Thunderous Downpour

　　The pitter-patter of raindrops, as large as beans, resonated throughout the air.

　　A bolt of lightning streaked across, momentarily illuminating the night sky.

　　I sat by the window, absentmindedly gazing at the pouring rain outside.

　　I didn't even notice the person standing behind me.

　　It wasn't until I fell into a cold plum-scented embrace that my thoughts returned.

　　"What are you thinking about? You seem lost," the man's warm lips brushed against my ear.

　　Suppressing the bitterness in my heart, I pushed away Shen Su and forced a smile, saying, "It's nothing."

　　Shen Su's eyebrows barely furrowed, and he took a step closer.

　　I instinctively stepped back, lowering my gaze as I spoke softly, "Imperial Brother, let's just forget about it."

　　"Only now have I realized that I seem to have developed feelings for the young master of the Li family."

　　"I admit that I once admired you, Imperial Brother.

　　I won't deny that, but those feelings have long passed, and my heart no longer belongs to you."

　　"In the future, you will continue to be my beloved older brother, Zhong Jun."

　　"May our sibling bond always remain."

　　After I finished speaking, the air fell silent.

　　In the stagnant atmosphere, Shen Su suddenly let out a soft laugh.

　　"Does Zhong Jun still resent me for cold-shouldering you time and time again in the past?"

　　"I was wrong, it's only natural for Zhong Jun to hold some resentment."

　　"No, I don't resent you, Imperial Brother," I tightly clenched the hand hidden beneath my sleeve, the knuckles turning slightly pale.

　　"I am now delighted by Li Xiaolang, and Father also seems quite satisfied with him.

　　If nothing unexpected happens, we will successfully marry next year."

　　"I am not your lover, Imperial Brother.

　　Please find a true soulmate as soon as possible."

　　"Zhong Jun is my only beloved.," Shen Su took hold of my hand, his smile gentle and warm like a spring breeze.

　　"You are my wife."

　　Me: "We are not possible anymore.

　　The person I want to marry now is Li Xiaolang."

　　He merely looked at me indulgently, as if I were a child throwing a tantrum.

　　He spoke with a tone of helplessness and doting, "I can let you have your way with other matters, but not this one."

　　"Marrying me is a done deal."

　　"Even Father cannot stop it."

　　As he said these words, a faintly eerie smile appeared at the corner of Shen Su's lips.

　　"The recent weather is cold and prone to catching colds.

　　It's better for Zhong Jun to stay in the palace.,"

　　A single sentence hindered my movements.

　　I could only wander within the Haitang Hall, unable to leave, and no outsiders could come in.

　　Apart from a few personal maids, nobody followed my commands.

　　It was only then that I realized that everyone in the Haitang Hall was Shen Su's person.