Chapter 10:Unmasking Shadows and Unspoken Feelings

The fire had not just destroyed their tea fields—it had ignited something within Kai and Mei. They were no longer just partners trying to survive an arranged marriage. They were two people standing together against a common enemy, bound by purpose, determination, and something else neither of them dared to name.

But as they sought to uncover the one responsible for the attack, they would also have to confront the feelings growing between them—feelings that, like the embers of the fire, refused to be ignored.

A Dangerous Investigation

Kai wasted no time. The morning after the fire, he rode into the village, determined to find out who had the most to gain from their downfall.

His first stop was Elder Zhou. Though the old man had not been openly hostile, his disapproval of Kai's success was clear.

"I warned you not to defy tradition," Zhou said, sipping his tea as if nothing had happened.

Kai's hands curled into fists. "Did you have anything to do with the fire?"

Zhou chuckled. "Do you think so little of me? I would not waste my time on such petty sabotage. But know this—your success breeds enemies. Not all of them are as patient as I am."

Kai left, more certain than ever that the elder knew something. But if it wasn't him, then who?

His next visit was to Liang, the merchant who had invested in their tea. When Kai explained the situation, Liang frowned.

"This was no ordinary act of jealousy," Liang said. "Someone is trying to send a message. And if they were willing to destroy your fields, they won't stop there."

Kai knew then that the danger was far from over.

A Hidden Betrayal

While Kai investigated, Mei turned her attention inward. Someone within the village had set that fire—and she had a suspicion.

There had been one worker, a man named Ren, who had always been uneasy around her. He had once been loyal to the village elders, and he had voiced his disapproval of her family's marriage to Kai.

That evening, she found Ren outside the workers' quarters.

"You weren't at the fields the night of the fire," Mei said, watching him carefully.

Ren stiffened. "What are you saying?"

"I think you were part of it," she said. "Tell me the truth, Ren. Who are you working for?"

Ren hesitated, but before he could answer, someone grabbed Mei from behind.

She barely had time to cry out before darkness took her.She felt a sharp slight pain

An Unspoken Confession

By the time Kai returned home, Mei was gone. The panic that filled him was unlike anything he had ever felt before.

He searched for hours, riding through the village and surrounding hills, calling her name into the night.

Then, at the edge of the forest, he found her.

Mei was bound but unharmed, her captors having fled before they could do worse. Kai knelt beside her, cutting the ropes from her wrists, his hands shaking.

"Mei," he whispered, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Are you hurt?"

She looked up at him, and for the first time, he saw it—trust. Not just in words, but in the way she leaned into him, in the way she whispered his name like it was the only thing keeping her steady.

"I knew you would find me," she murmured.

And then, before he could stop himself, Kai pulled her into his arms.

For the first time, it wasn't duty. It wasn't obligation.

It was love.

Even if neither of them was ready to say it yet.