However, later they still got engaged. During the engagement, Lu Shuangshuang could see Sixth Young Master Jiangâs unwillingness, so she devised a plan that made Sixth Young Master catch a cold and cough severely. While he was somewhat delirious from illness, she secretly pushed the betrothal ceremony forward and quickly concluded it.
By the time Sixth Young Master wanted to voice his objection, it was already too late.
The Jiang and Lu Families arranged a union, with many guests in attendance, leaving no room for him to act out on the spot.
Thus, the marriage was settled.
Yet, the relationship between Sixth Young Master and her seemed to grow more distant.
"Later, the eldest lady discovered that on that day, Second Miss followed him to the island, so she kept speculating that Sixth Young Master must have encountered Second Miss and became infatuated with her."
Chiang Xiao was taken aback.
"Second Miss? The Lu Family has a Second Miss?"
She felt like she was about to faint from the truths Fei Cui kept revealing one after another.
The Lu Family, in this generation of Lu Shuangshuangâs, only has her, isnât that right?
Thatâs why Old Master Lu spoiled her like a treasure, wasnât it?
"Second Miss Lu is unknown to the world. She is the child born to the eldest ladyâs father from an affair. The woman had always been living outside with her daughter until she was on her deathbed before bringing Second Miss to the Lu Family, hoping they would take her in. At that time, Second Miss was only fourteen."
Chiang Xiao listened in a daze.
"Old Master had originally agreed to take in Second Miss; after all, she was the flesh and blood of the Lu Family. But because Second Miss grew up outside, Old Master felt she was somewhat petty and timid. Making her public now would make others laugh, so he let the eldest lady take Second Miss, teaching her lady-like etiquette, and told outsiders she was the eldest ladyâs distant cousin."
"But the eldest lady, knowing Second Missâs identity, developed a strong aversion to her and often drove her away. During one period, Second Miss was like a headless fly, constantly searching for the eldest lady."
Chiang Xiao leaned to one side, listening to Fei Cui continue.
Inside, her emotions were in turmoil.
So, this unknown figure, Second Miss Lu, really might have been the girl her father cared about?
"But Second Miss only stayed at the Lu Family for six months."
"Why? Did she die?"
"No, later when Master returned from a business trip, he insisted Second Miss was definitely the illegitimate child of the woman and her childhood sweetheart, forced onto him. It seems Old Master Lu took Second Miss to the hospital for testing, Iâm not sure how they checked, but he returned alone afterward, saying it had been confirmed Second Miss wasnât of Lu blood. Thus, she was driven out."
Chiang Xiao felt a pang in her heart upon hearing this.
The fourteen-year-old girl at the time, growing up without a father, then experienced her motherâs death, was brought to the Lu Family, thought she could claim her ancestry and have a home, was loathed by the elder sister, leaving her in constant fear, only to have circumstances change, being proved not to be part of this family, then cast out.
Having gone through all that, was she still living well?
Thinking about it, a wave of unease surged through Chiang Xiaoâs heart.
Fei Cui shook her head and said, "After she left, the eldest lady went to find Sixth Young Master, but he mentioned wanting to break off the engagement for the first time. Sixth Young Master told the eldest lady he had no feelings for her, that being together requires at least mutual affection to coexist for a lifetime. The eldest lady felt deeply hurt, saying Sixth Young Master didnât even have affection for her. In the room previously occupied by Second Miss, she found a letter written by Sixth Young Master, confirming Sixth Young Master indeed met Second Miss and fell for her. Since then, the eldest lady harbored deep hate for Second Miss."