met her burning skin, her mouth fell open in a gasp so sharp it could've sliced through glass.

She sank.

Deeper and deeper.

Until only her head remained above the surface.

Her hair fanned out like a black veil beneath the water, her skin already turning pink from the shock of the temperature shift.

And still... she didn't move.

Her arms were limp at her sides.

Her head rested against the edge of the tub.

Only her chest moved, rising and falling with each shallow, desperate breath.

In her mind, echoes of laughter haunted her. Chen Yuze's grin. His hand in her hair. The wine. The taste of betrayal. The smirk of the devil as she walked straight into hell dressed in red.

She clenched her jaw so tightly her teeth ached.

How could she have been so stupid?

How did she fall into the same trap... again?

Tears joined the bathwater. Hot against her cheeks. Vanishing beneath the surface.

"I came back for this?" she whispered to no one. "This… again?"

She hugged her knees to her chest. The cold had long stopped numbing her; it had become her punishment, her penance. Maybe if she sat there long enough, she could wash the shame away. The humiliation. The heat of someone else's hands on her body. The ache of knowing she had walked into it—eyes wide open.

The bathtub light above buzzed faintly.

The house was silent still.

Shenzhi' wasn't home.

And in that moment, she was grateful. She couldn't bear to face him. Not like this. Not when her skin still carried the memory of what almost happened. Not when her reflection in the water looked more like a ghost than a woman.

She pressed a hand to her chest again.

Right over her heart.

And whispered to the quiet,

"Just a little longer… please hold on…"

And the water rose around her, cool and unforgiving—cradling her like a grave.

The quiet hush of the mansion lay unbroken as the housekeeper moved through the hallways with the discipline of routine. The hour was late—most of the staff were already tucked away in their quarters, and the air hung thick with the stillness of night.

She was just finishing a final round—checking doors, curtains, and lights—when she noticed something strange.

The master bedroom door was slightly ajar.

She paused.

A soft breeze whispered out from the room, brushing against her skin like a warning.

Her brows furrowed. That's odd...

She was certain Mrs. Jiaxuan hadn't returned after saying she had errands to run. And just before sundown, Master Shenzhi' had called to say he wouldn't be home until morning due to urgent business.

So who…?

A chill ran down her spine.

Slowly, carefully, she approached the door.

"Madam…?" she called gently, hesitant.

There was no response.

Her eyes swept across the room.

Heels. A red dress. Undergarments strewn like discarded petals across the floor.

The bathroom door stood wide open, the soft echo of dripping water bouncing off the marble tiles. The housekeeper's heart sank.

No footsteps.

No movement.

No voice.

Her breath hitched as she stepped inside the bathroom.

And there, cradled by the icy water of the marble bathtub, was Jiaxuan.

Her eyes were closed, her lashes wet, her face pale beneath the dim light. She lay curled, her body barely rising with each slow, unconscious breath. She was trembling—violently.

"Madam!" the housekeeper gasped, rushing forward.

Kneeling by the tub, she gently touched Jiaxuan's arm—her skin was like ice.

She pressed closer, fear pounding in her chest. But then—thank heavens—she saw the soft flutter of Jiaxuan's lashes. She was alive, just asleep… barely.

But shivering.

Freezing.

"Oh, dear heavens…" the housekeeper whispered, glancing toward the door, debating whether to call the maids for help.

But she stopped herself.

Jiaxuan was a proud woman. Whatever had driven her to return home like this, broken and soaked, she clearly hadn't wanted anyone to see her like this. If word got out among the staff, if whispers floated through the mansion—it would only deepen her shame.

No.

This would remain between them.

With careful urgency, the housekeeper stood and reached for the nearest bath towel. She unplugged the drain, the water swirling away, revealing the full chill of Jiaxuan's pale, limp form. She wrapped her tightly, drying her as quickly as possible, her motherly instincts overriding all else.

"You poor child," she murmured, voice trembling. "What happened to you…?"

She didn't wait for an answer that wouldn't come.

With effort, she lifted Jiaxuan into her arms—not caring about the strain, the wet weight, the risk to her back. She was a small woman, but determination made her strong.

Jiaxuan didn't stir, but her shivering worsened.

