Cheating CEO

The wedding gown, as pristine as freshly fallen snow, radiated an aura of purity and romance. It further accentuated the wearer’s incomparable innocence and luminous charm, its impeccable tailoring flawlessly showcasing her exquisite figure. This was 'White Cloud'—from the globally limited edition Ocean’s Embrace collection, hand-crafted by the French master Daniel himself—and it now adorned Gong Shichen. It was hard to fathom that a mere twenty-four hours prior, she had been under the skies of England, punting along the River Cam with her classmates. She was on the verge of celebrating her commencement; even her graduation trip had been meticulously planned. And yet, a single international phone call had summoned her back. As a student in Cambridge University's Faculty of Management, Gong Shichen was an exemplary Asian student. A model of diligence and quiet grace, she was reserved and gentle, devoid of any ostentatious personality—a temperament that resonated with the understated English sensibility. Consequently, she had a constant stream of admirers of all nationalities who had professed their affections for her. But without exception, not one had ever captured her heart, let alone earned her assent. No one in England knew she was the daughter of Gong Jialiang, a magnate of Shencheng. Nor did they know of the destiny this obedient, sensible Eastern girl bore upon her shoulders. At times, even Gong Shichen herself did not understand the purpose of her existence. Her path in life had been entirely paved by her parents—it was a life of seamless ease, so smooth and preordained that she found it bereft of any true joy. Now, in perfect compliance with her parents' wishes, and after grasping the reality of the situation, she stood in a wedding gown she was not the least bit mentally prepared to wear. Marriages among the children of the elite were often sacrifices for the sake of family interests. Gong Shichen was not one to resign herself to fate, but if the man she was to marry was Ling Yanhong, the sole heir of the Ling family, that was another matter entirely. Clutching a small secret, she felt a mixture of relief and apprehensive resignation. Under the eager gazes of her parents, for the benefit of the Gong family, she was willing to don the wedding gown and marry Ling Yanhong. This act not only earned her parents' praise, but even her perpetually stern elder brother seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Evidently, her sacrifice was deemed worthwhile. That Ling Yanhong had chosen the Gong family could only be considered their good fortune. The sheer scale of the wedding was a testament to the Ling family's immense wealth. Leaving aside the priceless, one-of-a-kind gown, whose train astonishingly stretched for eighteen meters, the presence of four identical, beautiful quadruplet flower girls spoke volumes of the meticulous planning involved. The motorcade, long enough to have ground downtown traffic to a halt and required reserve traffic police for coordination, was staggering. Forty stretched Lincolns, four Rolls-Royces, four Maybachs, and the lead wedding car formed a convoy of breathtaking elegance and extravagance that made pedestrians stop in their tracks to film, marvel, and speculate. As for the other arrangements—the orchestration of cannons and fireworks, the layout of the red carpet and crystal globes—they were, naturally, beyond reproach. From start to finish, this was a wedding that surpassed even royal ceremonies in its opulence. Never in her wildest dreams could Gong Shichen have imagined a wedding of such splendor. Even with the Gong family's considerable wealth, staging such an event would have been impossible. For the Ling family, however, it was a different story. In all likelihood, after today, the extravagance of the Lings and their market value would become a fevered topic of discussion across the internet. And of course, Gong Shichen—who had emerged like a dark horse to become the bride of the devastatingly handsome Ling Yanhong—was now the focal point of public attention. At this moment, however, Gong Shichen felt like a wind-up doll, merely waiting to execute the bride's duties, step by painstaking step. In the time between learning of the wedding and this moment, dressed and waiting for the bridal car, Gong Shichen had yet to see the groom. Yes, this was not a feudal dynasty; she was not so cloistered as to be completely ignorant of Ling Yanhong's appearance. But she had indeed agreed to marry a man she had not seen in a decade. Chapter 1: The Lavish Wedding (Part 2) To say she wasn't nervous would be a lie; after all, she had never witnessed a spectacle of this magnitude. But that wasn't the primary source of her anxiety. What truly unnerved her was