My Blind Husband

For the bride price of one million eight hundred thousand, I married a blind man.

Since he couldn't see, I did whatever I wanted at home, completely letting loose without any restraint.

Until one day, he sighed helplessly and said, "You don't even close the bathroom door. Do you really think I can't see?"

1

That day, I passed by the matchmaking corner, and a plump, round-faced middle-aged woman grabbed me and asked, "Miss, are you looking for a partner?"

I wasn't actually looking for a partner. I was looking for a job.

Besides, I've always hated arranged matchmaking. I'd long decided I'd never get married. I didn't want any partner at all!

Just as I was about to refuse, the woman dropped a bombshell: "My son has excellent qualities. He's six-foot-two, has an eight-pack, is more handsome than a celebrity, and we're offering a bride price of one million eight hundred thousand, plus a villa and a Porsche."

"Auntie, you have such sharp eyes. I really am looking for a partner. To be honest, I come here every day, hoping to find a good match." I grabbed her hand enthusiastically.

"Auntie comes here every day too. You're the prettiest girl I've seen. By the way, where are you from? What's your education?" The woman beamed from ear to ear.

"I'm from Chengdu. I graduated from a top university in Beijing. Just graduated recently."

"Chengdu is great! A top university is even better!" She was even happier now. She pulled me to sit down for a detailed chat, asking many questions, and grew more satisfied with each answer.

Finally, she made a decision: "Auntie really likes you. If you don't mind my son, I'll arrange a meeting for you tomorrow!"

How could I possibly mind?

"Do you have a photo of your son?" I was itching with curiosity.

She took out a photo, and my eyes lit up the moment I saw it.

The man in the photo was cool and handsome, with neat short hair that made him look both sunny and mature. His stunning features were practically dripping with charisma.

"Auntie, I'll marry him!" I made my decision on the spot.

But she hesitated. "Miss, my son has a condition. I'm not sure if you can accept it. Actually, this photo was taken last year. This year, he lost his sight."

Blind?

I froze for a moment, but before I could respond, she continued, "Miss, don't say no just yet. My son is truly outstanding. You can get to know him first, think of it as a trial period. I'll even pay you during the trial. How about fifty thousand a month?"

"Auntie, it's not about the money... How many months are we talking about for the trial?" I swallowed hard.

"Three months. If you two don't get along after that, I won't force you." She sighed, looking worried.

2

I agreed without a second thought.

Fifty thousand a month for three months? That's one hundred fifty thousand!

Only an idiot would say no. Besides, her son was genuinely handsome. It was a pleasure just to look at him.

The deal was made. She added, "My son has been depressed since losing his sight. He often goes a whole day without speaking a word, and he's been hostile toward the household staff and the butler.

"So when you move in, it'll just be the two of you. I'll need you to be patient with him, cheer him up. Auntie thanks you in advance."

So she wanted someone to keep him company. That was easy. I love keeping handsome men company.

We set a time for the next morning at nine, meeting at the café next door for a formal introduction.

The next day, I planned to wake up early to put on makeup and dress up, but I overslept. By the time I opened my eyes, it was already eight-thirty.

There was no time to get ready. Since he was blind, I figured there was no point in dressing up, so I just went out bare-faced.

I tossed my hair into a messy bun, threw on a casual autumn outfit, and headed out.

At the café, his mother was already waiting.

Beside her sat a man in sunglasses. He was unsmiling, aloof and distant, as if completely disconnected from the world.

But he was undeniably the center of attention in the entire café. Countless women were sneaking glances at him, some even taking photos.

I was drawn to him too. *Wow, he's gorgeous!* I thought. *Stunning right down to my core.*

I hurried over. His mother stood up to greet me. "Iris, you're here. This is my son, Lucas."

Lucas didn't move. He didn't acknowledge me.

I didn't mind. After all, he was blind. He couldn't look at me even if he wanted to.

Once I sat down, his mother slipped away, leaving me to interact with Lucas.

Awkward. How was I supposed to interact with him?

I had no experience, and he was blind.

"Hello?" I forced a smile while admiring his breathtaking face.

He nodded slightly, which was his way of responding.

So awkward.

I asked if he'd had breakfast. He said yes.

My brain short-circuited, and I blurted out, "Haha, I haven't. I'll just eat breakfast first."

I regretted it immediately. Why did my foodie side have to show up now?

Lucas nodded again, signaling for me to go ahead.