The housekeeper rushed her into the bedroom, gently laying her down on the bed. She brought a thick blanket, wrapped her like a cocoon, then padded over to the AC panel and raised the room's temperature.

The cold had done enough damage.

She dried her damp hair with a warm towel, moving slowly, lovingly, as though tending to her own daughter. In a sense, she had watched over Jiaxuan long enough to feel a bond. Long enough to see how hard she tried. How often she fought alone. How silently she broke.

Once finished, she placed a cup of warm water on the side table, just in case Jiaxuan woke.

She dimmed the lights.

But before she left, she sat on the edge of the bed and gently brushed a strand of hair from Jiaxuan's face.

"I don't know what happened tonight… but I hope one day, you'll tell someone," she whispered. "You don't have to fight the whole world alone."

She waited a moment longer, listening to Jiaxuan's breathing begin to even out. The trembling had dulled.

Satisfied that she was safe—if not healed—she rose and left the room, quietly closing the door behind her.

Jiaxuan lay in silence, asleep but restless—locked in the fevered dream of her battle between the past and present.

The woman in the water had survived the night.

But the storm was only beginning.

THE NEXT MORNING

The gentle hum of birdsong drifted through the curtains, but to Jiaxuan, the sound was distant—unreal. As her eyes fluttered open, the weight of the blanket cocooned around her felt heavier than stone. The sheets beneath her were faintly damp, a quiet reminder of the chaos that had unfolded last night.

She stirred slowly.

Confused.

Cold.

Still wrapped tightly in the heavy blanket, she turned her head and blinked at the soft light pouring in. Her limbs trembled—not from weakness, but from dread. She was naked beneath the warmth, a thought that turned her stomach.

Her fingers clutched the blanket tighter.

Who had helped her?

Had someone seen her like that?

Had it been him?

She sat up abruptly, heart racing, eyes wild with fear.

Please don't let it have been Shenzhi... please...

No memory came to her.

Just shadows, heat, water, and the comfort of unconscious escape.

She stood from the bed, weak but determined. She wouldn't ask questions she didn't want answers to. Not today. Her dignity was already too thin.

Dragging her body toward the bathroom, she bathed herself with shaky hands and silence. No one must know how broken she felt. Not today.

Not when she had to wear her strength like armor.

By the time she stepped out of the bathroom, her skin had returned to its natural tone, and her trembling had quieted.

She stood before the closet, reaching for something powerful. Something cold and distant. She chose black.

A tailored Louis Vuitton long-sleeve silk shirt clung gracefully to her frame, paired with high-waisted black slacks that hugged her waist and accentuated her curves. Her heels clicked with elegance—sleek and pointed, not just stylish, but commanding.

She tied her hair into a high ponytail, revealing her jawline and the gleam of her silver LV earrings. The only touch of light on her was a swipe of nude lipstick and a single silver ring—her wedding band.

Her lips curved—not in a smile—but in satisfaction. Today was her brother's graduation. She would go. She would show up. She would rise.

One last glance in the mirror—perfect.

Composed.

Unbreakable.

She turned and descended the stairs, heels echoing like a quiet storm.

But what awaited her downstairs made her stop dead.

There, seated at the dining table, was her family.

Yichen sat on a booster seat, giggling, as a familiar figure brought a spoonful of food to his lips with an overly sweet smile. Rouluan.

Wearing a soft lavender blouse that clung too tightly, her eyes sparkled as she leaned too close to Shenzhi'—who sat beside her, his face unreadable, but present.

She was laughing. Laughing like the perfect hostess, like the perfect mother, like she belonged.

She even had the audacity to wear pearls. Pearls.

Jiaxuan's jaw clenched.

Yichen was giggling with delight, but his smile vanished the moment he spotted Jiaxuan standing tall in black at the foot of the stairs.

"Mama!" he chirped, trying to get down from the chair.

But Jiaxuan didn't move.

Rouluan turned, her lips twitching in faux surprise. "Oh! Good morning, Jiaxuan. You're up. Finally."

Her voice dripped with sugar—and arsenic.

Shenzhi' didn't even glance up.

Jiaxuan took a breath, walking forward with calculated steps, her heels clicking like gunshots across the marble floor.

"I see the flies have gotten bolder," she said coolly, voice calm but razor-sharp. "Feeding on what isn't theirs."

