Chapter 5: Playing the Role of a Stranger

“Based on the three years I spent with you, and how intimately I know you.” Ye Zehong smiled cruelly, his gaze drifting slowly and suggestively down from her face. “If you can promise to end things here, stop pestering me, and avoid contact with anyone related to the Ye family, I will never interfere in your life.”

After he finished, he delivered another cold blow: “You’ve always been clever. Deep down, you should know that the Ye family is far more complicated than the outside world. You can’t afford to get involved with any man from the Ye family. Don’t even think about using childish tricks to get back at me. My third brother is the family’s favorite, and a perfect match has already been chosen for him. If you refuse to listen and insist on provoking him, it won’t just be me—my mother will be the first to make sure you’re completely erased from the legal world, and even from the entire city.”

Lu Yao bit her lip, her limbs cold as she listened to his sharp words shattering the remnants of hope deep within her.

The chill that spread through her body, however, brought a strange calmness. She lowered her head, a trace of desolation flickering across her face. Unconsciously, her arms wrapped around herself in a defensive gesture.

Seeing her like this, Ye Zehong grew impatient. “I’ll have someone take you home right now.”

She didn’t respond, so he took her silence as agreement and pulled out his phone to arrange for a driver.

“Ye Zehong, can’t we just end things peacefully and go our separate ways without interfering in each other’s lives?” The sadness vanished from Lu Yao’s face in an instant. Her bright eyes widened, though her voice was hoarse. “Or are you afraid Miss Qiao will find out about us—about the three years we spent together? Afraid she’ll mind your past, and that’s why you want me as far away as possible? Or are you scared my presence will ruin your marriage and cost you your place as the next head of the Ye family?”

Her accusation made Ye Zehong freeze, a predatory gleam flashing in his eyes.

He moved closer again, lifting her chin, his gaze fixed on her indignant face as he enunciated each word: “My idea of a peaceful ending is for you to disappear from this city, as far away as possible. Only then can I be sure nothing will go wrong.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that!” Lu Yao leaned her head back to meet his gaze, refusing to back down. “But I can promise that from now on, I’ll play the part of a stranger.”

The word “stranger” made his heart tighten for a moment.

The sky outside was a dull gray. A crack of thunder was followed by a torrential downpour, rain pelting the windows and silencing the confrontation between them.

The sharp sound of high heels echoed in the corridor.

He immediately released her hand and stepped back, putting a meter of distance between them.

“Young Master, Madam requests your presence for tea and to discuss the details of your engagement to Miss Qiao,” a servant announced, head lowered, not daring to glance around.

Ye Zehong shot Lu Yao a warning look before walking expressionlessly toward the tea room.

Lu Yao followed, a growing sense of unease building in her chest.

The moment she pushed open the tea room door, a faint scent of orchids greeted her, mingling with another, more elusive fragrance.

Lu Yao knew that scent all too well.

Years ago, the masked woman who had haunted her memories carried the same fragrance.

She anxiously scanned the room. The instant her eyes met those of a middle-aged woman, her heart twisted in pain.

She would never forget those eyes—not even in death.

Ye Zema walked over to her, rising with enthusiasm and introducing her warmly. “Miss Lu, this is my mother.”