Fell Deeply In Love With My Ex-Husband's Fiancé - Chapter 1

Chapter 1: My Husband Is Cheating

Lu Feiran, your husband Zhai Qiance is cheating…

[Lu Feiran, your husband Zhai Qiance is cheating!]

[From what I know, he has at least five lovers!]

[Didn’t you notice any signs?]

The phone screen lit up with three messages about Zhai Qiance cheating, hanging like three guillotines in the air.

These were texts from his close friend, Zhou Zihua, sent a day ago, and Lu Feiran hadn’t replied.

Now, he stared at the surveillance footage on his computer screen, his face pale, as if covered by ice and snow.

A Rolls-Royce Cullinan smoothly drove into the garage. The sensor light flashed, instantly brightening the surveillance image, clearly exposing the faces of the two people in the front of the car.

Lu Feiran’s husband, Zhai Qiance, was back.

Once the car was parked, the slim and handsome young man in the passenger seat impatiently unbuckled his seatbelt, wrapped his arms around Zhai Qiance’s neck, and kissed him.

The young man was very forward, practically leaning half his body onto Zhai Qiance. Zhai Qiance wrapped an arm around his waist, firmly stroking his lower back a few times. They kissed passionately, the car shaking slightly.

A few minutes later, like two animals driven by primal desire, they impatiently scrambled out of the car door and intertwined again. Clothes dropped everywhere, and the two disappeared from the surveillance view.

Lu Feiran was very familiar with that young man: Lu Xingli, his half-brother, his father’s illegitimate son.

Earlier that morning, Aunt Chen had told him that the monitor seemed to have a problem. Being old, she couldn’t fix it and planned to call someone tomorrow. At the end, she casually said, “Mr. Lu, can you fix it? It feels like all you young people know how to handle these electronic devices.”

Lu Feiran didn’t find Aunt Chen’s request presumptuous. He was always very kind to those close to him and had no pretense, so he agreed to check it later.

The result was seeing the disgusting scene of his husband and half-brother kissing.

So, Aunt Chen knew all along.

Right. Zhai Qiance looked down on the house help, considering them servants, and wouldn’t deliberately avoid Aunt Chen.

Aunt Chen had deliberately made him see this. She couldn’t bear for him to be kept in the dark any longer.

A sudden, sharp pain and a sense of shame surged violently, like a colossal wave that nearly overwhelmed Lu Feiran.

He trembled all over, stiffly closed the video, bit the back of his hand, and crouched down, stopping himself from letting out painful sobs.

Zhai Qiance’s cheating… Zhou Zihua knew, Aunt Chen knew, and who else?

Everyone knew, except for him!

Lu Feiran crouched on the floor, near collapse. Waves of nausea washed over the pain and heartbreak; he just wanted to throw up.

On the day Zhai Qiance proposed, he had said that marrying him would make everything better.

Bullshit. Nothing got better at all!

…

Lu Feiran had a terrible father.

After his mother died, his father ignored Lu Feiran. Aside from giving money, he was as good as dead.

But when Lu Feiran was eighteen, his father, Lu Liye, fabricated a paternity test, insisting that Lu Feiran was the child who had been swapped, all to let his illegitimate son, Lu Xingli, openly enter the household.

Initially, Lu Feiran actually believed the narrative of the so-called “real and fake young masters.” Suppressed and ignored, his sharp edges were gradually worn away. He even thought that as long as he could contribute to the Lu family, everything could return to how it was before.

He even gave up his beloved music, enrolled in finance, and foolishly hoped to enter the company someday to help the Lu family.

Until Lu Xingli destroyed Lu Feiran’s violin.

It wasn’t just one instrument, but every violin he had ever used during his decade-plus of learning to play, all ruined.

The repressed anger of nearly two years finally flared up again. Lu Feiran confronted Lu Xingli with the broken instrument.

Lu Xingli kicked the wood shavings on the floor and said with a smirk, “I didn’t hold it steady. But so what? You still bought it with the money my dad gave you. If you hadn’t been swapped, you couldn’t afford a single one, even if you worked your whole life without eating or drinking. You’ve used it for so long; you should be satisfied.”