Well, I wasn't going to hold back. Awkward small talk was torture, and I was hungry. I'd eat first.

The breakfast at this café was incredible. I couldn't stop eating. Since Lucas couldn't see me, I didn't have to worry about my image.

So I wolfed down one portion, still hungry, and secretly called the waiter over to order another.

After two portions, I was stuffed.

"So full. The breakfast here is such a good deal. Half a portion is enough to fill me up," I said, trying to sound refined.

The corner of Lucas's mouth seemed to twitch.

I froze. Was he laughing?

I looked closer. No, he wasn't. Still cold and cool, not saying a word.

So the awkwardness continued. Luckily, his mother came back soon.

He whispered a few words to her, then left, helped by the driver waiting outside.

My heart sank. Had I failed? Was the one hundred fifty thousand for three months slipping away?

But to my surprise, his mother grabbed my hand happily. "Iris, great news! My son said you're fine. He's willing to give it a try."

Huh?

I was baffled. "He didn't say a word the whole time. He was so cold. How could he have taken a liking to me?"

"I don't know either. I've brought him to seven or eight matchmaking meetings before, and he was always like this. This time was no different, but he actually likes you." She was still beaming.

I couldn't figure out what Lucas saw in me, so I stopped thinking about it.

I only cared about that one hundred fifty thousand!

3

His mother transferred the full one hundred fifty thousand to me on the spot, grinning from ear to ear.

I was grinning even wider. I'd been having trouble finding a job lately, and I was desperate for money.

Living with Lucas alone for three months meant not only money but also time to improve myself. A win-win!

That same day, I packed my bags and moved into Lucas's villa, a luxurious mansion in the suburbs.

I'd never seen such a big villa. It must have been at least eight thousand square feet. Several cars were parked in the yard, including a Porsche and a Ferrari, probably from when Lucas used to drive.

There was also an outdoor pool and a garden on the east side. It was breathtaking.

After his mother dropped me off, I wandered around inside, admiring the scenery. Suddenly, a maid appeared.

I was a bit surprised. Wasn't it supposed to be just me and Lucas living here?

"We don't live in. We take turns coming in to cook and clean. We don't stay overnight, and we won't disturb your time alone with the young master." The maid had clearly been briefed by his mother and explained voluntarily.

I nodded.

The maid then pointed upstairs. "Miss Iris, you can choose any room upstairs, or you can share a room with the young master if he doesn't mind."

Sharing a room? That was moving too fast.

Even I, Iris, had some dignity.

I decisively went upstairs to pick an empty room. But as soon as I got up, I saw Lucas sitting alone on the balcony, motionless like an old man.

It was sunset, and his silhouette in the warm light was stunning, but also incredibly lonely.

My heart softened inexplicably. *Poor young master.*

Without his sight, even the most beautiful sunset was just darkness. How painful.

"Hey, young master, I'm here." I thought for a moment, then approached with a lighthearted tone.

Lucas nodded slightly, still silent.

"I'll take you for a drive. You can feel the wind and the sun," I suggested. After all, I could drive.

"I thought you'd read me stories, like those therapists do," Lucas said, his voice clear and deep, carrying an unshakable melancholy.

I pouted. "Stories are boring. Driving is way more fun."

Lucas seemed to think about it, then nodded.

I immediately helped him downstairs. He walked very slowly, clearly not moving much. He'd probably been sitting around all day since losing his sight, living a dull life.

We reached the yard, where the Porsche was parked.

The maid came running over, flustered. "Young master, why are you coming down? Be careful not to fall."

"Don't be so nervous. Go get the keys. I'm taking Lucas for a drive." I was a bit annoyed.

Lucas was already blind and had lost all motivation for life. Why worry about him bumping into things?

Let him bump into things.

The maid fetched the keys. I helped Lucas into the passenger seat.

I fiddled with the car for a bit, then started the engine.

A Porsche felt amazing.

I floored it. We took off! But a little too much.

*Bam!*

I crashed into the wall. Luckily, we weren't going fast enough for serious damage, but both Lucas and I lurched forward, practically spitting out our tongues.

The maid was terrified and rushed over to help.

I was terrified too. *Oh no, I'm done for.*

I looked at Lucas. He was tilting his head, his sunglasses still perfectly in place.

I quickly apologized. The corner of his mouth twitched, a mix of helplessness and amusement. "Trying to kill me on the first day? That's pretty ruthless."

I laughed too. Lucas was an interesting person.