the question of why the groom's arrival was so delayed, and what he looked like now. "Are you alright? Just relax." Sensing his sister's tension, Gong Shijun gently patted her delicate shoulder. Today, Gong Shichen looked exceptionally beautiful and serene, like a young bride long prepared to marry her prince. She possessed the delicate grace of a princess, blended with the intelligence and sophistication of a modern woman. Gong Shichen didn't deny her own beauty at this moment, but when she thought of Ling Yanhong, rumored to be the most handsome man in the city, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves and curiosity. Why had he chosen the Gong family of all people? Was it because he had once promised to marry her? Could the words of a ten-year-old boy be trusted? He had probably forgotten long ago. After all, it was the careless babble of a child, not to be taken seriously. Gong Shichen was not so naive as to believe Ling Yanhong had chosen her as his bride because of some childhood promise. This was not a fairy tale. A man like Ling Yanhong, a titan of the business and entertainment worlds, surely had someone he fancied. The woman was said to be more mysterious than the wife of the most famous celebrity, never once caught by the paparazzi. Thus, it all remained rumor—but rumor so persistent it felt true, leading people to believe Ling Yanhong did indeed have a confidante. "I hear there's an even grander wedding at another hall?" Gong Shichen asked, attempting to mask her inner turmoil and satisfy her curiosity about the other protagonist in Shencheng's sensational high-society weddings. If it were just the Ling family, the commotion might not be so intense. But with another corporate giant involved, the situation was entirely different. "Heh, what a coincidence. That would be Zhuang Wentian. They say he's marrying a rather formidable woman." A quizzical smile touched the face of the usually cool and stern Gong Shijun. Clearly, it wasn't this fact that intrigued him, but the sheer coincidence of two such colossal weddings happening simultaneously. The Zhuang family was not unfamiliar to Gong Shichen, though her knowledge of Zhuang Wentian was even more distant than her memories of Ling Yanhong. At least she and Ling Yanhong had once been deskmates, albeit for only half a semester. As for Zhuang Wentian, she had only ever seen him in gossip columns and on television. What kind of man was he? He was an exceedingly successful man, a man whose success other men could only dream of. If he were to be compared to Ling Yanhong, would the latter even be his rival? The answer was beyond Gong Shichen’s grasp, and she ceased to ponder such a difficult question. "Shichen, are you ready? Yanhong is here!" It was Gong Jialiang, who rushed in with a flustered expression. It was clear that upon securing a son-in-law like Ling Yanhong, no father-in-law could relax and treat him as half a son. On the contrary, it was a precarious honor, more akin to welcoming a new master into the house. "I'm ready." A knot of anticipation tightened in Gong Shichen's chest. What did he look like now? Ling Yanhong entered, and Gong Shichen’s eyes were captivated. As she had anticipated, he was even more striking than in photographs, more handsome than he appeared online. She might not be the most beautiful bride, but he was unequivocally the most magnificent groom. A straight, resolute nose; long, arched brows; narrow yet luminous, deep-set eyes; and thin, firmly set lips. His face was flawless. A long, elegant neck bespoke grace and nobility. His hair was impeccably styled, a blend of casual artistry and composure that made him look strikingly distinguished. And that was to say nothing of his tall, slender frame and extraordinary aura, all encased in a snow-white Armani suit, a perfect bow tie at his collar, and the groom’s signature rose pinned to his lapel. Gong Shichen found herself silently appraising this man. A piercing gaze fell upon her face, an unceremonious appraisal of her features. An intuitive chill washed over Gong Shichen. Chapter 1: The Lavish Wedding (Part 3) Deep down, Gong Shichen knew this wedding had nothing to do with love. But upon seeing this extraordinarily handsome man, she couldn't suppress a pang of coldness, a faint, bitter sorrow. She didn't know his reasons for choosing her. But she knew her own reasons for marrying him were twofold: first, for the benefit of the Gong family, and second, because of an absurd promise she had somehow remembered so vividly it compelled her to agree to this union. Ling Yanhong's gaze was penetrating. His chiseled features radiated a devastating magnetism, especially when he narrowed his eyes, his deep pools of black exuding a light that could bewitch the world. When