Past Tensions, Present Flames

Chapter 41: Past Tensions, Present Flames

The clinking of crystal glasses echoed across the grand hall, but all Lin Wan'er could feel was the cold, assessing gaze of the woman standing before her.

"Didn't expect to see you here," the woman said, her voice lined with mockery. "Guess anyone can get in with the right… connection."

Lin Wan'er remained composed, lips curled in a polite smile. "And yet, some people still find time to criticize others instead of minding their own business."

Before the tension could escalate, a tall figure stepped forward—calm, but eyes sharp.

"Is there a problem?" Shen Yichen's voice was low but authoritative, his hand naturally resting on Lin Wan'er's waist.

The woman's expression shifted. "No problem at all. Just chatting."

"Then don't waste my wife's time." His tone turned cold. "She doesn't owe anyone an explanation."

Lin Wan'er's heart skipped a beat. He didn't flinch when calling her 'wife'—not 'contracted partner', not 'fake couple'—but wife, like it was the most natural word in the world.

As the woman walked away, flustered, Yichen leaned down slightly. "You handled that well."

"You didn't do so bad yourself," she said softly, surprised at how steady her voice sounded.

For the first time, their gazes lingered. Something unspoken passed between them—recognition, understanding, something more than obligation.

He handed her a glass of champagne. "I never liked these events. Too much pretense."

"And yet you still bring your contract wife along," she teased gently.

He looked at her, serious this time. "No. Tonight… I brought the woman I want to know beyond a contract."

Before she could respond, his phone rang. He frowned, checked the screen, and the expression on his face darkened.

"Sorry. I need to take this," he murmured and stepped away.

Lin Wan'er stood there, champagne untouched. Her heart raced, not because of the wine or the crowd, but because for a moment—just a moment—she had seen the real Shen Yichen.

And she wasn't sure if she was ready for what that meant.