4

Neither of us was hurt. We switched cars and set off again.

This time, I was more careful. I stayed within the villa complex to avoid accidents.

I drove around in circles. Lucas rested his arm on the window, his short hair blowing in the evening breeze. His profile was dreamily handsome.

Amazing!

We drove until dark before returning to the villa. After dinner, it was time to shower and rest.

The maid had already left, so the task of helping Lucas bathe fell to me.

I hadn't thought about this before, and now I was a bit shy.

Lucas undressed himself and sat in the bathtub, saying calmly, "I can't see. Don't worry about it."

He was right. He couldn't see anything. Why was I embarrassed?

I decisively helped him bathe, but I ended up soaking my clothes.

I took them off, planning to grab a towel to wrap myself.

But then Lucas suddenly choked, startling me.

"What's wrong? Did you swallow water?" I asked.

His lifeless eyes didn't move. He shook his head slightly. "Nothing. What are you doing?"

I realized I was only in my underwear. If Lucas weren't blind, he'd have seen everything.

I quickly grabbed a towel and wrapped myself, laughing awkwardly. "Nothing, nothing. Let me continue helping you."

In the awkward atmosphere, we finally finished bathing.

I helped Lucas back to his room, took my own shower, and said goodnight.

I slept in a different room. I wasn't shameless enough to share a bed with Lucas.

But I slept poorly. I'm not used to new beds.

I woke up early, yawning and groggy.

Just then, Lucas came to the door, feeling along the wall. He probably wanted to wash up.

I threw off the covers and felt a chill. I looked down. *What the—I'm completely naked!*

I'd been wearing pajamas when I went to bed, but after tossing and turning all night, they'd somehow disappeared. I usually sleep naked, but I wouldn't dare to in someone else's home.

I didn't expect to end up naked unconsciously.

I quickly dove back under the covers, my face reddening as I looked at the door.

Lucas was staring at the floor, silent.

"Did you see something?"

"What? I can't see."

Oh, right. He was blind.

*Phew, false alarm.*

I threw off the covers again and hurriedly searched for my pajamas. But just then, Lucas looked up and choked again, lowering his head once more.

"What's wrong with you now?" I was confused.

"Maybe I have a cold. I've been coughing a lot lately," Lucas said coolly and calmly.

I thought so too.

He was blind. It couldn't be that he'd seen my body, causing his heart to race, blood to surge, and chest to heave, leading to a cough.

5

I got up and helped Lucas wash up.

The maid called me downstairs for breakfast. I asked Lucas if he wanted to come down. He said no.

So I went down alone and brought breakfast up.

When I got back, Lucas was sitting on the balcony again, motionless like an old man.

The morning sun was bright, but it seemed to cast a gray melancholy over him.

I sighed inwardly. *Poor kid.*

He'd enjoyed the drive yesterday, but the deep sadness inside him was hard to soothe. Even after laughing, the darkness of his life continued.

I understood the psychology of disabled people well. I'd volunteered with them before and had training.

Pulling Lucas out of the darkness wouldn't be easy.

"Hey, hey, hey, breakfast is here. Eat by yourself. I'm full, so I need to exercise." I set up a small table and placed the breakfast in front of Lucas.

He was startled. "Usually, the maid feeds me."

"What's there to feed? Grab the spoon, scoop up the porridge, and it's in your mouth..." I crouched down and took Lucas's hand. "Try it. With your other hand, you can pick up a pastry..."

Lucas let me guide him, using both hands.

He did it easily. Why did he need to be fed?

"Easy, right? That's how I eat. Both hands working together." I smiled.

The corner of Lucas's mouth lifted slightly as he nodded.

I chuckled inwardly. Disabled people often hate being treated like they're disabled, especially proud young masters like Lucas.

My principle was simple: treat him like he's not blind!

6

I didn't treat Lucas like a blind person. I made him eat breakfast himself.

He had a good appetite, slowly enjoying the morning sun and the food.

I did some warm-up exercises beside him, starting my morning workout in my pajamas.

I twisted my shoulders, squatted, and bent over, full of energy.

As I was stretching, I suddenly realized my posture wasn't very graceful. I was bending and twisting, and a lot of skin was showing right in front of Lucas.

If he weren't blind, his eyes would have caught something they shouldn't.

I quickly glanced at him. He was sitting calmly, his eyes behind the sunglasses possibly fixed on me.

No, he was blind. What was he looking at?