that light swept over Gong Shichen, it was devoid of any emotion. However, a flicker of faint surprise crossed his eyes, and the line of his mouth softened slightly, making him look even more handsome. Clearly, the bride's appearance was to his satisfaction—perhaps even better than he had imagined. With her makeup, Gong Shichen had acquired a layer of stately elegance, which, paired with her pure and ethereal temperament, her bright eyes and pearly teeth, transformed her into a bona fide great beauty. The form-fitting gown, the custom-made, priceless tiara, the silky raven hair, and the delicate, lovely features—this was undoubtedly her most beautiful moment. But Gong Shichen had no mind to consider her appearance. After meeting Ling Yanhong's gaze, she was the first to look away, a defeated gesture. Her red lips, like freshly ripened cherries, tightened unconsciously. She was not timid or weak, but simply beset by a quiet anguish. She had consented to a loveless marriage. And yet, it was clear she was not resigned to marrying a man who did not love her. But after a brief internal struggle, she accepted this reality. From the moment she saw him until now, her heart had not stopped its frantic pounding, her face was unusually flushed, and her palms were slick with nervous sweat. "Shall we go?" His voice was a pleasing baritone, but it held no warmth or tenderness. As he spoke, he had already taken her hand and was leading her out. His grip was firm, leaving her no room to escape, let alone utter a single 'no.' Such a domineering brute, she thought, exactly as he was when we were children. She couldn't help her silent critique. But when she chanced a glance up at him, she found his sidelong gaze sweeping over her face, cold and sharp. Those eyes, like stars in the dead of night, made her heart tremble. She flinched. A flicker of hesitation made her instinctively want to pull her hand from his. But there was no room for regret, no opportunity to retreat. Ling Yanhong would not permit it, nor would Gong Jialiang. Her father stood to the side, his smile seemingly kind and affable, but unable to conceal his tension and caution. To forge such a marriage alliance was not a stroke of luck afforded to just anyone. "Be a good bride. That's your job for today." Suddenly, his handsome face loomed closer, like an inescapable force. His proximity revealed the ferocity and cruelty hidden within his perfect features, and she felt a suffocating pressure that allowed no escape or retreat. Had she made the wrong choice? She looked at him hesitantly. They were so close that her eyes widened as she stared at him, yet she didn't dare hold his gaze for too long. His appearance was too captivating, enough to make any woman fall. Lowering her gaze, she nodded, accepting his unspoken command. Just as the turmoil in her heart began to settle, a pair of cool, soft lips descended upon hers. Instantly, Gong Shichen felt her breath catch, her world turning fiery hot. Her first kiss? A domineering, fiery first kiss, lost just like that, and in front of everyone. They had just reached the entrance, about to get into the wedding car, when he had kissed her without any warning. The reporters, in a frenzy, fired their cameras, capturing the moment from every angle. Someone even cried out in excitement. "Wow—" It was a deep, lingering kiss, a tangle of lips and tongues that conquered her timid softness, shattering her defenses and her hesitation. She did not know if hell awaited her next, but the present situation made it clear: there was no turning back. She could only move forward. In a daze, her cherry-red lips were slightly parted. She looked up at him, and his face seemed to transform into a radiant smile, his gaze fixed on her with what appeared to be profound affection, allowing the photographers to capture this picture-perfect union. All of it, she knew, was a facade. A facade he had created, and one she was forced to endure. Chapter 1: The Lavish Wedding (Part 4) "Maintain your smile." Her bewilderment and unease clearly displeased him. A long-fingered hand cupped her small chin in a gesture that looked intimate, but his grip was painfully tight. His misty eyes held an icy dominion and ruthlessness, even as his handsome smile was enough to mesmerize the masses. What kind of man had she chosen? Gong Shichen forced a strained smile, for at that moment, she truly could not feel happy. And so, in the shots frenetically captured by the reporters, the groom wore a charming smile while the bride’s was shy and slightly awkward. It was not a glaring flaw, but walking beside Ling Yanhong, Gong Shichen knew that his smile, like hers, was a lie. "Mr. Ling, what are your thoughts on today's wedding?" "Mr. Ling, is this beautiful bride the