The rose-adorned circular archway swayed dreamily in the breeze, its white silk drapes fluttering like ethereal veils.
Soft piano melodies filled the air, harmonizing with the emcee's heartfelt praises and blessings for the newlyweds.
Amidst the sea of elegantly dressed guests clinking glasses, a girl in a T-shirt and jeans stood out like a sore thumb.
Yet, the moment she appeared, all eyes were drawn to her.
It wasn’t that her looks were extraordinary—quite the opposite. Tall and lean with a boyish figure, a neat bob framing her face, and features more plain than striking, she was the kind of girl you’d easily overlook in a crowd.
But there was something about her—an effortless blend of carefree confidence, sharp wit, and playful charm—that made her impossible to ignore.
"Who is that? I don’t think I’ve seen her before," one guest murmured, intrigued.
"Oh, her?" Another scoffed, lips curling in disdain. "That’s An Xiaonuan, the heiress of Anrong Real Estate. Thinks she owns the place just because her nouveau riche grandfather spoils her rotten. Walks around like she’s the queen of the world."
The first guest’s face fell in disappointment. "Wait—isn’t she the one who supposedly pushed Miss Tang into the water? The homewrecker?"
"Exactly! Not only did she steal someone else’s fiancé, but her personal life is a mess too. Rumor has it she’s *wild*—no shame at all. Old Man An was so furious he ended up in the hospital because of her..."
Unfazed by the hushed gossip swirling around her, An Xiaonuan strode purposefully toward the stage.
Dressed in a pristine white gown, Tang Mengyao was gazing adoringly at the man kissing her hands—until her eyes flickered to the approaching figure.
Her saccharine smile froze.
A flash of venomous jealousy darkened her gaze, but it vanished as quickly as it came, replaced by a sweet, practiced grin.
"Xiaonuan! I didn’t think you’d actually come!"
She smiled with graceful poise, her every gesture still carrying the delicate shyness of a newlywed, appearing as unassuming as the girl next door.
But only An Xiaonuan knew the venom that lurked in her heart.
"Of course I'll come! How could I miss the chance to personally wish you two a lifetime together—till death do you part, and may your line end with you? It’s the least I can do for our once-close friendship!"
An Xiaonuan’s icy gaze flickered briefly to Gu Chusheng, who had followed Tang Mengyao, before she curled her lips into a cold smirk.
"An Xiaonuan, don’t push it!" The moment Gu Chusheng laid eyes on her, he bristled like a loaded gun, his voice sharp with warning. "How many times do I have to say it? We’re over. I love Mengyao now. This has nothing to do with her, so stop targeting her!"
With a protective sweep of his arm, he shielded Tang Mengyao behind him, glaring at An Xiaonuan like a furious guardian.
The gesture stung unexpectedly, a sharp pang twisting in An Xiaonuan’s chest. Yet she forced a careless smile, masking the hurt beneath a veneer of indifference.
"Truly, a match made in hell—a bitch and her lapdog!" An Xiaonuan clapped her hands with exaggerated sarcasm. "I bow to your expertise in shamelessness. But here’s a friendly reminder: while the capital isn’t my family’s playground, if either of you ever cross me again, don’t expect mercy. I’ll make sure you pay double."
With that, she turned on her heel and strode away.
"Xiaonuan!"
Tang Mengyao broke free from Gu Chusheng’s embrace and rushed after her, grabbing An Xiaonuan’s arm. Her eyes were red-rimmed, tears spilling down her cheeks. "You’re happy for us, aren’t you? Weren’t we the best of friends—"
*Crack!*
An Xiaonuan spun around and slapped her hard across the face.