I was overthinking. A handsome blind man wouldn't be leering at me.

So I relaxed and continued my workout, twisting my neck and hips, letting the sun see everything.

After working up a sweat, I looked at Lucas again. He was leaning back in his chair, his head tilted to the side, not facing me.

"Fell asleep?" It was so early. Was he that weak?

I tried to push him back inside, but he sat up straight. "I wasn't sleeping."

"Then why were you lying down?"

"I... the sun is too strong. My eyes are blind, but I can still feel the light. It's uncomfortable." Lucas explained, sounding a bit guilty.

A proud young master like him, speaking with guilt?

I blinked and didn't think much of it. Maybe it wasn't guilt. Maybe I was overthinking.

After all, he was blind. It couldn't be that he'd seen my cheerful workout and felt guilty because his heart was racing, blood surging, and chest heaving.

7

After the young master finished breakfast, I got ready to work.

My job was to keep Lucas company and pass the trial period.

I found the maid and asked about Lucas's hobbies.

"The young master has many hobbies. Riding motorcycles, singing, painting, playing the piano... but after the accident, he stopped doing any of them. Sigh." The maid felt sorry for Lucas.

I thought about it and settled on "singing."

If I could get Lucas to pick up a hobby again, he might step out of the darkness, or at least take a big step forward.

And I was good at singing. It wouldn't be hard to start from there.

I asked the maid to set up the sound system and prepare the equipment. I was ready to show off my voice.

The music room was on the third floor, where Lucas used to practice. The equipment was all there, but it looked like it hadn't been used in a long time.

I grabbed the microphone and started singing "The You of Once."

Soon, Lucas came up, helped by the maid.

He didn't say anything. He just sat and listened.

I got into it, singing one song after another—"Walking Horse," "Easy to Ignite and Explode," "Actor"...

A lot of songs.

The corner of Lucas's mouth lifted again. He clapped and commented, "High notes are raspy, mid-range is heavy, low notes are airy. You have a lot of room for improvement."

"Come on, you sing. I've never lost a singing battle." I challenged him.

The maid was startled and kept signaling me to be gentle, to flatter Lucas, not to argue with him.

I didn't care about that.

Lucas didn't either. He stood up and felt his way over.

I handed him the microphone. He chose a song and sang softly. It was Wu Bai's "White Dove."

"Ahead, there is no direction / On my body, there are no clothes / Blood seeps from my wings / My tears soak through my chest..."

I was stunned. Lucas's melancholic, steady voice singing this song was absolutely incredible.

But a前所未有的 sadness filled my heart. Watching Lucas sing "White Dove," I felt that his melancholy wasn't just because of his blindness.

What a poor kid.

8

Lucas finished singing "White Dove."

The lyrics seemed to affect him. He had no expression, no words. He just turned and went downstairs, heading back to the balcony.

My heart tightened. I'd wanted Lucas to find joy in singing again, but instead, he'd sung himself into a darker place.

That wouldn't do!

"Lucas, you're amazing! How about we form a street band?"

I grabbed Lucas and excitedly proposed, "Let's call it the 'Dawn Band.' We'll go to Wanda Plaza tonight and sing. We'll even put up a QR code for tips."

Lucas was taken aback. "Tips? What's that about?"

"When we sing well, people give us money."

"Begging?"

"Pfft, we're earning money with our skills. What begging?" I snorted.

The maid looked at me pitifully, shaking her head, probably thinking I was insulting Lucas.

Lucas didn't refuse, but he didn't agree either. He just stood there thinking.

I was afraid he'd say no, so I quickly added, "I'll take thirty percent, you take seventy. Or I'll take twenty, you take eighty."

Lucas laughed out loud. He even reached out and patted my head. "All for you, little money-grubber."

Wow, was I getting attached?

9

Lucas agreed to go begging with me—I mean, singing!

He was even generous enough to give me all the money.

I was overjoyed. I immediately printed out my payment QR code. I'd wanted to do this for a while. I had experience singing in bars, and I figured if I couldn't find a job, I could always sing for tips.

That night, we went out to beg.

The maid, Ling, came along too. She was always worried about Lucas.

By the time we got to Wanda Plaza, it was dark.

The square was crowded, with plenty of street performers and even more livestreamers.

These days, livestreamers were everywhere, especially at Wanda Plaza.

I picked a spot and set up the equipment with Ling.

Lucas stood to the side, enjoying the breeze. He hadn't been out in a long time, and he wasn't used to it. The noisy crowd seemed to irritate him.

