Cheating CEO

Chapter 2: Yes, I Do

Had this been a marriage born of love, it would have been the very picture of a perfect wedding.

Alas, it was not, Gong Shichen thought with a pang of bitter disappointment. Was it right, her choice to marry this man? Had she been so naive as to believe that one day, he might come to love her?

He had been so ill-tempered as a boy, yet his heart had been warm. Was that still true of him now?

When Ling Yanhong gently set her down on the red carpet as if she were a precious treasure and took her hand to advance toward the altar, her slightest hesitation was met with a sharp, warning glance. His glacial, handsome features broadcasted a clear message: the slightest hint of reluctance would not be tolerated.

And yet, her intuition screamed that this man had no genuine desire to marry her. His mind seemed to be miles away. She was his bride, a title, not his beloved. The realization was a sobering, painful one.

Gong Shichen felt like a marionette in Ling Yanhong's hands. Even the Gong family was but a pawn on his chessboard. In his presence, her father had lost all his usual authority; even the wedding proceedings were dictated by him.

Gong Shichen listened robotically as the priest intoned the vows: “Gong Shichen, do you take this man to be your husband, to live together in holy matrimony? To love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him, so long as you both shall live?”

She paused for a beat, a silence so profound she could feel the stillness of the chapel. She could also feel two piercing eyes boring into her, as if to see straight through her soul.

Braving his gaze—one that was seemingly affectionate but truly heartless—she said in a clear voice, “I do!”

The priest let out a sigh of relief, and a quiet calm seemed to settle over the congregation below.

The priest then turned to Ling Yanhong and swiftly recited the same vows: “Ling Yanhong, do you take this woman to be your wife, to live together in holy matrimony? To love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her, so long as you both shall live?”

In stark contrast to Gong Shichen’s momentary silence, Ling Yanhong's response was swift and sharp. His eyes locked onto hers as he declared, almost viciously:

“YesIdo!”

Gong Shichen’s eyelashes fluttered as if she were looking at an alien. Her lips parted slightly, but before the indignant gasp could form, his mouth was on hers in a kiss that broke all protocol.

Twice in a single day, this man had kissed her. And each time, it had been a public spectacle.

Was he doing this on purpose? He had to be. The few reporters who had been allowed inside began snapping pictures in a frenzy.

More than embarrassment, she felt helpless. And more than helpless, she felt a sliver of regret.

This wasn't her. This wasn't in her nature. She should resist. She was regretting this. But then she met his deep-set eyes, and though they were chilling, they were also mesmerizing.

His features were enough to intoxicate any woman.

His power held the fate of the Gong Corporation in its grasp. And just like that, Gong Shichen’s small spark of rebellion was extinguished.

So this was how spineless she was. How weak.

YesIdo? Gong Shichen was not satisfied with this vow. A small stir rippled through the guests below. Even the priest sensed the abnormality of the ceremony. She saw her father and brother, seated to one side, their expressions grim despite their forced smiles of calm blessing.

It seemed that in the face of power and wealth, love was always insignificant. She should try to be more carefree, more optimistic. Perhaps their feelings could be cultivated after marriage.

But Gong Shichen was being far too optimistic. In truth, it was only from the very first day of their marriage, the moment they disappeared from the public eye, that she would finally understand the true meaning of his 'YesIdo'.