Lu Feiran felt his mind go blank. The beautiful illusion he had painstakingly maintained shattered in an instant. Madness overcame reason. He raised the broken violin high and smashed it toward Lu Xingli.

When he came to his senses, he had already been pulled away by the security guards Lu Liye had brought.

Lu Xingli was nearly beaten to death. His whole face was a bloody mess, looking tragic.

Qingzhi (Lu Xingli’s mother), seeing her son beaten so badly, yelled that she would use the violin to beat Lu Feiran to death and have him jailed.

Lu Liye stopped Qingzhi, frowning tightly: “Our family has had a lot of issues these past two years. I told you not to spread the news. Now, who in the circle doesn’t know about the ‘real and fake young masters’ in our house? Are you still trying to make a bigger scene? Don’t stir things up anymore. Take Xingli to the hospital first.”

After the mother and son left, Lu Feiran stared motionless at Lu Liye with his dark eyes: “You want me to go to jail?”

Lu Liye looked at Lu Feiran for a long time, finally waving his hand: “You’ve suffered a lot during this time, haven’t you? I’ll find someone to give you a psychological evaluation and treatment. We’ll let today’s incident go.”

Just like that, Lu Feiran was forced to take a half-year leave from school and was sent to a psychiatric hospital for “recuperation.” Lu Feiran felt he might have died in there if he hadn’t met Zhai Qiance by chance.

Zhai Qiance rescued him and nourished him back with a love that felt like a home invasion.

However, not long after the marriage, Zhai Qiance started staying away for long periods. When asked, he just said he was busy.

Busy doing what? Busy with company matters. You wouldn’t understand, don’t ask.

Under the same roof, Lu Feiran spent the most time with Aunt Chen. His impressions of Zhai Qiance were mostly of an empty bed, an empty house, and unanswered calls.

He wasn’t unaware of Zhai Qiance’s abnormality, but past experiences taught Lu Feiran that being too sharp only hurts oneself.

He dared not think: his family bond with his father was broken, and now even his love was gone. What would he have left?

Lu Feiran dry-heaved in the bathroom for a long time. His stomach felt empty and anxious. He saw Zhou Zihua had sent another text: [I booked a table at Yulin. I’m treating you to dinner. This place is so hard to get a table at! Come quickly!]

Lu Feiran knew the restaurant. He once asked Zhai Qiance to try and book a table, and Zhai Qiance directly said it was impossible.

He took a few deep breaths, quickly tucking away his negative emotions. He wiped his face, changed into clean new clothes, and replied: [Okay, I’ll be right there.]

…

At Yulin, they weren’t able to get a private room.

Zhou Zihua never used “privileges” or “connections” in public. He said his dad was just a small boss who got lucky and hit a trend, and they shouldn’t act like the upper class.

Zhai Qiance was the opposite. He had to let everyone know his special status and dignity wherever he went. Although Lu Feiran didn’t like it, he never said anything.

Sitting face-to-face, Lu Feiran looked normal, quietly eating dish after dish, as if eating were the most important thing in the world.

Zhou Zihua, however, was embarrassed. He scratched his head, hesitant to speak. After a long pause, he decided to put the Zhai Qiance matter aside for the moment. He took a sip of tea to clear his throat and brought up another piece of gossip: “You know the Deville family, right? I heard they’re preparing for a wedding at the end of the year.”

“Deville?” Lu Feiran’s dull eyes moved. He mechanically ate his food. A white figure flashed in his mind, then quickly disappeared.

“What’s the funniest part? They’re looking for a marriage partner, but they haven’t even found one yet, and the wedding date is already set.”

“If they’re looking for an alliance, how could they not find a partner?” Lu Feiran was dismissive, his voice hoarse, not very interested in the topic. He continued concentrating on his meal.

“These old-money families are very picky. The partner’s background and appearance go without saying, but their character and capability are also paramount. They need someone who can stand on their own and assist the family.” Zhou Zihua chattered, “But one thing is strange. They aren’t against men. Why do you think that is? Men can’t have children.”

Lu Feiran looked up at him with a hint of sorrow in his eyes.

Zhou Zihua looked like he had said the wrong thing: “I wasn’t talking about you.”

Lu Feiran nodded, showing no displeasure. He picked up the newly served dessert and asked, “Who is getting married?”