Of course, the girls staring at him also irritated him.

Lucas was the most handsome man in the entire plaza. How could people not stare?

We set up quickly. I cleared my throat and started with "The Only One" to get the crowd going.

To be fair, I'm a pretty good singer. And I'm not bad-looking either, with a decent figure. I soon attracted a large audience.

I pulled Lucas into the act.

He looked like he wanted to leave. He really didn't like the noisy environment.

I cut to the chase. "Lucas, let's sing 'Lovers Miss Each Other.' As your future wife, it's not too much to ask for a duet, is it?"

Lucas's irritated expression faded. He chuckled. "Your trial period isn't over yet."

"It's fine, as long as lovers don't miss each other."

Lucas didn't say anything. He grabbed the microphone.

The duet began.

"I'm sure I said I loved you hundreds of years ago / It's just that you forgot, and I didn't remember."

10

The duet was a huge success!

Lucas was a sensation. He was already stunningly handsome, and his singing was so good that the whole crowd screamed. Countless people were filming videos.

A lot of people scanned the QR code to tip. I was grinning from ear to ear.

Lucas gradually got used to the atmosphere. He sang several more duets with me, showing a smile I hadn't seen in a long time.

It wasn't a faint smile. It was a genuine, happy one.

I was delighted. I felt like I'd done something truly good.

Our poor kid was finally stepping into the light.

From then on, our days revolved around street singing. Lucas and I even became a hit on Douyin, which satisfied my vanity immensely.

Lucas and I grew completely comfortable with each other. I did whatever I wanted in the villa.

Since he couldn't see anything, I went about my business as usual.

For example, I'd run around all day in my pajamas, as scantily clad as possible.

I'd drag Lucas into doing yoga with me, doing splits right next to him, my legs wide open.

Or after a shower, if I forgot a towel, I'd just cover my chest and run out to grab it. It wasn't like Lucas could get it for me.

He basically witnessed my entire journey of self-liberation.

Strangely, his cough never got better. He'd suddenly cough every now and then.

Once, he was drinking tea when I came out wrapped in a towel to blow-dry my hair. I was happily wiggling my hips.

He spat out his tea all over the floor.

I was startled and asked what was wrong.

He covered his mouth and waved his hand. "Hot... too hot."

Careless of him. But it was totally believable.

After all, he was blind. It couldn't be that he'd seen me wiggling my hips, causing his heart to race, blood to surge, and chest to heave, leading to him spitting out his tea.

11

I let loose for over two months.

Lucas was happy every day because he had motivation.

We often went for drives. I crashed the Ferrari once, giving Lucas a bump on the head.

We also went on a drop tower ride. I wanted to give Lucas a thrill, but I ended up being the one scared out of my mind. I screamed and held onto him, nearly wetting my pants.

We'd have pillow fights all the time. I'd blindfold myself and pretend to be blind like him, then we'd fight with pillows.

He always won. I'd secretly take off the blindfold to cheat and see how he did it.

But he still won, and he'd smirk before hitting me with perfect accuracy. It drove me crazy.

Our nightly street singing became a must. Sometimes I didn't want to go, but he'd insist.

One night, he wanted to go again, but it started raining.

I cackled. "We can't go! Finally, a day off!"

Lucas smiled and patted my head again. "Perfect. I'll paint you."

"Paint me?"

"Yeah. Thirteen more days until your trial period ends. I want to paint you." Lucas was serious.

My heart tightened inexplicably. "Why does it feel like we're saying goodbye? Don't you like me?"

"What are you talking about? Sit still." Lucas didn't answer my question. He told me to sit on the sofa.

I said, "But you can't see. How will you paint?"

"I can touch you with my hands. I can feel your shape." Lucas raised his hands.

I didn't hesitate. If he wanted to paint, let him paint.

Lucas asked the maid to bring over an easel and supplies. The easel was placed next to me.

Lucas sat beside me, his left hand touching me while his right hand painted.

I sat obediently, watching Lucas, curious about what he'd create.

He started quickly, his left hand tracing my face, inch by inch.

His hands were warm and comforting to touch.

But it tickled a bit. I'm ticklish, so I kept laughing.

Lucas laughed too, the corners of his mouth lifting the whole time.

After a while, he finished. My neck was sore.

I leaned over to look. Wow, it was beautiful!

The painting showed me, with willow-like eyebrows and lips like dewdrops. I looked like a stunning beauty.

