The Contract Bride Of The Cold CEO

Chapter 10 Public Defense, Unveiled Love

With top-tier medical experts and premium medication, Father Su’s condition stabilized rapidly. His complexion gradually regained color, and his breathing became steady at last. The heavy weight that had lingered on Su Wan’s heart lifted completely. She stayed by his side at the hospital every day, caring for him with meticulous devotion. Occasionally, she would return home to cook a warm bowl of noodles for Lu Shiyan.

Whenever Lu Shiyan finished his company work, he would rush straight to the hospital to stay with Su Wan and her father. He would either help tend to Father Su or keep Su Wan company, easing her exhaustion and stress with gentle words. His tenderness and thoughtfulness only strengthened Su Wan’s resolve to stay by his side. Father Su too felt increasingly reassured, wholeheartedly accepting him as his son-in-law.

Word of the hospital incident soon spread throughout the high-society circle of Nancheng. Everyone knew that Lu Shiyan, the CEO of the Lu Group, had openly fallen out with his own grandmother all for Su Wan, a woman of ordinary background. He had even severely punished the hospital vice president bribed by Old Mrs. Lu. Overnight, Su Wan became the most talked-about figure in Nancheng’s elite social scene.

Some admired her resilience and good fortune to be cherished so deeply by Lu Shiyan. Others burned with jealousy, arguing that her humble origins made her unworthy of his affection and the title of Young Mistress of the Lu family. Many more waited eagerly for her downfall, speculating that Lu Shiyan’s fondness was merely a fleeting infatuation, that he would abandon her soon enough and reconcile with his grandmother.

When Lin Xi heard the news, jealousy consumed her entirely. She could not believe Lu Shiyan had gone to such extreme lengths for Su Wan—openly defying his grandmother and prioritizing her father’s safety above all. Overwhelmed by resentment, she refused to accept defeat. Determined to make another move, she resolved to snatch Su Wan away from Lu Shiyan once and for all.

A few days later, a grand business banquet was held in Nancheng, attended by nearly every prominent noble, wealthy figure and business elite in the city. As the head of the Lu Group, Lu Shiyan was naturally in attendance, and Su Wan, as his wife, accompanied him.

On the night of the banquet, Su Wan wore a pale blue evening gown, with delicate makeup and an elegant posture. Standing beside Lu Shiyan, despite her ordinary upbringing, she carried herself with complete poise. Possessing a soft yet unyielding grace, she made a perfect match with him.

The moment they stepped into the venue, all eyes fell upon them, and murmurs erupted across the hall. Some whispered scornfully of Su Wan’s humble background, others stared at her with envious gazes, and many watched with cynical anticipation, waiting for them to make a fool of themselves.

Sensing the surrounding stares, Lu Shiyan instinctively tightened his grip on Su Wan’s hand. He glanced down at her with a soft smile.“Don’t be afraid. I’m right here. Pay no mind to whatever anyone says.”

Su Wan nodded. The warmth in his gaze instantly dispelled all her unease, and a faint smile tugged at her lips. With Lu Shiyan beside her, she feared nothing.

Just then, Lin Xi strode over to them, dressed in a striking red gown with bold makeup. Unbridled jealousy and provocation blazed in her eyes as she spoke sharply.“Shiyan, how could you bring someone like her to an event like this? A girl of such ordinary status has no place here. She will only bring shame on you and the entire Lu family.”

The murmurs around them swelled louder. Every gaze locked onto Su Wan, brimming with schadenfreude. Her complexion paled slightly, yet she did not flinch. She merely looked calmly back at Lin Xi.

Lu Shiyan’s expression turned icy. He stepped forward, shielding Su Wan behind him, his gaze sharp with suppressed anger.“Lin Xi, I will say this one last time. Su Wan is my wife, the rightfully wedded Young Mistress of the Lu family. She belongs at every occasion, and she is worthy of me. If you dare to speak ill of her or insult her ever again, I will show you no mercy.”

“How could you treat me like this?” Lin Xi’s eyes reddened, tears spilling down her cheeks as she spoke with feigned grievance.“I have loved you for years, and done so much for you. Why do you always protect this outsider? What could she possibly have that makes you favor her so deeply?”

“She is nothing extraordinary,” Lu Shiyan replied firmly, his eyes softening as he turned to look at Su Wan behind him.“But I love her. I love her resilience, her kindness, every part of her. In my heart, she matters more than anyone else. She is no outsider—she is the only person I will ever spend my life protecting.”

With that, he reached out, took Su Wan’s hand, and pulled her to stand beside him, holding her tightly. Facing the entire gathering, he spoke in a solemn, unshakable voice.“I, Lu Shiyan, declare before all of you here today: Su Wan is my wife, my one and only love in this lifetime. I will cherish her and protect her with every breath I have. No opposition, no hardship will ever make me leave her. Anyone who dares to harm her will be opposing me, and opposing the entire Lu Group. And I will show them no forgiveness.”

A profound silence fell over the banquet hall. Everyone present was stunned. None had anticipated that Lu Shiyan would publicly proclaim his love for Su Wan, defend her so fiercely before countless influential dignitaries, and even issue such a formidable warning to all who dared cross her.

Standing beside him, Su Wan stared into his resolute eyes and listened to his heartfelt declaration. Tears streamed down her face at once—tears of pure happiness and profound gratitude. She understood that with this gesture, Lu Shiyan had given her the utmost sense of security and an unwavering promise.

Lin Xi watched their tender gaze locked on one another, despair and bitter defeat crushing her heart. Her tears fell harder still. She knew she had lost completely. Lu Shiyan’s heart had never belonged to her. No matter what she did, she could never win him back, nor drive Su Wan away.

Whispers rose once more throughout the banquet, yet this time there was no contempt or mockery. Instead, there was nothing but admiration and envy. Everyone could see plainly: Lu Shiyan’s love for Su Wan was genuine and deep. Their marriage, once born of a mere contract, had blossomed into a love freely chosen by both hearts.

Lu Shiyan looked down at Su Wan’s tear-glistened eyes, his voice gentle.“Su Wan, I’m sorry you had to endure all this. From now on, no one will ever belittle or insult you again, not in the slightest.”

Su Wan nodded firmly, clutching his hand tightly, her voice trembling with soft sobs.“Mr. Lu, thank you. For your promise, for always staying by my side. No matter what hardships await us in the future, I will stand with you and face them all together.”

They embraced tightly, their affection laid bare before every onlooker. They both knew the path ahead still held obstacles: Old Mrs. Lu’s unyielding opposition, Lin Xi’s lingering resentment, and hidden dangers yet to surface. Yet they held unshakable faith. As long as they loved and protected one another, no barrier was insurmountable, and they would reach their happy ending together.

Meanwhile, back at the Lu family manor, Old Mrs. Lu watched the live broadcast of the banquet on television. As she saw Lu Shiyan’s heartfelt confession to Su Wan and their tender embrace, rage shook her entire body. She slammed a teacup hard against the table, shattering it to pieces. Staring out the window, her eyes burned with unrelenting malice and resentment.

She would never surrender so easily. She would find a way to destroy Su Wan, no matter the cost.