Unlawful Affection

Who was this? Oh God… Han… Han Xi Cheng?! Su Nian’en’s heart nearly burst from her chest as her gaze locked onto the man lying beside her. Even in sleep, he radiated danger. His features were sharp and unyielding, his presence cold and oppressive, as if dominance had been carved straight into his bones. This wasn’t just a man. This was someone born to stand above others—a god among mortals, wrapped in power and absolute authority. And Han Xi Cheng wasn’t just anyone. He was the youngest business prodigy to ever dominate the corporate world. At thirty-one, he wasn’t merely the president of Han Corporation, nor just the wealthiest man in West City. His grandfather was Qiu Zhanming, the founder of Dingsheng International—a colossal conglomerate so deeply entwined with the nation’s economy that a single decision from its board could send shockwaves across industries. When Han Xi Cheng was only twenty-four, Qiu Zhanming had publicly named him the sole heir of Huai’an International Group. And there was more. West City itself had been renamed the day he was born. That alone said everything. Han Xi Cheng was a living legend. Men admired him. Envied him. Worshipped him. Women dreamed of possessing him. And now— This untouchable, godlike man was lying beside her. She had slept with him. Su Nian’en. Her breath hitched as memories—fragmented, blurred, dangerous—flickered through her mind. Heat. Skin. The weight of him pressing her into the mattress. And beneath the panic, something far more terrifying stirred. Even knowing he belonged to Jiang Qing Wan… Even knowing he was her cousin’s fiancé… She couldn’t deny the familiar scent lingering on his skin. Sandalwood. The same scent that had haunted her dreams for years. Her fingers curled into the bedsheet. No. This was wrong. All of it was wrong. Because Han Xi Cheng wasn’t just some stranger. He was Jiang Qing Wan’s fiancé. The man meant to become her cousin’s husband. Which meant she had slept with her future brother-in-law. A chill ran through her spine. She was finished. If the Jiang family found out—if Jiang Qing Wan found out—she wouldn’t even be given the chance to explain. The scandal alone would crush her before she ever hit the ground. Run. The thought struck her like lightning. She had to leave. Now. Her entire body trembled as she carefully slipped out of bed. Morning light filtered through the curtains, falling across the disheveled sheets—silent evidence of last night’s madness. Her clothes were scattered across the floor, tangled shamelessly with his crisp white dress shirt and tailored black trousers. Her hands shook violently as she pulled on her T-shirt and jeans. Twice, she nearly tripped over her own pant leg, glancing back in terror every time she moved, afraid he might wake up. But he didn’t. Han Xi Cheng lay still, breathing slow and steady, as if completely exhausted from last night’s indulgence. Finally dressed, Su Nian’en grabbed her backpack and crept toward the door. She slipped out of the room like a fugitive fleeing the scene of a crime. The door closed with a soft click. And at that exact moment— The man on the bed opened his eyes. Dark. Clear. Awake. There was no trace of confusion in his gaze. His lips curved slowly, dangerously. Su Nian’en… Where do you think you’re running? … Su Nian’en fled straight back to West City. After more than ten grueling hours on the plane, she landed at West City International Airport just before midnight. The moment she passed through arrivals, she powered on her phone and dialed a familiar number. “Susu. Airport. I’m back. Now.” A sharp curse came from the other end before a sultry voice snapped, “Stay there. I’m coming.” Qin Su. Her ride-or-die best friend. They’d been inseparable since kindergarten—bonded over a rice cake fight and never parted since. Two years ago, when Han Xi Cheng and Jiang Qing Wan announced their engagement, Qin Su had laughed and said casually, “So he didn’t choose you after all. Guess your perfect little cousin won.” Back then, Su Nian’en had brushed it off. Now, her hands wouldn’t stop shaking. … “Nian’en!” Twenty minutes later, Qin Su appeared like a walking spotlight—backless jumpsuit, flawless makeup, gold clutch swinging from elegant fingers. Her long wavy hair cascaded over one shoulder, drawing admiring glances everywhere she went. Normally, Su Nian’en would’ve rushed over and kissed her cheek without shame. Tonight, she slammed into Qin Su like she was running for her life. “Drive,” she hissed. “Now.” … Once they merged into the quiet midnight traffic, Qin Su shot her a sideways glance. “What’s wrong with you? Did New York break your brain, or are you just jet-lagged?” Su Nian’en stared at her seatbelt, fingers twisting together. After a long silence, she whispered, “Susu… I slept with someone.” Qin Su froze—then grinned. “WHAT? Su Nian’en, you finally lost that precious virginity? Damn, America really changed you! Come on, who was it? Hot foreigner? Blue eyes? Tall, dark, handsome—” “Han Xi Cheng.” The name barely left her lips. “…Who?” Qin Su frowned. “Han Xi Cheng.” The car screeched to a violent stop. “WHAT?! Say that again!” “HAN. XI. CHENG.” Su Nian’en choked. Her face crumpled as tears finally spilled over. “Susu… what am I supposed to do?” Her voice broke. “How did this even happen…?”