“Xiao Yi, back then your uncle's family helped ours. Half a year ago, they said they wanted to form an alliance with us. Your uncle also agreed. The people in the Shi family are handsome and well-off. Your older sister...she wasn't fated for it. Just before she was about to marry, she fell ill like this. We don't even know if she'll recover. They say water doesn't flow into someone else's field. You two sisters look very similar, and your names only differ by one character. If you agree, you'll be the second daughter in our family.”

Jiang Wenying's eyes were red-rimmed, and she spoke with a heavy heart, "I know this is difficult for you, but there's really no other way. We are family, we rise and fall together. If we go back on our word, the Shi family will definitely retaliate. Your uncle can rebuild his business, but what about your mother's income and Xiao Yun's money for studying abroad?"

"Xiao Yi, Auntie begs you, please agree to me, okay?" Jiang Wenying choked back tears.

Qiao Zhiyi is related to her uncle and aunt's family. When her father fell ill and passed away, her mother raised her and her younger brother alone. If it weren't for her uncle and aunt's help, life would have been incredibly difficult.

Studying abroad for medicine, that was also money from my uncle.

Six months ago, my mother was diagnosed with another tumor in her brain, which requires a large sum of money for treatment.

Also thanks to my aunt who ran around looking for hospitals for my mother, contacting experts, and taking care of everything.

A person should be kind and compassionate. Considering the circumstances, to be unmoved would be heartless.

Anyway, I'm getting married regardless. Besides, my aunt won't harm me.

After some hesitation, Qiao Zhiyi nodded. "Okay, I agree."

……

The huge villa lacked any festive cheer for a wedding. The house, with its predominantly black, white, and gray color scheme, felt cold and lifeless. I even doubted that I had come to the right place.

There was no wedding, no vows, no family and friends, and even, no groom.

The housekeeper led Qiao Zhiyi to the third floor and stood at the door, "Madam, Master is waiting for you inside. Don't make him wait too long."

Qiao Zhiyi was very nervous. Marrying a complete stranger was the boldest decision she had ever made in her life.

Under the butler's watchful gaze, Dou pushed open the door.

Before I could even make out what was happening, a force dragged me onto the bed. Before I could scream, my throat was clamped shut, and suffocation filled me with unimaginable terror.

His eyes widened, seeing nothing but a chilling gaze that seemed to pull him into the abyss.

Don't want to die!

In a hurry, she patted the man's strong arm and let out a small sound from between her lips, "Old...Husband..."

Joe struggled to call out to him.

Perhaps this title will make him more mindful of their current relationship.

When Shí Jīngzhōu heard this "Husband," her hand trembled slightly, "What do you mean?"

A raspy voice, as if from hell, sent chills down Qiao Zhiyi's spine. She dared not breathe, her chest heaving with anxious breaths.

The only information about this person is that they are exceptionally excellent in every aspect.

Based on the current situation, it seems like I've been deceived.

"I… I'm your wife, and you're my… husband." She whispered, uttering words that felt foreign to her lips, all in a desperate bid to survive.

"Oh, you fool."

The man's hand that had been clamped over the throat released, and he grasped the other hand, raising it above his head. In the darkness, he could clearly see the terror and fear in the eyes of the person, trying to appear calm nonetheless.

He wants to see how long this person can keep it up.

With a "click," the pitch-black room was instantly illuminated. At the moment the light turned on, Qiao Zhiyi subconsciously closed her eyes.

"Open your eyes!"

The commanding tone made the condition obey, and when she opened her eyes, Qiao Zhiyi was startled.

The visual impact caused a sharp, intense physiological reaction. I clenched my teeth tightly, unable to make a sound.

The entire face was uneven, with various sized bumps and scars of different lengths. It looked like a broken doll had been pieced back together with thread and needles, until the knot at the top.

Those eyes were terrifying, capable of devouring a person.

He said something completely different from what he told his aunt!

This isn't a human, it's clearly a ghost.

Then, a cruel smile twisted his face. "Am I still your husband now?"

All people are hypocritical.

This person is no exception.

Look at that face, pale with fright. If possible, it would run away.

Turned off the lights, he dared his husband, turned on the lights...

"Husband."

Joe Zhiyi uttered a faint voice, afraid.

The more you fear, the more you need to be tactful.

He's so fierce, if I resist, I don't know if he'll strangle me to death.

I don't want to die, but I can't not die.

Shi Jingzhou narrowed his eyes, clearly terrified out of his wits, his voice trembling as he dared to shout at him like that.

Interesting!

"Then I'll have to exercise my husband's authority." Shi Jingzhou leaned down.

Qiao Zhiyi immediately closed her eyes, unable to bear to look at this face.

When I agreed to marry my cousin's family, I knew what would happen.

Whoever I marry is the same, once the lights are off and I close my eyes, it's all the same anyway. It doesn't matter.

If you don't see this face, it's okay.

After knowing what he looked like, she could no longer pretend not to see him, confirming their marital relationship.

I don't seek beauty like Pan An, only five virtues and good manners. Even if not great, as long as I have a good face, I will accept it.

Now my mind is filled with that hideous face.

My stomach is churning, I feel like I'm going to vomit.

Shi Jingzhou saw the closed eyes trembling, tense, and let out a cold laugh, "Since you don't have the guts, why dare to take someone else's place?"

Joe Zhiyi's heart skipped a beat. He actually knew!

The shock his appearance brought was more than the discovery of the arranged marriage.

What should I do now?

Qiao Zhiyi opened his eyes, now filled with fear. His aunt had said that the Shi family in Jiang City could do whatever they wanted and if you angered them, the consequences would be terrible.

"I, I'm not a stand-in." Qiao Zhiyi endured the visual discomfort and gritted her teeth, "I am Qiao Jiaying's second daughter, Qiao Zhiyi."

He's also a son, so it's not really deception.

Although the whole thing is strange, things have come to this, and we can't let this man take his anger out on my uncle's family.

"Second Miss?" The man sneered, "Heh, Qiao Shengli is truly clever."

Qiao Zhiyi felt flustered, unsure of what he was about to do.

It's fine, I just came in tonight under a lucky hour. I didn't register the marriage. When I get the chance, I'll go back and ask my aunt what's going on.

"Xiangshu!" the man let go and shouted.

The butler pushed open the door and was somewhat surprised by their posture.

"Grandpa."

"Where's the marriage certificate?" Shi Jingzhou let go of Qiao Zhiyi, a playful look on his face.

"Here you are," the butler respectfully presented two crimson booklets to Shi Jingzhou, his hands trembling slightly.

Shi Jingzhou took it over and looked at it, the corner of his mouth slightly raised, the scar on his face twitched, his deep eyes stared at the pale little face, the person who was stunned and dazed, looking more and more eerie.

"Joe… Zhi Yi... understand… my bride." He lifted Qiao Zhi Yi's head, displaying the marriage certificate before her, "You, have no way out."

Joe Zhiyi stared blankly at the faces on the marriage certificate. At this moment, her heart truly felt as cold as ashes.

Aunt didn't give a chance to regret.

On the seal, it's his wife.