The Deville family had two young people of age: Lance and Noah. Lance wasn’t much older than Noah, but he was Noah’s uncle, the late-life son of Old Mr. Deville.

“The younger one,” Zhou Zihua said, pointing to his own head. “I heard the older one has some mental issues and was sent abroad for treatment a long time ago.”

“I see.” In a few minutes, a slice of cheesecake was gone.

Zhou Zihua suddenly grasped Lu Feiran’s right hand holding the fork: “Ranran, you’re eating too much. Don’t binge.”

Lu Feiran smiled: “It’s fine. I just felt a little hungry.”

Zhou Zihua’s heart sank. He cautiously observed Lu Feiran’s expression. Normal people would have some reaction after finding out their husband was cheating. What did Lu Feiran’s calmness mean?

No one should play the ostrich, especially not Lu Feiran! He wouldn’t allow Lu Feiran to be cheated on!

Zhou Zihua took a deep breath, deciding to spill all the information he had gathered: “Actually, the reason I asked you out today… I wanted to tell you that Zhai Qiance has kept a male escort at ‘Aurora.’ It’s confirmed news, and the contract is for at least six months. Besides that, he’s never without someone by his side. He brings different people to business dinners. His partners are already used to it. Lu Feiran, are you really going to swallow this humiliation and keep enduring it? I’ve investigated thoroughly before telling you. I even made a PDF. I can send it anytime you want to see it!”

Zhou Zihua’s sudden revelation of the truth hit Lu Feiran like a meteor. He couldn’t move. His eyes were incredibly sore, and it felt like something was about to stream down.

“Stop talking!”

Lu Feiran kept his voice down, quietly glanced around—no one was paying attention to them—and said hoarsely, “I need to go to the restroom.”

Zhou Zihua couldn’t stand Lu Feiran’s tearful expression. Why should Lu Feiran tolerate that scumbag? Watching Lu Feiran endure the marriage was more painful than if ten of Zhou Zihua’s own boyfriends had cheated.

Lu Feiran dropped his fork and rushed to the restroom. He turned on the faucet and splashed icy water onto his face.

A raging fire directly shot up from the bottom of Lu Feiran’s heart, nearly consuming him. His cheeks were flushed, overwhelmed with shame.

When he first got together with Zhai Qiance, Zhou Zihua wasn’t very supportive. He even listed Zhai Qiance’s flaws and told Lu Feiran to think carefully.

He said Zhai Qiance was an illegitimate son who was brought back to the Zhai family by his mother when he was seven, attempting a forced reunion, but was directly driven out by the Zhai family. Zhai Qiance knew he was a Zhai family son from childhood, but having been denied recognition for over ten years, he now had to “start from scratch.” His heart must be rebellious and unwilling to submit to others.

Yet, he could act humble and submissive to marry Lu Feiran. Maybe he harbored an ulterior motive, like getting the huge inheritance from Lu Feiran’s maternal grandmother?

Zhou Zihua laid all this bare for Lu Feiran, and Lu Feiran listened and thought it over. He decided he was going to marry Zhai Qiance. If Zhai Qiance wanted the assets, then so be it.

A major decision error! He was such an idiot!

Zhou Zihua followed, locked the bathroom door, and angrily faced Lu Feiran’s back: “I’m telling you, Lu Feiran! Have you been possessed by someone else? The old you would have slapped anyone who was unfaithful to you! Why won’t you let me talk?”

Lu Feiran looked up, his eyes red. He was already thin, his beautiful little face devoid of flesh. His eyes were large with high outer corners. Without his former spirited energy, he looked like he was desperately trying to be strong.

Zhou Zihua’s heart softened: “…I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize. I’ve been aware of this matter for a while.” Lu Feiran was in too much pain. He needed to be alone for a bit. “I’m leaving now. Sorry, I need, I need to calm down…”

“Hey, Ranran! I’ll take you home!” Zhou Zihua was worried about Lu Feiran’s state and tried to grab him, but missed.

“No need.”

Leaving the restroom, Lu Feiran walked out. A waiter carrying a dish passed them and pushed open a private room door.

