My Ex-Husband Got Married, and the Bride is Actually Me? - Chapter 01

“Lin Bai is coming tomorrow.”

The alpha beside him suddenly uttered these words. After fully processing their meaning, Shen Yan felt his scalp tingle and cursed inwardly, thinking himself more unfortunate than the poor soul called on by the teacher in class.

He feigned innocence, opening his eyes and tilting his head to look at Wen Xiuran with an expression of pure guilelessness.

Under the soft, warm glow of the light, Wen Xiuran’s face seemed gilded with a faint golden sheen. The alpha’s nose was tall and well-defined, his striking features even more pronounced under the interplay of light and shadow. Shirtless, he propped his head up with one hand, his molten gold eyes fixed intently on Shen Yan.

He was meticulously observing every flicker of emotion on Shen Yan’s face.

Shen Yan kept his gaze steady, swallowing unconsciously.

Wen Xiuran seemed to be in a good mood. He tucked the blanket around Shen Yan and asked with a smile, “Happy?”

The unspoken words that followed were clear. Your white moonlight is back.

If this had been eight years ago, Shen Yan would have flipped him off with a grin, called him a lunatic, and walked away without a second thought.

But the Shen Yan of today was no longer the same, and Wen Xiuran was no longer the easygoing man he once was. Beneath the covers, Shen Yan shifted his feet slightly, the faint clinking of chains accompanying the movement. After racking his brain for a long moment, he could only nod silently.

Wen Xiuran, that bastard, loved nothing more than entrapment. He didn’t believe Shen Yan’s vehement curses or his cold, dismissive words not even his most sincere declarations.

Shen Yan truly didn’t know what answer Wen Xiuran wanted. He was convinced the man was deliberately tormenting him, using Shen Yan’s wrong answers as an excuse to do so.

Alphas were all bastards.

Wen Xiuran shot him a sidelong glance and scoffed but said nothing.

Shen Yan knew the other had caught him cursing in his mind and guiltily turned his head away, obediently folding his hands over his chest.

Wen Xiuran didn’t seem angry. He simply took Shen Yan’s right hand from under the blanket, replacing the plain band on his ring finger with a ten-carat diamond ring.

“Don’t you dare take it off,” he warned. “Wear it tomorrow too.”

Shen Yan stared at the ring on his finger, licking his dry lips before nodding.

If only he’d had such a conspicuous ring back when he tried to escape.

Wen Xiuran studied Shen Yan’s face for a long moment before leaning down, capturing the beta’s lips in a kiss.

The subtle scent of peaches quietly filled the air.

Night had fallen, the world hushed save for the occasional chirp of cicadas outside. A few lone stars twinkled in the sky, and the moonlight shimmered on the surface of the unnamed lake in the distance. The room was bathed in warm light.

Shen Yan’s gaze drifted to the window, suddenly recalling a rainy night two years ago.

Dark clouds had blotted out the sky, the downpour relentless. Around him were the blaring of horns and chaotic screams. He had looked down at the mud beneath his feet, then up at Wen Xiuran, standing there with a flashlight in hand.

The resentment, bitterness, and loathing he had felt in that moment transcended time, coalescing before him now into that same devastatingly handsome face.

Even if Wen Xiuran hadn’t taken over the family business, he could have lived comfortably as a celebrity or model.

But that face, so flawless it seemed almost blasphemous; had once filled Shen Yan with such visceral terror that the mere sight of it made him sick to his stomach.

Wen Xiuran didn’t continue to make things difficult for him. He shifted slightly, resting his chin against Shen Yan’s neck and nuzzling him like a large canine.

He had liked doing this for a long time. Shen Yan looked at Wen Xiuran’s long hair and thought it was about time for a trim.

Picking up a few strands, Shen Yan recalled the days when he used to keep his own hair long.

Lost in thought, he suddenly felt Wen Xiuran bite down hard on his neck.

“Tsk!”

Beta glands weren’t as developed, making it difficult to withstand an alpha’s pheromones. But that didn’t matter, Wen Xiuran would mark him frequently anyway.

Bracing himself, Shen Yan adjusted his posture to make it easier for Wen Xiuran to mark him. He didn’t want to be picked up like a kitten that would probably cost him half a layer of skin.