"You're amazing! How did you do that?" I was incredulous. Lucas was blind!

How could he paint so perfectly?

"Practice makes perfect." Lucas put down his brush, seeming to look at the painting.

But he was blind. What could he see?

"Can I have this painting? I want to frame it!" I rubbed my hands together.

But Lucas shook his head. "No."

"Why?" I was anxious.

"This is the best painting I've ever done. I don't want to give it away." Lucas said softly.

I was a bit sulky. What a stingy guy.

But I could always pout and beg.

I leaned into him, wrapped my arms around his neck, and said sweetly, "Please, I really love it."

To be honest, after all this time together, this was the first time I'd initiated physical contact.

It just felt natural, like water flowing into a channel.

Lucas didn't seem to mind. He patted my head. "I'll give you five million. Consider it as me buying the painting."

Huh?

I was confused. "Really?"

"Really."

I had to sell it! I'd done nothing and suddenly had five million! Haha!

12

Lucas actually gave me five million.

His mother brought it the next day.

"Iris, my son said he wants to give you five million. Take it. Auntie brought it for you." She held my hand, standing at the villa's entrance.

I took the card, both surprised and puzzled. "Really? Are all rich young masters this generous?"

She smiled, but it seemed a bit forced.

I invited her in, but she waved her hand. "I won't. Your trial period is almost over. Spend more time with Lucas. He's changed a lot. Thank you."

Honestly, I hadn't done much.

I just took Lucas for drives occasionally, dragged him out to sing every day, and let loose in the villa.

If Lucas had gotten better, it was because I'd opened his heart.

He was willing to accept the outside world, so naturally, he got better.

After seeing her off, I hummed a tune as I went upstairs, overjoyed.

But then I saw Lucas sitting alone on the balcony again, motionless like an old man.

My heart raced. What was wrong?

This wasn't like Lucas.

I ran over and hugged him. "Hey, what are you doing?"

"Meditating." Lucas smiled, letting me lean on his back.

I looked closely at his face. He seemed fine. It was probably just meditation.

I was overthinking.

"That's good... Your mom really gave me five million. Wow, I'm a millionaire!" I shared my joy.

Lucas chuckled. "Little money-grubber."

"Yeah, I'm a money-grubber. I'm going to marry you and take all your money!" I had it all planned out.

Lucas was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay."

13

On the last night of the trial period, I jumped into Lucas's bed.

It was a spur-of-the-moment idea. I'd be officially hired tomorrow anyway, so what was wrong with sharing a bed tonight?

"Hehe, little Lucas, I'm here." I crawled under the covers and hugged him.

He laughed. "Miss Iris, are you always this bold?"

"Not really. I'm just too familiar with you. I'm telling you, if you weren't blind, you'd have counted every hair on my body." I wasn't embarrassed.

We were that close. Why be shy?

Lucas laughed again. "Yeah, yeah, I can't see anything. Too bad."

"Too bad for you? Do you really want to count every hair?" I tapped his head.

He hugged me back, holding in his laughter.

I poked him. He begged for mercy, then pulled me firmly into his arms.

I immediately softened. That broad, warm chest was a fatal weapon. What woman could resist?

If Lucas had tried anything at that moment, I would have surrendered completely.

But he didn't do anything. He just coaxed me to sleep. "Sleep tight, sweetie."

What a straight man. No sense of romance at all.

The next morning, I deliberately went back to my room to put on a beautiful dress, then ran back to Lucas's room.

"Lucas, Lucas, feel my dress. It's so beautiful!" I twirled around like a fairy.

Lucas sat on the bed, smiling. "I don't need to see it to know it's beautiful."

"Of course, I'm your wife." I was smug.

Lucas kept smiling. Then we heard a car horn from downstairs.

I was about to go check when Lucas said, "My parents sent someone. It's my mom's birthday today. I'll go. You stay home."

"When will you be back? Today's my official hiring day."

"Very soon." Lucas lowered his head.

Two maids came up to help Lucas wash up and get ready.

I wanted to go downstairs, but two men in suits were blocking the stairway. They wouldn't let me pass.

Something felt wrong. What was going on?

"Lucas, are you sure those are your parents' people?" I asked.

Lucas said "yes," then let the maids help him downstairs.

I chased after him. He turned back to look at me, smiling gently.

In that moment, I felt like he could see me.

"When will you be back?" I blurted out.

