A GAMBLE OF THE HEART
1249 Words
Gu Antong forced a bitter smile, finding herself caught in a difficult situation. At that moment, she felt as though she had staked her entire life on a single gamble. But she trusted that fate—or perhaps her courage—would not let her down.
What made the situation even more complicated was her previous good relationship with Si Yueyun and the mutual affection they once shared. She never expected that she would end up marrying Si Zhenxuan, a man of few words and calm demeanor.
The two returned home together in silence.
When they arrived at the Si family residence, everyone was stunned.
What was going on? Wasn’t Si Yueyun the one who was supposed to get married?
Why was Si Zhenxuan returning with the bride?
Ignoring the curious stares, Si Zhenxuan turned to Gu Antong and said calmly,
“Let’s head to our room.”
Gu Antong’s cheeks flushed slightly. She nodded and followed him.
Their new home was located in the villa’s backyard—a 140-square-meter house decorated entirely in a traditional Chinese style. The intricate wooden details and warm tones pleasantly surprised her.
“I heard you’ve had an interest in Chinese culture since childhood,” Si Zhenxuan explained. “So I thought you might like this style. I discussed it with the designer.”
After a moment of surprise, Gu Antong nodded approvingly.
She wandered around the room for a while before entering the bedroom, only to find the bedside table bare—the wedding photos of her and Si Yueyun had been removed.
Overwhelmed by sadness, she could no longer hold back her tears.
Si Zhenxuan followed her silently. Unexpectedly, she turned and found herself collapsing into his arms.
He steadied her, letting her rest against him as she sobbed softly.
“I’m sorry… can you just hold me like this for a while?”
“It’s okay,” Si Zhenxuan reassured her gently. In this unfamiliar situation, he hesitated for a moment before slowly patting her shoulder in comfort.
“Am I really that terrible? So awful that he didn’t even hesitate…” she whispered, looking up at him through tearful eyes.
Si Zhenxuan understood she was referring to Si Yueyun. He lifted his thin lips slightly and said quietly,
“I am your husband now.”
Feeling embarrassed, Gu Antong quickly wiped her tears. “I’m sorry.”
Si Zhenxuan glanced at the bed and raised an eyebrow. “I’m exhausted. If you plan to sleep early, I’ll rest in the study.”
“You…” Gu Antong was a little surprised but relieved.
As he walked toward the door, he turned back and said,
“Although we’re married, our relationship hasn’t developed yet. If you still have feelings for my brother, you should wait for him. Perhaps he’ll change his mind.”
Checking his watch, he added, “I have some important work to handle tonight. Please call me in the morning.”
With that, he left, leaving Gu Antong alone on what should have been her wedding night.
In truth, Gu Antong was grateful to Si Zhenxuan. He had saved her from humiliation and respected her space, even though they barely knew each other.
A faint fragrance drifted through the air. Gu Antong looked up and noticed a carved wooden plate on the table, a piece of aloes wood resting atop it. She was taken aback—it was the rare and precious purple oil carnation incense.
Surprisingly, Si Zhenxuan had asked about her preferences beforehand. He was far more thoughtful than Si Yueyun had ever been.
After changing and lying down on the bed, she let out a soft sigh.
Si Zhenxuan might appear aloof, but deep down, he was gentle and considerate.
The day’s events had left her feeling drained and bewildered.
Gu Antong knew Si Yueyun would eventually return to face her. If he truly intended to be with Jiang Nuan, he would have to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau to finalize their separation.
In reality, she and Si Yueyun had already obtained their marriage certificates a few days earlier, making them legally husband and wife. That was why Si Zhenxuan had suggested she wait—perhaps Si Yueyun might change his mind.
But that was impossible now.
After what had happened at the church, she had no other choice. She refused to be the subject of ridicule and gossip.
As for Si Yueyun and Jiang Nuan—that was their business. She had already made up her mind to be Si Zhenxuan’s wife. There was no turning back.
Thinking of Jiang Nuan sent a chill through her.
They had been college classmates and close friends once, with nothing to hide between them. During their university days, Gu Antong had kept a low profile and rarely mentioned her privileged background. Jiang Nuan, on the other hand, came from a struggling family and survived on financial aid.
But in their junior year, Jiang Nuan had suddenly begun to distance herself.
Gu Antong had overheard her speaking to others, criticizing her as pretentious—claiming she liked to act superior while pretending to be humble, lowering herself for appearances. Jiang Nuan had said they were fundamentally different people.
At the time, Gu Antong had silently agreed—they were indeed different.
A year after graduation, Jiang Nuan had unexpectedly reached out again, apologizing for the past. Though Gu Antong sensed her hidden motives, she couldn’t deny that they had once shared genuine friendship.
She never imagined that Si Yueyun would abandon her—for Jiang Nuan, of all people.
Gu Antong couldn’t understand what drew Si Yueyun to her. She knew Jiang Nuan was ambitious, driven by hardship to pursue wealth and status relentlessly. Whether she truly loved Si Yueyun was hard to say.
Just as Gu Antong was lost in thought, her phone rang. It was her friend Lu Yulin.
“I knew you’d lose that bet and marry someone today,” Lu Yulin teased. “My brother’s regretting not attending your wedding—he’s green with envy now!”
Gu Antong forced a faint smile but didn’t reply.
“Anyway,” Yulin continued, “your marriage to Si Zhenxuan is just for show, right? If you’d married into our Lu family, my brother would’ve adored you. He’s always been good to you.”
Gu Antong sighed. “Yulin, you’re such a troublemaker.”
“I knew you’d say that,” Yulin laughed. “My brother was heartbroken when he heard about your marriage…”
Lu Yulin’s older brother, Lu Qiyan, had been deeply upset when Gu Antong decided to marry Si Yueyun. He hadn’t attended the wedding—and had therefore missed all the chaos that followed.
“Sometimes, things just come down to fate,” Gu Antong said quietly.
“True, true,” Yulin replied cheerfully. “Still, I don’t feel too bad for him. Who knows—maybe luck will turn in his favor someday.”
Feeling somewhat comforted after their conversation, Gu Antong said softly, “I’m going to bed now. Anything else?”
“Oh, right—it’s your wedding night with Si Zhenxuan. But what about Jiang Nuan? Are you really going to let her go?”
Gu Antong looked out the window at the tranquil moon and gave a faint, bitter smile.
“Wedding night? What wedding night? Knowing Jiang Nuan, she’ll show up at the Si house with Si Yueyun tomorrow. I’ll deal with it then.”
- Writer