mysterious woman from the rumors?" "Mr. Ling, you and Zhuang Wentian are holding your weddings on the same day. Was this a coordinated decision, perhaps a form of brand promotion?" ... The reporters' questions were bizarre and varied, but Gong Shichen still gleaned a certain message from them: Ling Yanhong must have been in love with someone before. Why, then, had he suddenly married her, a practical stranger? In terms of wealth and status, there were surely many young women more affluent than she. Why had he chosen her, someone from across the ocean? What was truly going on? Curiosity bubbled within Gong Shichen, but her face was fixed in a smile that was beginning to feel strained. She wanted to escape, but there was no way out. From the moment she had agreed to marry Ling Yanhong, she understood the stakes. Beside her, her father, Gong Jialiang, beamed with a mixture of nervousness and joy. Her elder brother maintained his usual aloof demeanor, though it was clear he was tense too; he didn't even notice when someone bumped into him. "I am very happy to have married a beautiful and pure bride. I look forward to everyone's blessings and praise," Ling Yanhong said with a smile, offering only that single reply. She remained by his side, striving to keep her smile in place as security guards struggled to hold back the press. Once inside the wedding car, he released her hand and even seemed to deliberately sit at a distance from her. She turned her head and saw his handsome profile, as perfect as a David statue, yet completely devoid of joy. It was clear that one of the reporters' questions had struck a nerve. Which one was it? She pondered this, unable to find an answer, feeling as though this were not her wedding day at all, but that she was merely a bystander. From the moment Ling Yanhong had kissed her, everything had been nothing but a show. What was she to do? It was too late for regrets. Neither of them spoke. The driver was equally silent. The atmosphere in the car was unnervingly still, a stark contrast to the roaring celebration and bustling crowds outside. It was as if they existed in two separate worlds. He did not look at her again until it was time to exit the car. His eyes held a complex emotion—it was impossible to tell if it was curiosity or disdain. He glanced at her askance, a natural masculine arrogance in his posture, a condescension that compelled any woman under his gaze to submit to his favor. In this oppressive space, Gong Shichen felt as if she were sitting with a demon. He possessed a chilling indifference, yet at the same time, an appearance and temperament that were dizzying. Gong Shichen admitted that she had been smitten when she first saw his photograph, but now, she suppressed that feeling. The car stopped. A red carpet stretched from the far entrance of the plaza all the way to the church doors. Gong Shichen looked at the man standing before the open car door, his hand outstretched. She felt a wave of trepidation and disappointment. Was the performance about to begin again? Even knowing this was a loveless marriage, even knowing her feelings for him were one-sided, this sensation of being presented with the illusion of immense happiness while being denied entry to it left her feeling wronged and frustrated. "Get out." His tone was flat. He bent at the waist in a gentlemanly posture, waiting for her to alight. Just as Gong Shichen shifted and placed her hand in his large one— BOOM, BOOM... The sound, seeming both distant and near, ripped through the air. It was the sound of ceremonial cannons, but not from their wedding. It was from Zhuang Wentian's wedding. She could imagine the Catholic church not far from here must be just as tumultuous. As Gong Shichen's hand rested in Ling Yanhong's, she saw that his expression had become exceptionally cold and grim. He looked down at her with that same detached gaze, yet it was as if he saw nothing at all. Gong Shichen had just emerged from the car when a pair of strong hands seized her by the waist. He swept her up into his arms and carried her from the vehicle. Oblivious to her blush and unease, his arms held her small frame firmly. A bewitching smile appeared on his face, his lips curled upwards as he looked directly at the church doors. Amidst the applause, he stepped onto the red carpet, his stride steady and measured as he advanced. Gong Shichen could feel no warmth in Ling Yanhong's eyes. This man’s body was tense, coiled like a caged beast. His smile felt like a deliberate mask, concealing some unknown turmoil. Gong Shichen's face was flushed, her heart racing. She had never been in such close contact with a man before. But beyond that, a greater sense of unease and confusion swirled within her. Something about him was deeply wrong.