Rouluan froze, the spoon hanging awkwardly in her hand.

Shenzhi' finally lifted his eyes—but said nothing.

"I was under the impression this house had boundaries," Jiaxuan continued, brushing an invisible lint off her blouse. "But I suppose I was wrong. Some women lack shame. Or memory."

Rouluan stood quickly, her smile faltering. "You think dressing in all black and walking down like a runway model makes up for your sins?"

Jiaxuan's eyes locked with hers. "What I wear isn't the issue, Rouluan. But I'd rather wear black every day of my life than wear desperation like perfume."

Rouluan flinched.

"And what are you even doing here, anyway?" Jiaxuan asked, voice low but deadly. "Still pretending to be part of this family? Should I set a place for you next to my husband and child? Oh wait… that's right. You'll never be able to fill my seat. Not as a mother, not as a wife, and definitely not as a woman."

Shenzhi' looked at her then—but it wasn't anger.

It was… something unreadable.

Rouluan's face turned crimson. "You think you're so high and mighty, Jiaxuan. But where were you when your son needed you? Oh, that's right—off with your ex, getting cozy in hotel suites."

Jiaxuan didn't flinch. She simply tilted her head.

"Interesting," she said coldly. "So you stalk me now? What's next, hiding under my bed?"

Rouluan opened her mouth, but Jiaxuan cut her off with a raised hand.

"You must be very insecure to need validation so badly. Feeding my son doesn't make you his mother. Sitting next to my husband doesn't make you his wife. You're just... a placeholder. A poor substitute. A shadow."

Rouluan's face burned.

"And next time you want to play house, Rouluan..." Jiaxuan leaned forward, her voice low and lethal. "Make sure the woman you're trying to replace is actually gone."

Yichen clapped suddenly, not understanding—but enjoying the sound of his mother's voice.

"Mama is the best," he said proudly, making Rouluan flinch.

Jiaxuan walked to her son and picked him up with grace, whispering a soft "good boy" into his ear before turning toward the door.

"I have a graduation to attend. And a brother worth celebrating."

She turned to Shenzhi a bright smile

"I hope your appetite isn't spoiled, well I'll be going to jiayuan university to cheer him up, see you later Honey"

And with that, she walked out—heels echoing like justice behind her.

AT PEKING UNIVERSITY, CHINA

The sun hung warm in the sky, casting golden light over the perfectly manicured lawns of the university. Laughter and celebration echoed through the air, as graduates in crisp gowns embraced their families, capturing the end of one journey—and the start of another.

Jiaxuan stood at the edge of the crowd, her black heels quietly embedded into the grass. Her hair was swept up neatly, her posture strong, and her eyes… tired.

But beneath the fatigue, there was a softness, a fragile peace she carried like glass.

She searched the crowd, eyes darting through the sea of caps and gowns—until they landed on him.

Her little brother.

Jiayuan.

He stood under a white tent, laughter bubbling from his lips as he leaned down to speak with a girl—soft-eyed and sweet-looking. The way his eyes crinkled when she handed him a small card, the quiet smile he gave her—it was the look of a boy in love.

Jiaxuan watched them.

She didn't flinch. Didn't ache.

Instead… she smiled.

> Love… what a stupid thing, she thought.

A creator and a destroyer in one breath.

And yet… this love—her love for him—had never betrayed her.

As if sensing her gaze, Jiayuan looked up. His eyes brightened instantly.

"Jiejie!"

He ran toward her, gown flapping against his legs, mortarboard slightly crooked. Without hesitation, Jiaxuan opened her arms and caught him mid-stride.

Laughing for the first time in weeks, she twirled him lightly like she did when they were children.

"You're still my little boy," she teased, her voice lighter than the weight she carried. "Graduation or not."

"Come on," he groaned between laughter. "I'm taller than you now."

"That only means I've raised you well," she said, pinching his cheek with exaggerated affection before kissing it.

He rolled his eyes and pulled her into a proper hug.

"You came," he whispered. "I was scared you wouldn't."

"I would never miss this," she said softly. "Not for the world."

They pulled apart slightly just as a cluster of men in sleek black suits approached, carrying luxury shopping bags from high-end brands and an extravagant bouquet of fresh-cut tulips, sunflowers, and white peonies.

Jiayuan blinked. "W-What's that?"