A sliver of light appeared on the distant horizon, soon spreading into a warm orange hue that gradually illuminated the entire sky.

In the most prestigious villa district of City S, several trucks were parked outside the finest standalone residence. A few well-dressed staff carefully unloaded crates from them.

Shen Yan sat in his wheelchair on the second floor, observing the bustling servants in the hall below from the best vantage point. Behind him hung an oil painting of blooming water lilies. A gift he had once given Wen Xiuran, now proudly displayed as a testament to their love in the most conspicuous spot in the villa.

“Madam, perhaps you should wait in the bedroom. The cleaning outside might stir up dust,” Wu Ma said as she ascended the spiral staircase, speaking gently as if negotiating. “When the young master returns later, he’ll surely worry about you.”

“Who’s coming today?” Shen Yan asked knowingly, though he desperately wished Wen Xiuran’s words from yesterday had been nonsense.

He rarely engaged in conversation with others, usually responding to the servants with nods or shakes of his head. Wu Ma seemed pleasantly surprised. “The young master mentioned a business partner is visiting today—someone who was also your former classmate, I believe.”

So that bastard Wen Xiuran really invited Lin Bai.

Shen Yan cursed inwardly but kept a smile on his face, his peach-blossom eyes narrowing like a fox’s as he examined the cardboard boxes being moved into the living room. “Wu Ma, do you know what those are?”

“The young master had them brought from the old residence. We don’t know what’s inside, but they’ll probably be unpacked soon.”

Shen Yan nodded, idly twisting the diamond ring on his finger. From years of wear, a distinct pale mark had formed on his ring finger.

What could it be? Precious artifacts collected at the old residence? Or perhaps the commercial empire of A Corporation?

Alphas were possessive and territorial, always strutting around like peacocks with their tails fanned out in front of rivals utterly ridiculous.

“Don’t bite your fingers.” A ring-adorned hand reached over.

Wen Xiuran had appeared beside him unnoticed, frowning as he pinched Shen Yan’s fingers and examined them closely. “Good, you didn’t break the skin,” he murmured.

“You—” Shen Yan raised an eyebrow, adjusting his tone to avoid sounding sarcastic. He asked earnestly, “Why are you wearing this outfit?”

Wen Xiuran paused, then leaned in with a smile. “What? Does it not look good on me?”

“No.” Shen Yan quickly deflected, crossing his arms as he studied Wen Xiuran. “I remember you once said you didn’t like wearing light-colored clothes.”

Why are you wearing a white suit today when there’s a whole closet full of dark, high-end tailored suits?

“As long as you like it.” Wen Xiuran knelt on one knee, adjusting Shen Yan’s collar, deliberately or not brushing against the gland he had just marked yesterday. He peeled off the scent-blocking patch, and a faint hint of peach fragrance wafted from the wound.

“Take your time catching up later. Even though you two were close before, it’s all in the past. I’m not that petty.”

Wen Xiuran emphasized the last sentence.

As Wen Xiuran turned away, Shen Yan took a sharp breath. He couldn’t stand the way Wen Xiuran was acting now. During their relationship, he had been a simple, awkward young man. Yet in just a few years, how had he turned into someone who constantly stirred up trouble?

Several staff members brought tools to unpack a cardboard box, revealing the edge of a framed painting.

Shen Yan understood in an instant. Expressionless, he pushed his wheelchair to leave, but Wen Xiuran stopped him with a smile, firmly carrying him to the living room sofa.

Perhaps Wen Xiuran wanted him to see this on purpose. But even if Shen Yan didn’t look, he knew these paintings were his university works likely the ones featuring Wen Xiuran as the model.

Aunt Wu hurried in from the doorway with a smile. “Young Master Lin is here. Should we serve the meal now?”

“Hang the paintings first.”

“Right away, Young Master.”

The living room was spacious and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the space with greenery and sunlight. The curtains swayed gently in the breeze, and handmade woven throw pillows were scattered across the cream-colored sofa. No matter how busy the people around him were, Shen Yan kept his head down. He never concerned himself with household matters, and Wen Xiuran wouldn’t let him go out alone. His legs, plagued by old injuries, ached intermittently, making movement even more difficult.

So he sat on the sofa, bare feet on the carpet, idly picking at his fingers.

Lin Bai had once been his classmate or, to be more precise, his ex?