"Very soon." Lucas went downstairs.

14

After Lucas left, even the maids left.

I sat alone in the yard, bored out of my mind.

What was going on?

Finally, there was movement. A red BMW drove in.

I was happy, thinking Lucas was back. But when I looked, it was a woman I didn't know.

She had a round, full face, naturally curly hair, and was dressed very elegantly.

She looked like a lady from a wealthy family!

I went up to ask who she was. She looked me over and asked coldly, "Did you receive the five million?"

Five million?

"Lucas's mother gave it to me?"

"You could say that. Since you've received it, I regret to inform you, Miss Iris, that your trial period is over. Please pack your things and leave."

Huh?

"Why?"

"No reason. You're not Lucas's type. But he's grateful that you helped him out of his dark place. He has the courage to face a new life now.

"The five million is his reward. Consider it a breakup fee."

Breakup fee?

My lips trembled. My heart ached inexplicably.

Why?

I admit I was in it for the money at first, but after three months together, money didn't matter anymore.

Feelings can't be measured by money.

Every moment with Lucas was etched into my memory: our first drive and crash, our first duet of "Lovers Miss Each Other," the first time he painted me by touch...

"I don't believe Lucas doesn't want me!" I stared at the woman.

She was calm. "Miss Iris, I'll give you an hour to pack and leave. Otherwise, I'll report you for trespassing and have the police remove you."

With that, she went back to her car and sat there.

I stood there, dazed, my mind blank.

Why?

Sadness, confusion, pain... all kinds of emotions swirled inside me. I thought of Lucas's lies when he left, and tears streamed down my face.

He said he'd be back soon!

15

An hour later, the police came. I packed my things in disgrace and left like a zombie.

Back in my old rented room, I was still in a daze, unable to accept reality.

I thought of Lucas's songs, his painting, and his lies when he left.

He must have known I had to go!

I must have been a fool hundreds of years ago!

I was miserable for days. Finally, I forced myself to go out to get some food.

But I fainted on the way. I only remembered reaching the matchmaking corner.

When I woke up, I was in the hospital.

A nurse told me a stylish woman had brought me in.

I asked around and immediately knew it was the matchmaking auntie, Lucas's mother.

"Where is she?" I asked urgently.

"She paid your bill and left. She said she doesn't know you." The nurse replied.

Doesn't know me?

She does know me.

She was avoiding me!

I checked out as soon as I could and went to the matchmaking corner to find her.

But after days of searching, I couldn't find her.

I was even more convinced she was avoiding me. There had to be more to the story with Lucas.

So I went to Lucas's villa to look for him, but it was empty. He wasn't there.

Staring at the empty villa, my heart felt empty too.

Lucas, what are you doing?

Why are you doing this to me?

I left, dejected. I don't remember how I got back to my rented room. I collapsed into bed.

In my dreams, I saw Lucas's face. He was singing, painting... then shattered glass.

I even flinched in my dream. Glass?

It was a car window, shattered, with blood everywhere.

A man lay motionless on the ground, and I was crouching beside him, giving him CPR, keeping him alive.

I woke with a start. Why was I dreaming about that car accident?

Last year, I was cycling past a steep slope when I saw a flipped sports car, covered in glass and blood.

The driver was barely alive. I gave him first aid until the ambulance arrived.

Why was I suddenly dreaming about that?

I closed my eyes and tried to remember. As I drifted back into the dream, the man on the ground merged with Lucas.

Lucas!

It was Lucas!

I sat up straight. Yes, even though Lucas had been covered in blood, I vaguely remembered his face.

It was him!

16

I saved Lucas last year.

Then I was pulled into a matchmaking meeting with him at the matchmaking corner.

Now, Lucas was gone.

He'd planned this all along!

"Lucas, what are you doing?!" I cursed, tears streaming down again.

An inexplicable urge drove me out the door.

I got on my mountain bike, which I hadn't ridden in a long time, and sped toward the accident scene in the night.

The third turn on Stony Ridge, then the steep slope!

It was already midnight. There were hardly any cars on the road, let alone cyclists.

I didn't wear any protective gear as I charged toward Stony Ridge.

An hour later, drenched in sweat, I reached the third steep slope of Stony Ridge.

At the top of the slope was an open area where people could rest and park.

A Ferrari was parked there, its lights flashing. I could vaguely see a man inside, silently looking at a painting.

My pupils contracted. I shouted, "Lucas!"

Tears burst forth