Jiaxuan smiled sheepishly. "A little something for the man of the hour."

"Jiejie.....this is too much."

She stepped closer, brushing a lock of hair away from his eyes.

"You've grown into a fine man, Jiayuan," she said, her voice slightly shaking now. "You were the only one who looked at me the same, no matter how much I broke."

He tried to speak but she stopped him, holding his face gently in her palms.

"Today… you make me proud to be your sister. So let me spoil you, okay?"

His eyes watered as he took the bouquet with trembling hands.

"I love you, Jiejie," he whispered, hugging her tightly again. "Don't disappear on me anymore."

She hugged him back, biting her lips to hold back her own tears.

"I'm trying," she murmured into his shoulder. "I'm trying so hard."

In that brief moment, surrounded by laughter and cheers, Jiaxuan allowed herself a taste of warmth.

Not from a man.

Not from vengeance.

But from family—the kind that chose you, again and again.

_____________

As the breeze carried the scent of flowers and fresh grass, Jiaxuan stood at the edge of the crowd with a faint smile still lingering on her lips.

Jiayuan had just been called over to join the group photo session—one that included his classmates, professors, and school dignitaries. "I'll be quick," he said, flashing her a grin as he jogged toward the gathering, tossing his cap in the air with carefree joy.

She watched him with a warmth that stirred quietly in her chest.

Until she heard the voices.

"…She's so lucky. I mean, seriously, Bai Lu's winning."

"She's not lucky. She's calculated," another girl snorted from behind Jiaxuan. "Do you think she really loves Lin Jiayuan? That girl's after his sister's money. Everyone knows it."

"She acts all sweet and innocent, but I saw her on a call with some guy last week—sugar-baby behavior if you ask me."

"Oh my God," the first voice gasped. "No way!"

"Way. She said it herself—'Once Jiayuan falls hard enough, it'll be easy to get what I want.'"

Laughter.

Mocking. Bitter. Cruel.

"She only got close to him after she found out his sister was married to that Huo guy—what's his name again?"

"Huo Shenzhi," another whispered with a mocking giggle. "CEO. Billionaire. Cold as hell, but rich. Crazy rich."

"Mmhmm," the first girl chimed. "And everyone knows Lin Jiayuan is the little brother of Madam Huo. You think Bai Lu's not thinking long term? That girl's not here for love. She's here for the lifestyle."

The words sliced through Jiaxuan's chest like a dagger dipped in acid.

Her breath caught.

"She told me herself," the girl continued, lowering her voice. "'If I marry him, I get the Huo connection. Wealth, power… protection. He's emotional, he'll do anything once he falls. Easy win.'"

Jiaxuan froze.

The wind stilled. The celebration around her faded into a dull hum.

She turned slightly, her eyes narrowing as she slowly took in the girls whispering behind the decorative columns near the garden. College-aged. Well-dressed. Faces painted with fake sweetness. But their words were like daggers dipped in venom.

Jiaxuan's chest tightened. Her nails dug into her palms.

> Jiayuan... no. Not you too.

Against her will, her eyes shifted toward the photography section.

There he was—her little brother—laughing as Bai Lu looped her arm into his and posed beside him, her cheek resting against his shoulder. She reached up playfully to straighten his crooked cap, looking into his eyes as if he were the only man in the world.

And he looked back…

With that exact same love in his eyes Jiaxuan had seen minutes earlier.

Pure.

Unfiltered.

Blinded.

Betrayal crept in through her skin like frostbite. She tried to hold it in—tried to remind herself she had no proof. Maybe they were lying. Maybe those girls were just jealous. Maybe—

But her gut didn't lie. Not after all she'd lived through.

She had been the same once. A fool for love. Blinded. Used.

She knew what manipulation looked like.

What fake love felt like.

And this was it.

Jiayuan wasn't just a victim—he was in danger.

Her brother… who had never betrayed her, who stood by her when the whole world walked away… was about to be devoured whole.

Just like she was.

She clenched her fists tighter, swallowing the lump in her throat as she walked away from the gossiping girls, their voices still lingering in the air like a curse.

> No one hurts my brother, she thought, her jaw tightening.

Not now. Not again.

But this time… she wouldn't fight emotionally.

This time… she would be smart.

