Chapter 5

Xu Manor

Xu Ling Ai stood before the imposing gates of Xu Manor, a sense of foreboding swirling around her like a storm, but beneath that dread, her heart raced with an exhilarating thrill. This place was all too familiar, and despite the unease, she was ready to reclaim her story.

Upon her arrival, silence enveloped her; there were no warm greetings or cheerful faces to welcome her back. This lack of hospitality did not faze Xu Ling Ai in the slightest. She walked slowly through the grand entrance and made her way to the main hall, each step echoing like a heartbeat in the stillness.

As she entered the hall, all eyes fell on her slender, delicate figure, accentuated by the flowing fabric of her attire. A soft veil concealed her face, enhancing the air of mystery surrounding her presence.

"Xu Ling Ai, welcome back. It has been years since we last crossed paths," remarked Xu Jia Wen, the First Miss of the Xu Family, her voice dripping with bitterness as she cast a sharp glance at Xu Ling Ai, her envy palpable.

"It has indeed been a while, sister," Xu Ling Ai replied, her voice steady and measured. "But please, spare me the Cinderella act." She met Xu Jia Wen's gaze directly, a smirk playing on her lips.

Although the face before her was unfamiliar, the disdain in her stepsister's tone was unmistakable. Xu Ling Ai's attention shifted swiftly to her father, who stood with an air of authority.

"I have returned as you requested. What do you want of me?" She posed her question bluntly, devoid of any hints of ulterior motives.

"Xu Ling Ai, you've just stepped back into our home," Second Madam Gu mocked her which made the word 'home' feel like a bitter pill. "You should learn to show respect to your elders."

"Big Sister," chimed Concubine Mao with a laugh that seemed to echo hollowly, "You must remember, Ling Ai has spent years living in the countryside. It's only natural for her to be a bit... ill-mannered."

"Ling Ai, remove your veil and pay your respects," Xu Bei Hong commanded, his voice even but firm.

With a flick of her wrist, Xu Ling Ai snatched her veil away, revealing her flawless visage to the astonished onlookers. Gasps filled the room; her beauty was mesmerizing, an enchanting surprise that left them all in awe.

"Who are you? Are you truly Xu Ling Ai?" gasped Xu Li Mei, the Second Miss of Xu Manor, her eyes filled with disbelief and an undercurrent of jealousy. The transformation left her struggling to accept the reality.

"Oh my dear sister, did you forget me after all these years? Or perhaps you've suffered from amnesia?" Xu Ling Ai retorted with a playful snicker, the teasing lilt in her voice sharpening the tension.

"You!" Xu Li Mei shouted in outrage, her voice rising like a wounded animal.

"Enough!" Xu Bei Hong's voice cut through the air, authoritative and demanding. "Xu Ling Ai, the reason I have summoned you back is of utmost importance."

"What is it, Father?" Xu Ling Ai inquired, her tone smooth and elegant, each movement radiating an air of poise that belied her modest origins. Inside, she struggled to hide her true feelings.

"A royal decree has arrived at our manor, stipulating that you are to marry His Highness Duke Su."

Xu Ling Ai's modern sensibilities slipped through her restraints as she exclaimed, "What?! This is absurd! Are you out of your mind? I will not marry someone I've never met!" The outburst surprised even herself; the lady-like veneer was crumbling.

Did he genuinely believe that she would agree to marry someone she hardly knew? She'd never had a romantic relationship in her previous life, let alone in this era.

"Do you wish to ruin the Xu family? Do you want your deceased mother to be cursed by those around her? Would you have her ashes disgraced?" Her father's voice trembled with indignation, the threat lingering in the air like a dark cloud.

"I care nothing for your Xu family. I will stay here for one night, and then I am gone." Xu Ling Ai's words were steady and resolute. She had no emotional ties to Xu Manor or the legacy of the real Xu Ling Ai.

Inside, she felt the pull of her modern self—a girl who found herself ensnared in the web of destiny. "I'm sorry, Xu Ling Ai. I cannot marry someone devoid of love. Not now, not ever. What about my Xiao Zhan? What about my oppa?"

With her thoughts reverberating in her mind, Xu Ling Ai stormed from the hall, her footsteps leading her to her mother's old room.

She intended to leave for the forest at the break of dawn, so for now, she would shamelessly claim a night in this manor.

Upon entering the chamber, she was met with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. Dust motes floated in the air, illuminating the evidence of neglect. The furnishings were shrouded in layers of dust, but Xu Ling Ai resolved to tidy the place up, using a broom she found in the corner to sweep away the remnants of time.

As she dusted, her gaze fell upon a painting resting on a table, concealed beneath a threadbare cloth. Curiosity overtook her as she yanked the fabric away, sending a cloud of dust swirling in the air.

"Cough! Cough!" She choked and waved her hands in a feeble attempt to clear the air.

Moments later, the echo of heart-wrenching sobs filled the room.

"Mother—how could you leave us so soon? Do you have any idea how much Dad suffered after you went?" Xu Ling Ai gasped, the revelation striking her deeply.

The painting revealed her mother, a figure hauntingly familiar. Could it be that her mother in the modern world bore the same visage as this woman in the painting? It felt like a cruel twist of fate.

Kneeling on the floor, she cradled the old painting closer, tears streaming down her cheeks. The realization that her mother had existed in both worlds left her stunned. Fate had intertwined their lives, but it had led to the same heart-wrenching absence.

Xu Ling Ai stood tall, her heart heavy but her resolve unwavering. 'Since we share the same mother, I will yield this one time,' she declared, her voice strong yet laced with sorrow. 'I will marry a stranger for the sake of our mother.'

Tears welled in her eyes as she continued, 'Mom, I truly don't want to get married, but if I refuse, they will curse you. I can't let that happen.' Her voice quivered with emotion, betraying her inner turmoil.

With a deep breath, she pled, 'I will marry him. Don't worry, I will do my best to find some happiness in this.' A tremor coursed through her body as she struggled to maintain her composure. She clenched her fists, fighting back tears that threatened to spill over.

"Oh God, I hope you're watching. I will change history; you'll regret sending me to this era!" she yelled, her voice echoing with defiance, fueled by her frustration over the fate that had been thrust upon her.

Biting her lip to stifle the surge of tears, she stormed back into the hall, rage coloring her cheeks a fierce shade of red.

"I agreed," She said, her tone cold and unyielding.

"But once I marry, I will sever all ties with you. None of you will be my family anymore." With those final words, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving a stunned silence in her wake.

The Xu family stood there, astonished by her bold declaration. They exchanged glances of disbelief; how could she cast them aside so easily? They had always been the ones to reject her.

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