Inside the private room, two men sat facing each other. The person facing the door looked very familiar: brown hair slicked back, gold-rimmed glasses making him look even more refined and deep. He was excitedly talking to the person opposite him, his eyes shining captivatingly.

It was his cheating husband, Zhai Qiance.

It figures. Lu Feiran immediately laughed out loud.

In the instant before the door closed, Lu Feiran saw the person across from Zhai Qiance slightly tilt his head.

That person had long platinum-blonde hair, smooth and glossy like silk. A high nose bridge and a superior, clearly defined jawline flashed past Lu Feiran’s eyes.

Lu Feiran didn’t get a clear look at his face, but just a profile, a silhouette above the shoulders, was enough to suggest an absolutely superior appearance. Otherwise, Zhai Qiance wouldn’t have that expression.

Who could that person be?

Lu Feiran suddenly felt a wave of nausea. He didn’t want to remain in the same space as Zhai Qiance and his cheating partner.

…

Not long after the semester started, he heard Li Mu died in an accident. Wen Shu thought it was a prank and didn’t take it seriously.

However, from that day on, Wen Shu constantly felt a gaze following him. Blurry shadows often appeared in mirrors, and before falling asleep, he could vaguely hear breathing near his ear.

Strange things kept happening. Wen Shu, in a daze, stumbled and fell into the water, only to be dragged into a horror survival game where he had to keep clearing levels to survive!

Wen Shu was weak since childhood, pampered, afraid of the dark and blood, and prone to crying. He couldn’t figure out how he would survive.

But… he saw Li Mu. It turned out Li Mu was also sucked into the game!

Great! He could continue ordering him around! As for liking or not liking him… they could talk after clearing the level!

Li Mu was even more silent than before, but he was not only highly skilled in combat and intelligently reliable, but also fiercely loyal to Wen Shu.

Wen Shu leveraged Li Mu’s favoritism and continued to order him around, turning the life-or-death horror game into a vacation.

“Li Mu, you have to keep listening to me and protect me, understand?”

Wen Shu didn’t tell Li Mu that he possessed the title [Boss’s Best Friend], which allowed him to communicate directly with the dungeon boss via his phone to get all information by maintaining intimacy.

The escapee must be him.

To maintain intimacy with the boss, Wen Shu coaxed Li Mu into fighting monsters while he himself followed the instructions on his phone and pushed open a hidden door.

The dungeon boss’s face was covered in shadow, but his physique was intimidatingly tall, just like Li Mu’s. Wen Shu maintained his “best friend” persona and pretended they were long-lost acquaintances: “I finally get to see you. I was so scared!”

The boss’s hand was pale and cold. He put on a medical glove and pointed to a nearby table: “Lie down. Which parts of your body were touched by others today, Xiao Shu? I need to check.”

Wen Shu stiffly crawled up, feeling the touch of the latex glove on his ankle. He heard the boss say, “You used this foot to kick the man named Li Mu? Rewarding a strange man without permission, Xiao Shu, tell me, shouldn’t you be punished?”

Upon returning, a blood-stained Li Mu looked at Wen Shu’s swollen soles, his face darkening in thought.

Thus, Wen Shu managed Li Mu during the day, treating him like a knight to be directed, while secretly coaxing the boss at night to give him escape clues, maintaining a delicate balance.

Unexpectedly, the boss suddenly went mad. Watching his teammates turn into blood mist one by one, Wen Shu grabbed Li Mu’s hand and begged him to save him.

Li Mu rarely spoke: “Xiao Shu has to give me a reward before I can do it.”

“What do you want?”

“Kiss me.”

Wen Shu was furious, feeling Li Mu was deliberately humiliating him, but to survive, he gave Li Mu a kiss.

Li Mu engaged the boss in a fight. The bright escape door opened before Wen Shu—

The first dungeon ended. Wen Shu returned to his hometown and saw Li Mu’s memorial altar. Only then did he realize with a start: Li Mu really was dead.

So who was the person who cleared the game with him? Who was the person he kissed?

Also, why was Li Mu’s memorial altar still up? Why were the decorations red and black?

An old woman covered Wen Shu’s head with a bright red veil and pushed him into a sedan chair. Gongs and drums blared, full of festive cheer.

A grand ghost marriage began.

“Don’t try to drive a ghost; they will never be satisfied.”