She would investigate, gather evidence, and expose Bai Lu for what she truly was—before she could break Jiayuan's heart.

Even if it meant playing the villain again.

Even if it meant losing more pieces of herself in the process.

Because love may have broken Jiaxuan…

But this time, it was going to save Jiayuan, suddenly Bai Lu hurriedly walked to Jiaxuan with smiles and pretence,the air was light with celebration and camera flashes, but the moment Bai Lu made her way toward Jiaxuan, the atmosphere shifted—just subtly enough to make the ground feel thinner beneath their feet.

Bai Lu walked with that practiced sway of someone who knew how to charm and disarm. Her white ruffled dress hugged her waist, and her cherry blossom lip gloss glistened in the sunlight. With a coy smile, she clutched her purse like a trophy and stepped into Jiaxuan's personal space with all the sugary sweetness of a honey trap.

"Senior Sister Jiaxuan!" Bai Lu beamed like an excited puppy. "It's really you—I was just talking to Jiayuan about you! I've always admired you so much!"

Jiaxuan turned slowly, her black Louis Vuitton sunglasses slipping down the bridge of her nose just enough to reveal her sharp, unreadable gaze. Her lips parted in a cool, practiced smile.

"Bai Lu," she said smoothly, "what a surprise. You must be very proud today. So much smiling… must hurt your cheeks by now."

Bai Lu let out a nervous giggle. "Oh no, not at all! I'm just happy. Your brother is amazing. I feel so lucky to know him."

"Hmm," Jiaxuan nodded, adjusting the bouquet in her arms. "Yes, Jiayuan is a very sweet person. Generous. Too generous, in fact. He believes the best in people, even when they… have other motives."

The smile never left her face.

Bai Lu's eyes flickered.

"Oh, no no," she said quickly, "I would never—! I really care about Jiayuan. Not because of your family or… or the Huo connection or anything like that."

Jiaxuan tilted her head.

"The Huo connection?" she echoed with a feigned look of surprise. "You mean my husband, the one I'm currently divorcing?" She gave a mock sigh. "So unfortunate, isn't it? All that wealth and power, and still no peace."

Bai Lu flushed. "I—I didn't mean it that way! I just meant—well, I was going to say… maybe sometime I could visit you? You know… at the mansion? I'd love to get to know you more. We're almost sisters, after all."

Jiaxuan's polite smile sharpened at the edges like broken glass.

"Visit?" she repeated. "To the Huo mansion?"

Bai Lu nodded eagerly.

"Oh, sweetheart," Jiaxuan said with a sweet laugh. "I don't think that's a good idea. You see, I already have a snake infestation. I wouldn't want to double the population."

Bai Lu's face froze for a brief second.

"I—I don't understand," she murmured.

"Of course you don't," Jiaxuan said warmly, touching Bai Lu's shoulder. "It takes a certain level of self-awareness to recognize when someone is the villain in their own story."

There was silence.

"I'm sure Jiayuan appreciates your… attention," Jiaxuan continued. "But just remember something, Bai Lu—money can buy nice clothes, entrance to good schools, and even invitations to powerful homes. But it doesn't buy class. Or sincerity."

Bai Lu blinked, struggling to keep her expression pleasant. "You really misunderstood me, I just wanted to be friends—"

"Friends?" Jiaxuan repeated with a tilt of her head. "Darling, we're not even acquaintances. But do enjoy the party."

Without another word, she turned elegantly on her heels and walked away, the breeze lifting the hem of her black coat like the wings of a fallen angel reclaiming her ground.

Bai Lu stood frozen, her fists tightening at her sides, but unable to retaliate.

Because Jiaxuan hadn't raised her voice.

Not once.

LATER ON

Jiaxuan stood by the garden terrace just outside the auditorium, letting the cool breeze calm the storm brewing within her. The hum of students laughing, parents clapping, and music playing had faded into the background. Her eyes stayed fixed on the crowd as she waited—waited for the boy she had loved since the moment he came into this world.

"Jiejie!"

Lin Jiayuan's voice called out with enthusiasm as he jogged toward her, still holding the certificate and his graduation cap lopsided on his head. His smile was contagious, and she couldn't help but soften at the sight of him.

He reached her and wrapped his arms around her in another warm hug, practically lifting her off her feet.

