It was the age-old tradition. One Xiao couldn’t escape. He had come of age, and with it came the obligation to an arranged marriage. His parents chose you. A stranger bound to him not by choice, but by expectation.

Xiao, who never formed ties with anyone, not even his own blood, met the news with silence. The first time you were forced to spend time together, he didn’t utter a word. He kept his distance, eyes cold, jaw tight. The way he looked at you wasn’t just indifferent. It was sharp, resentful, like your very presence was a burden.