Fake Pregnancy? Oops, It’s Real — and So Is the Husband - Chapter 3

Pei Jingyan didn’t seem surprised by her answer. “Miss Shen has made up her mind so quickly?”

Shen Lai, now oddly calm, replied, “Isn’t President Pei in a hurry too? I won’t waste anyone’s time.”

Pei Jingyan let out an ambiguous chuckle, refraining from further sarcasm. “Since you’ve agreed, we’ll get the marriage certificate tomorrow.”

Shen Lai stiffened at his words.

Though she had mentally prepared herself, she hadn’t expected it to happen so soon.

As if reading her thoughts, Pei Jingyan said nonchalantly, “The Gu family’s inheritance dispute will be settled next week, so I’d appreciate your cooperation, Miss Shen.”

Of course, Shen Lai knew that if not for desperate circumstances, Pei Jingyan would never have considered marrying her.

Her nails dug into her palms. “But I can’t leave right now…”

The paparazzi were swarming downstairs. If she went with Pei Jingyan to register their marriage, the news would hit the headlines instantly, stirring up another storm.

Pei Jingyan, however, seemed to have already considered this. Calmly, he said, “Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for a marriage registrar to come to your place and handle the paperwork.”

Shen Lai’s face flashed with surprise. “They’ll come here?”

She had only heard of couples going to the civil affairs bureau, never of the registrar making house calls.

Pei Jingyan’s tone remained indifferent. “If one party is severely ill or disabled, the registrar can visit the hospital or residence to process the marriage, provided the necessary medical documentation is submitted.”

As for the medical proof, that was nothing more than a snap of Pei Jingyan’s fingers.

Shen Lai had hoped to delay the registration, but it seemed futile now. She bit her lip. “Understood.”

Then, a thought struck her, and she couldn’t help but ask, “By the way, you mentioned you’d help me resolve my troubles. How do you plan to do that?”

Pei Jingyan replied meaningfully, “You’ll find out soon enough.”

Seeing he had no intention of elaborating, Shen Lai didn’t press further. Given Pei Jingyan’s status and influence, solving such a trivial matter would be effortless for him.

After hanging up, Shen Lai collapsed onto the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Everything that had happened today felt like a dream.

She had actually agreed to Pei Jingyan’s terms… marrying him and bearing his child.

In the past, such a thing would have been unthinkable.

Shen Lai and Pei Jingyan had never gotten along since childhood. Their first meeting took place when Shen Lai accompanied her parents to Madame Pei’s birthday banquet.

Back then, Pei Jingyan was the epitome of nobility and grace. Descending the staircase like a prince straight out of a fairy tale, he wore a black suit with a white tie, his limited-edition diamond watch glinting under the lights. His entire demeanor exuded an air of distinction, even as a child, hinting at the striking man he would become.

Pushed by her parents to greet him, Shen Lai nervously clutched her cake plate and awkwardly approached. “Hello, my name is…”

Before she could finish, Pei Jingyan coldly brushed past her without so much as a glance, uttering only a dismissive, “Move.”

Arrogant, rude, and detestable, that was Shen Lai’s first impression of Pei Jingyan.

From then on, she kept her distance. But fate had other plans. Not only did they attend the same kindergarten, but they also ended up in the same primary school, middle school, and high school.

As the two grew older, they couldn’t avoid meeting on various occasions, yet their mutual dislike didn’t lessen… it only deepened.

By the end, they became the kind of people who felt sick at the mere mention of each other.

So Shen Lai never expected that a scene straight out of a TV drama would happen to her, selling her body for money, and to her sworn enemy at that.

She could already imagine how Pei Jingyan would humiliate her after they got married.

Shen Lai kept comforting herself: at least her mother’s medical expenses were covered now. She would never have to worry about money again, and there would be endless resources at her disposal.

Besides, being with Pei Jingyan was still better than entertaining those old investor men, right?

Thinking this way, Shen Lai finally felt a little better, though something heavy still pressed on her chest.

If her mother found out she had sold herself for money, she didn’t even want to imagine the reaction.