"I saw you earlier but the crowd—ugh. I couldn't believe you came!"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Jiaxuan said, brushing his hair from his eyes. "You look so grown."

Jiayuan grinned. "That's what happens when you finish engineering and survive Professor Zhou's classes."

She chuckled, then placed the gift bag in his hand. "Something to remind you that no matter how grown you get, you'll always be my bratty little brother."

Jiayuan laughed, opening the bag and gasping. "These are limited edition headphones. Jiejie! This must've cost—"

"You deserve nice things. And good people." Her tone dipped ever so slightly.

He paused. "Something wrong?"

Jiaxuan looked at him for a long second, then asked gently, "Jiayuan… how long have you known Bai Lu?"

He blinked. "Uh… since last semester. Why?"

"She seems… quite fond of you." She kept her voice light.

"She is," he smiled bashfully. "She's sweet. Pretty too. And she stood by me when things were tough this term. Why? Did she say something weird?"

Jiaxuan paused, choosing her words with precision

Complete it

Jiaxuan's gaze lingered on his face—the same youthful, bright-eyed face that reminded her so much of her own innocence once. She could see the hope flickering behind his question. The way his eyes searched hers for reassurance, not judgment. He was in love. Naïve, perhaps. But sincere.

She reached out, smoothing the collar of his graduation robe as she spoke, her voice warm yet cautious.

"She didn't say anything weird, Jiayuan," Jiaxuan began gently. "But sometimes… sweetness is just a flavor people use to hide bitter intentions."

Jiayuan's brow furrowed slightly. "Jiejie… you think she's pretending?"

Jiaxuan took a long breath, letting the wind steal the edge of her emotions. "I think… you're the kind of person who sees the good in everyone. And that's beautiful. But people like Bai Lu? They don't always come with intentions as pure as yours."

Jiayuan looked at her, confused, but not dismissive. "You mean… she's with me because of the money?"

Jiaxuan hesitated, then cupped his face, her tone as calm as still water. "You're worth more than your bank account. More than being Jiaxuan's brother. More than someone's ticket into a life they didn't earn."

He dropped his gaze, visibly troubled. "But… she listens to me. She makes me laugh. I thought…"

"You thought it was real." Her voice trembled slightly. "I know that feeling, Jiayuan. I've lived it. I died for it—metaphorically and otherwise."

She tried to smile, but her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Just… be careful. Don't give your whole heart to someone who's only ever admired your reflection—not your soul."

Jiayuan's brows furrowed. "You think she's after our money?" He asked again to be sure

"I think…" Jiaxuan stepped closer, taking his hand in hers like a mother would. "You are the kind of person who loves with his whole heart. And people like that—people like you—deserve love that's clean. That's real. Not love that looks at your last name and calculates gain."

"Jiejie…" he whispered, his throat tightening.

"I won't stop you from choosing who you want," she added. "But I hope you choose someone who would still look at you the same even if you weren't Lin Jiayuan. Even if I weren't your sister."

He looked down.

"She seems genuine," he murmured defensively, but the seed of doubt had already been planted.

"She may be," Jiaxuan said, kissing his forehead gently. "But even snakes can coil with sugar on their skin."

Jiayuan looked at her then—really looked. Her eyes were kind, but tired. Her body regal, but worn. And he realized she wasn't just talking about Bai Lu.

She was talking about herself, too.

"Don't worry about me, Jiejie," he said, hugging her again. "I won't let anyone use me."

She closed her eyes briefly and whispered into his hair, "And I won't let anyone hurt you."

He was silent for a moment before pulling her into a tight hug again. "You're always protecting me."

"That's what big sisters do." Her voice cracked.

They stayed like that for a while—two broken pieces holding each other together.

Just as they pulled apart, a group of classmates called Jiayuan over for more pictures. He gave Jiaxuan a lingering look, unsure, hesitant.

She smiled reassuringly. "Go on. Be the star. Just keep your eyes open, yeah?"

He nodded, then jogged off.

And Jiaxuan stood alone once again on the terrace—her smile fading, her thoughts heavy. She pulled her coat tighter around her, feeling the ache of truths she could never fully shield him from.

Some lessons, she feared, could only be learned through heartbreak.

But if she could soften the fall—just a little—then maybe, just maybe, it would all still be worth it.