Shen Yan was materialistic at heart, his mind always on money. His life’s ambition had been to make a fortune by any means necessary and then retire to seclusion. But in his reckless pursuit, he had crossed paths with Wen Xiuran.

Every day in the basement, Shen Yan wondered: if he had chosen Lin Bai from the start, or if he hadn’t cared so much about material comforts, maybe he would have suffered less. Maybe he’d be living happily now.

It was hard for him to distinguish whether his feelings for Lin Bai were love, fondness, or simply kinship between kindred spirits.

To outsiders, Wen Xiuran seemed to adore him. Throwing lavish birthday parties, preparing surprises. Setting aside the time in the basement and past foolishness, Wen Xiuran could even be considered a dutiful husband.

Everyone thought he was happy. Occasionally, Shen Yan would look at the stack of bank cards and property deeds in the drawer and try to convince himself: after years of striving, he had everything he wanted. Why obsess over intangible emotions?

Comfort breeds desire, greed is human nature.

He was spiraling into self-delusion again. At the thought, Shen Yan let out a sudden, hollow laugh.

“Shen Yan?”

A voice pulled him back from his memories.

Shen Yan turned his head toward the doorway. The sunlight outside was blinding. Squinting, he looked at the newcomer.

Alpha appeared to be in his early thirties, dressed in casual sportswear as he sauntered in with a carefree air. He took a few disbelieving steps forward, circling Shen Yan with an appraising gaze, clicking his tongue as if inspecting a long-lost piece from his personal collection.

He hadn’t been looking for long when the man behind him pulled him away.

“Mr. Xu, it’s impolite to stare at someone like that,” Lin Bai said coolly.

Shen Yan looked up just as Lin Bai’s gaze met his.

“Lin Bai, long time no see.”

“Mhm, long time no see.”

Xu He shook his head, hands stuffed in his pockets, then turned to Lin Bai and muttered under his breath, “I’m seeing him alive.”

Lin Bai smiled politely, and Shen Yan offered an awkward chuckle in return.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to say more, but for him, less was better than more and silence was better than less.

Xu He shook his head again, sighing dramatically, embodying the phrase a dog’s mouth can’t spit out ivory: “I heard that after you ran from your wedding, you even found a mistress out there. I thought Wen Xiuran would’ve drowned you in a pond by now. Never expected you’d still be alive and kicking, guess that means he must really love you.”

“……..”

Shen Yan wore an innocent expression, the corner of his lips quirking up as his gaze dropped to Xu He’s left leg. If this idiot dared take another step closer, Shen Yan would absolutely leap off the couch and kick him.

“Mr. Xu, perhaps you should stop talking,” Lin Bai suggested with a professional smile, offering a kind reminder.

“Master Lin, Mr. Xu. You’ve had a long journey. Please, take your seats,” Auntie Wu interjected, ushering them in.

The topic was dropped just like that. Shen Yan’s leg wasn’t hurting too badly now, so he forced himself to stand and walked to the dining room as if nothing was wrong.

The dining area was elegantly decorated, bathed in soft, delicate lighting that glowed across the fine tableware. A vintage chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling, casting a dazzling display of light. A massive hand-embroidered tablecloth draped over the dining table, while minimalist paintings adorned the walls. In the corners, carefully arranged potted plants and fresh flowers added a touch of refinement.

Wen Xiuran was adjusting the vase at the center of the table. When he turned and saw Lin Bai, a flicker of disgust flashed in his eyes before his expression darkened. He extended a hand and said flatly, “Welcome.”

“Thank you,” Lin Bai replied, shaking his hand briefly before pulling away.

“Actually, President Wen, there’s no need to prepare lunch specially. Just take a look at this contract and sign it that’ll be enough.”

“I heard President Lin only just returned from abroad and immediately took over your family’s company. You seem particularly fond of dealing with Wen Corporation. I thought perhaps you wanted to catch up with an old classmate.”

Auntie Wu, sensing the tension, quickly tried to mediate. “President Lin must be quite busy, no? If you have other arrangements, once Xiuran reviews the contract, he’ll sign it promptly. No need to rush.”

Lin Bai met Wen Xiuran’s gaze and responded politely, “We certainly could catch up. After all, you’re not the only old classmate here.”

Shen Yan: “?”