Just as she was about to take a shower and go to bed after calming herself down, a sudden knock at the door interrupted her.

She turned to look at the entrance, a trace of confusion flickering in her eyes.

Who could be looking for her at this hour?

Was it the paparazzi from downstairs?

Before she could think further, the knocking came again, followed by a deep, impatient voice. “It’s me.”

Recognizing the voice, Shen Lai walked over and opened the door, only to see Huo Chilin standing outside.

Her brow twitched slightly. “What are you doing here?”

Huo Chilin sneered. “You faked morning sickness on the show today just to get my attention, didn’t you?”

Shen Lai frowned.

“Thanks to you, Suisui got into a fight with me. Are you happy now?” Huo Chilin’s expression was filled with irritation. “Shen Lai, we’ve already broken up. Can’t you just let go?”

Shen Lai pointed at herself, amused. “I’m the one who won’t let go?”

Huo Chilin ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “Isn’t it obvious? First the morning sickness, then making such a big scene… who wouldn’t think you’re trying to tie yourself to me?”

Shen Lai had no idea where Huo Chilin got this delusion. She hadn’t said a single word online, while Bai Hansui had been the one panicking and jumping out. Yet somehow, it was still her fault.

Huo Chilin mistook her silence for guilt and pressed on. “Let me make this clear… if you think this pathetic act will make me take responsibility, you’re dead wrong.”

“You know damn well I never touched you. Don’t try to make me the fall guy.”

He wasn’t wrong about that. They had only been together for less than half a year, barely progressing past holding hands and hugging, before the Shen family’s downfall.

The day Shen Lingzhen was arrested, Huo Chilin broke up with her.

When disaster strikes, everyone flees. Shen Lai didn’t blame him. Besides, they were truly mismatched now, even if they stayed together, his parents would never accept someone with her background.

It wasn’t until days later, when she saw online that Huo Chilin was dating Bai Hansui, that she realized they had already been together for over four months.

Huo Chilin had been cheating on her with Bai Hansui the entire time.

And Bai Hansui just happened to be her longtime “best friend.”

Huo Chilin’s tone carried a note of command. “You’re going to text Suisui right now and explain that the kid in your belly has nothing to do with me.”

The corner of Shen Lai’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Young Master Huo, were you an opera singer in your past life? Because you sure love putting on a show.”

Huo Chilin’s expression darkened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Who said the child is yours?” Shen Lai retorted. “Did I ever say online that you were the father?”

Huo Chilin’s expression darkened.

It was true that Shen Lai had never explicitly stated it, but if not him, then who else could it be?

“Don’t tell me those rumors are true… you actually slept with someone for money?” Huo Chilin’s gaze turned disdainful. “Are you that desperate? Willing to sell yourself to those fifty- or sixty-year-old men?”

Shen Lai replied coldly, “Whether I sleep around or not has nothing to do with you, Young Master Huo. Or have you forgotten? We’ve already broken up.”

To Huo Chilin, her words sounded like an admission of the rumors. His contempt became even more obvious. “So it’s true what they say. You’re that loose—you weren’t even a virgin when we got together, were you?”

Shen Lai’s fingertip twitched imperceptibly.

Huo Chilin wasn’t entirely wrong. After all, she had lost her virginity to Pei Jingyan two months prior.

“So Young Master Huo has a virginity complex… is that why you went after Bai Hansui?” Shen Lai lifted her head, her expression now perfectly composed. She raised a brow. “Wait, no. I remember she’d already had several boyfriends before you.”

A vein pulsed at Huo Chilin’s temple. “Shut up! Suisui isn’t like you. She’s not that kind of person!”

Shen Lai smirked without warmth. “You’re right! she’s not that kind of person. She specifically targets men who already have girlfriends.”

Bai Hansui had known about Shen Lai and Huo Chilin’s relationship from day one. If she claimed she was an unwitting mistress, Shen Lai wouldn’t believe it for a second.

Besides, rumors online said Bai Hansui had pursued Huo Chilin first. The only explanation was that she had done it deliberately to steal Shen Lai’s boyfriend.

