Chapter 2: Confession in the Bridal Chamber_2

Sang Wan slightly lowered her head, revealing a slender, snow-white neck. Her eyelashes trembled lightly as she looked up and said, "Young Master honored the marital agreement, preserving the dignity of both the Sang family and Sang Wan. I am very grateful for that, but since you already have someone else in your heart, Sang Wan does not wish to take away the one you love. How about we act as a fake couple, what do you say?"

Shi Fengju couldn't help but be moved and involuntarily took a deep breath. His gaze flickered, no longer as composed as before. A fake couple? He was surprised that she could come up with, and even suggest, such a thing!

Seeing that he did not respond, Sang Wan continued: "After a year or so, we can get a divorce. By that time, we can both marry others as appropriate, none the worse for wear. How about that?"

Shi Fengju still did not speak, feeling somewhat uncomfortable instinctively. It was one thing for him not to like her, but another for her to actively request to leave him. After all, he was a man, and not just any man—he was young, talented, handsome, and full of promise. Countless maidens dreaming of marriage desired him, yet here she was, treating him as unwanted the moment she spoke. He had brought her into the Shi family's home in a grand bridal sedan. No wonder he felt discontent!

He examined the woman before him closely, her eyebrows were gentle, her features soft, her skin fair, and her large, bright eyes particularly captivating. At this moment, her demeanor was serene and composed, neither servile nor overbearing, forcing him to admire her even more.

As a result, his discomfort only grew.

"What, are you in a hurry to leave the Shi family? Do you have someone waiting for you outside?" Shi Fengju spoke out of irritation without thinking.

Sang Wan was furious! If his words spread outside, what would become of her reputation? How would she face anyone in the future!

"If that were true, would I ever have been able to enter the doors of the Shi family?" Sang Wan suppressed the anger in her heart, her lips curving into a mocking smile. If the Shi family still accepted her under such circumstances, then that did not speak well of them!

No sooner had he spoken than Shi Fengju regretted his words. He knew they were spoken in the heat of the moment. If Sang Wan were truly immoral, it would have been impossible for her to escape the attention of the Shi family and his observation!

"I'm sorry, my words were inconsiderate and abrupt," Shi Fengju promptly apologized with a slight bow. He was always a straightforward and honest gentleman; apologizing for misspoken words was fine for him.

"It was nothing, just some careless words from Young Master, that's all!" Sang Wan softened her voice and hurriedly returned the gesture. It would be foolish to hold onto her argument and go against Shi Fengju on the Shi family's turf.

"Fine, after a year or so, we will divorce," Shi Fengju nodded in agreement.

After all, it wasn't the Shi family that forced her; they had abided by the marital agreement and had done nothing wrong. After a year or so, finding a suitable reason for both parties to divorce would be a happy resolution for everyone. Why not agree to a year or so? They couldn't just get a divorce as soon as the new bride entered their home—that would give rise to unsavory gossip and drum up idle talk for no reason!

"You can be assured that the Shi family won't treat you unfairly, ensuring a worry-free and comfortable life for the rest of your days," Shi Fengju generously added. The Shi family's wealth rivaled that of marquises, and seeing her so understanding and proactive, it was no trouble to offer her a substantial sum. Besides, if she wished to remarry in the future, a generous dowry would add considerably to her prospects.

"Thank you, Young Master Shi!" Sang Wan bowed to him once more, this time her thanks were sincere and heartfelt. Since Shi Fengju had made this offer, it was sure to be substantial. With money in hand, her future would be secure.

"During this time of over a year, please keep our role as a fake couple a secret from others. This matter should be known only to heaven, earth, and us; don't tell anyone else, alright?" Sang Wan looked at Shi Fengju.

"Of course!" Shi Fengju nodded. Were this matter to be divulged, it would not only embarrass Sang Wan but also him and the entire Shi family; he certainly wouldn't tell a soul.

"Do you have anything else to say?" asked Shi Fengju, seeing that Sang Wan seemed to hesitate.

After a moment of contemplation, Sang Wan said: "I indeed have an awkward favor to ask. Miss Gu... since I am staying in the Shi family's home for only a year and half anyway, could you—after our divorce—then bring Miss Gu into your home?"

Shi Fengju was startled, looking at Sang Wan with a mixture of feelings.

Sang Wan also felt stunned and then her face flushed with embarrassment as she stammered with an awkward laugh, "Oh, I'm sorry, my apologies. I was confused; I misspoke!"

The reason she said that was influenced by her past life. She didn't want Gu Fangzi to enter the home at that time. Firstly, where would that leave her face as the lawful wife? Secondly, she didn't want the hassle of an open or covert struggle with Gu Fangzi! So, it was best if she didn't enter the door for now.

But for Shi Fengju at present, since Sang Wan had made it clear she would leave after a year and a half, of course, he would marry Gu Fangzi as his wife only after the divorce! A mere year and a half—he could wait. How could he possibly allow Gu Fangzi to enter the home as a concubine right now!

Shi Fengju looked at her skeptically for a moment longer. Seeing her look so ashamed, he said no more. With a major concern resolved, he felt a surge of relief and yawned, covering his mouth, "I'm sleepy, let's rest early! You take the bed, and I'll sleep on the couch in the outer room."

With that, he went to the wardrobe to get a blanket for himself.

At least he still had some conscience, not forcing her to sleep on the floor. But—

Sang Wan touched her deflated stomach, feeling so hungry she could have sworn her front was sticking to her back!

"Young Master, you should rest. I'm hungry and would like to eat something first!"

Shi Fengju froze in place, his mouth twitching as he eventually stammered, "Then, please do as you wish!" By the heavens, he truly forgot about that.

Meanwhile, Sang Wan sighed to herself: How could she have been so honest in her past life, letting him push her around on an empty stomach!