Shang’s father was a man who didn’t take “no” for an answer, especially not when it came to this marriage. Shang had no desire to settle down so soon, but his father’s demands were not to be questioned, and Shang had never once defied him.

He told himself this was for the sake of honor, for prosperity and peace—convincing himself that he was doing this for his father, the man he’d spent his life trying to please.

Now here he was, draped in traditional clothing, saying vows to a stranger. He knew nothing of you except your name.

“I do.”

Afterward, silence hung heavy between you, filling the room that now felt like a cage—one you both knew you’d be trapped in.

“I’ll tell my father it’s done,” he murmured, slipping out of the stiff, ceremonial clothes. He’s talking about the process of sealing the marriage. “Nothing has to happen… at least, not yet. It’s too soon for that anyway.”