Looking back, Shen Lai realized Bai Hansui had always subtly taken things from her small things like clothes, shoes, and bags, to bigger things like friends and lovers.

She just hadn’t noticed before.

It wasn’t until the Shen family fell from grace that Bai Hansui abruptly cut her off, spreading rumors in their social circle that Shen Lai had treated her like a servant. Only then did Shen Lai realize Bai Hansui had never considered her a true friend.

As for when Bai Hansui’s resentment and desire for revenge had taken root, Shen Lai had no idea.

Huo Chilin’s voice snapped her back to the present. “Do you really think badmouthing Suisui will make me break up with her and take you back? Stop dreaming.”

Shen Lai met his gaze with feigned sincerity. “Of course not. You two should never break up. Stay locked together, spare others the misfortune.”

Huo Chilin clenched his fists.

“Are you done?” Shen Lai dismissed him without hesitation. “If you are, then leave. I need to sleep.”

Huo Chilin narrowed his eyes. “First, go online and clarify that the child in your belly has nothing to do with me. Otherwise, I’m not leaving. Who knows what schemes you’ll pull next?”

Despite her indifferent act Huo Chilin was convinced Shen Lai hadn’t truly moved on.

After all, she had a sick mother to support and a stagnant career in the entertainment industry. Other than him… a powerful ex who in high society would even give her the time of day?

If she clung to him, at least she wouldn’t have to worry about money or resources in the future.

Shen Lai was utterly exasperated. Having just dealt with her arch-nemesis Pei Jingyan, she now had to face her ex-boyfriend Huo Chilin, both people she detested. The effect was no different from falling into a sewer and making intimate contact with the rats inside. Her tone grew impatient.

“Master Huo, if you keep harassing me, I won’t hesitate to call the paparazzi upstairs and let them see how you’re pestering me.”

“They’re desperate for a juicy scoop right now. I’m sure they’d be more than happy to give us some publicity. I wonder how your current girlfriend will react when she sees the news.”

Sure enough, Huo Chilin’s expression darkened.

He knew Shen Lai well… she was absolutely capable of doing something like this.

Even though she had fallen from grace, she had once been the cherished heiress of the Shen Group, raised with more pride and willfulness than anyone else.

Huo Chilin clenched his fists. “Fine, I’ll leave. But let me make one thing clear, I’m with Suisui now. Don’t delude yourself into thinking I still have feelings for you, and don’t try to threaten me with these cheap tricks. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Shen Lai couldn’t be bothered to waste another word on him and slammed the door shut.

The interruption from Huo Chilin ruined her mood. She had no idea what kind of day this was, first her nemesis, then her ex-boyfriend, both showing up one after another.

Even a funeral might not have gathered such a complete lineup.

That night, Shen Lai lay awake, and it wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that sleep finally claimed her.

Yet less than two hours after she closed her eyes, she was jolted awake by the sudden ringing of the doorbell.

Bleary-eyed, she went to answer it and found a woman standing outside.

Still groggy, Shen Lai asked, “May I ask who you are?”

“Good morning, Miss Shen. I’m the marriage registrar,” the woman replied politely.

Shen Lai jolted awake in an instant.

She had almost forgotten… today was the day someone would come to process the marriage certificate for her and Pei Jingyan.

Flustered, she smoothed her hair and invited the woman inside.

By the time Shen Lai had freshened up and stepped out, Pei Jingyan had arrived as well. He was dressed in a dark suit today, his broad shoulders and narrow waist accentuated by the tailored fit, his long legs encased in dress pants, his figure was nothing short of perfect.

As if sensing her gaze, Pei Jingyan suddenly turned his head and looked straight at her.

Shen Lai quickly averted her eyes, pretending to converse with the registrar.

“I heard your ex-boyfriend paid you a visit yesterday?” Pei Jingyan’s voice suddenly sounded beside her ear.

Shen Lai stiffened, lifting her head to meet his gaze with surprise. “How did you know?”

Pei Jingyan arched a brow. “What do you think?”

Seeing her bewildered expression, he scoffed. “Miss Shen, do you think the paparazzi camped outside your building are just for show? And yet you dared to meet your ex-boyfriend in the dead of night.”

Shen Lai’s throat tightened.

Had Huo Chilin’s visit been caught on camera?

“If it weren’t for the fact that one of those reporters has ties to the Pei Group, photos of your little rendezvous with your ex would already be all over the internet by now.” The corner of Pei Jingyan’s lips curled, though there was no warmth in his smile. “What’s the matter? Did you have second thoughts after agreeing to our arrangement and decide to turn to your ex for help?”

His words carried a mocking edge, but Shen Lai forced herself to stay calm. “I didn’t seek him out. He came to me.”

Pei Jingyan gave no indication of whether he believed her, idly adjusting his wristwatch. “Oh? Did he want to get back together?”

Shen Lai smirked humorlessly. “He thought I was trying to pin a child on him and warned me not to delude myself.”

A fleeting smirk crossed Pei Jingyan’s lips, vanishing as quickly as it appeared. “So? How did you respond?”

“So I told him the child has nothing to do with him and to stay away from me.”

“It seems Miss Shen is quite adept at assessing situations.” Pei Jingyan’s lips curled as he suddenly stepped forward, pinning Shen Lai against the wall and looking down at her. “Compared to him, choosing me is obviously the better deal, right?”

Shen Lai couldn’t deny this. When it came to family background, Pei Jingyan was leagues ahead of Huo Chilin.

She looked up and found Pei Jingyan staring back at her. Their bodies were barely a finger’s width apart, and an intangible hint of ambiguity seeped into the atmosphere.

Belatedly realizing their proximity had crossed a line, Shen Lai swallowed hard and was about to remind Pei Jingyan when, fortunately, the marriage registrar came over to inform them they could begin.

Shen Lai immediately broke free from Pei Jingyan’s embrace, pretending nothing had happened, unaware of the deepening intensity in his gaze behind her.

The marriage registration process was quick, taking less than ten minutes. Staring at the glaring words “Marriage Certificate” in her hand, Shen Lai felt dazed.

She had actually married Pei Jingyan.

A low, mocking voice sounded by her ear. “Miss Shen isn’t regretting this already, is she?”

Shen Lai snapped out of her daze to see Pei Jingyan watching her expressionlessly. She took a quiet breath and calmly tucked away the certificate. “Of course not.”

Whether in mockery or disdain, Pei Jingyan replied, “Even if you regret it, it’s too late now.”

Shen Lai wasn’t actually thinking along those lines.

If it could save her mother, she’d even be willing to serve as Pei Jingyan’s maid.

But she didn’t explain, instead changing the subject. “Now that we’ve registered, what’s next?”

Pei Jingyan’s tone took on a meaningful edge. “Naturally, we solve the immediate problem first.”

The immediate problem?

Shen Lai quickly realized he was referring to her pregnancy scare on the show.

But she didn’t know how Pei Jingyan planned to handle it. Would he claim she wasn’t pregnant?

But if so, how would they explain her growing belly later? It wasn’t like she could just leave the industry during her pregnancy.

However, she soon found out what Pei Jingyan meant by “solve.”

That evening, the rumors about Shen Lai’s pregnancy continued to escalate, stubbornly clinging to the top of the trending list. Clips of her morning sickness during the live broadcast had gone viral, with the comment section flooded with insults and mockery.

[Shen Lai still hasn’t clarified, could she really be pregnant?]

[She must be, otherwise she’d have denied it immediately if it were a misunderstanding!]

[Were the previous rumors true? Did Shen Lai really sleep her way to resources?]

[What’s so surprising? For a nobody like her, that’s the only shortcut to fame.]

[Then she’d better hurry up and have the kid. Maybe she’ll go from a D-list nobody to an A-lister, hahaha!]

[Can someone dig up the sugar daddy? I’m dying to see what kind of ogre he is… probably an eyesore.]

Just as the rumors reached their peak, the official Weibo account of the usually silent Pei Group suddenly posted:

“@ShenLai, husband: me. Child: mine.”

Attached was their marriage certificate, clearly showing the faces of Shen Lai and Pei Jingyan.