Unexpected Second Chance at Love

Chapter 1036: Only My Wife

Morning at De L’amour passed without disturbance.

Employees moved between workstations, discussing fabric selections, reviewing sketches, and preparing samples for upcoming collections.

Yue Ling spent the morning attending meetings and reviewing the progress of several ongoing projects. Despite her approaching wedding, she had no intention of neglecting her responsibilities.

By late morning, she had joined Lian Ni Shang and Ju Suo in the private design room where her family’s heirloom wedding gown was being carefully altered.

The ivory dress rested on a mannequin beneath the soft overhead lighting.

Its delicate floral lace, intricate embroidery, and graceful silhouette remained untouched. Only minor adjustments were being made to ensure the bodice and waist fitted Yue Ling perfectly.

Lian Ni Shang carefully examined the stitching.

"The waist should be finished by tomorrow."

Ju Suo nodded.

"And the final fitting can be done shortly afterward."

Yue Ling smiled.

"Good. I don’t want anything about the original design changed."

"Don’t worry, Boss," Lian Ni Shang assured her. "We wouldn’t dare."

Ju Suo chuckled.

"Especially after seeing how much this dress means to your grandfather."

Yue Ling’s expression softened.

She reached out and gently brushed her fingertips over the delicate lace.

Her mother had designed it.

Her grandmother had sewn it.

And soon, she would wear it in the garden where her parents exchanged their wedding vows.

The thought filled her with warmth.

After a moment, she turned toward the two designers.

"There’s something I wanted to tell you."

Lian Ni Shang looked up.

"What is it, Boss?"

"I’m planning to visit City Z before the wedding."

Both women paused.

Ju Suo studied her expression.

"City Z?"

Yue Ling nodded.

"There are some people I want to see."

She hesitated briefly.

"And some things I need to take care of."

Lian Ni Shang exchanged a glance with Ju Suo.

Neither asked for further details.

They knew enough about Yue Ling’s past to understand that returning to City Z carried a significance beyond an ordinary visit.

Lian Ni Shang smiled gently.

"Then you should go."

Yue Ling looked at her.

"We can handle everything here," Ju Suo added. "You don’t need to worry about the company."

"Exactly," Lian Ni Shang agreed. "You’ve already approved the important designs, and we know what needs to be done."

Yue Ling’s eyes softened.

"Thank you."

Ju Suo waved dismissively.

"Boss, you’re getting married in a week. Let us take care of things for once."

Yue Ling laughed.

"Alright."

She glanced toward the wedding gown.

"But make sure nothing happens to this dress."

Lian Ni Shang immediately straightened.

"Boss, I promise to guard it with my life!"

Ju Suo rolled her eyes.

"You’re being dramatic."

"I’m serious!"

Yue Ling chuckled.

"I know you are."

Her gaze lingered on the gown for another moment.

Then she smiled.

"Take good care of it for me."

"We will," both women answered.

Satisfied, Yue Ling returned to her office to finish the remaining work on her schedule.

She still needed to arrange her trip to City Z.

And with only one week remaining before the wedding, there was little time to waste.

Meanwhile, at Lu Corps, Lu Tian’s morning had taken an unexpected turn.

He had originally planned to visit a formalwear boutique alone.

Unfortunately, his younger brother, Lu Han, and his longtime friend, Zi Yifan, had other ideas.

The two had stopped by his office. Something they often did.

Their visit had begun innocently enough.

Until Lu Tian mentioned that he needed to purchase a tuxedo.

"A tuxedo?" Lu Han repeated.

Lu Tian continued reviewing the document in his hand.

"Yes."

Zi Yifan raised an eyebrow.

"For the wedding?"

"Obviously."

Lu Han stared at his brother.

Then a mischievous grin spread across his face.

"Wait. Don’t tell me you haven’t gotten one yet."

Lu Tian didn’t look up.

"I was going to wear one of my suits."

Silence.

Then—

"Pfft!"

Lu Han burst into laughter.

Zi Yifan covered his mouth, struggling to contain his amusement.

Lu Tian slowly lifted his gaze.

"What’s funny?"

Lu Han clutched his stomach.

"Bro! You’re getting married!"

"And?"

"And you were planning to wear a business suit?"

Lu Tian’s expression remained indifferent.

"There’s nothing wrong with my suits."

Zi Yifan chuckled.

"Of course there isn’t. Your suits probably cost more than most people’s cars."

He leaned against the desk.

"But this is your wedding."

Lu Tian sighed.

"That’s what Yue Ling said."

Lu Han laughed harder.

"So Sister-in-law ordered you to get a tuxedo?"

Lu Tian gave him a cold look.

"She didn’t order me."

"Oh?"

"She asked."

Zi Yifan grinned.

"And you agreed."

"Yes."

Lu Han shook his head dramatically.

"Unbelievable."

He turned toward Zi Yifan.

"Did you hear that? The great Lu Tian, who refuses to listen to anyone, is going shopping because his wife told him to."

Lu Tian closed the document.

"Are you two finished?"

"Not even close," Lu Han replied cheerfully.

Before Lu Tian could dismiss them, Lu Han turned toward Xu Long, who had been standing nearby.

"Assistant Xu."

Xu Long straightened.

"Yes, Young Master Lu?"

"Clear my brother’s afternoon schedule."

Xu Long blinked.

"Excuse me?"

Zi Yifan smiled.

"We’re taking him shopping."

Xu Long looked toward his boss.

Lu Tian rubbed his forehead.

For a moment, he considered refusing.

But then he remembered Yue Ling’s smile that morning.

’Our wedding may not be a big one, but it’s still something special.’

His expression softened.

"Clear it."

Xu Long nodded immediately.

"Yes, Boss."

Lu Han grinned triumphantly.

"Excellent!"

And just like that, the three men left Lu Corps.

The formalwear boutique was among the most prestigious in Imperial.

Its interior was elegant and spacious, with polished marble floors, warm lighting, and carefully displayed collections of tailored suits and tuxedos.

The moment the three men entered, the staff hurried forward to greet them.

Lu Han immediately began browsing.

Zi Yifan examined several displays.

Lu Tian, however, barely glanced around before his attention settled on a particular tuxedo.

It was displayed near the center of the boutique.

A classic black tuxedo with a sharply tailored silhouette, satin peak lapels, and a crisp white dress shirt beneath.

Its design was understated yet sophisticated.

There were no unnecessary embellishments.

Nothing overly extravagant.

Just timeless elegance.

Lu Tian stopped in front of it.

His dark eyes studied the ensemble.

For some reason, he could already imagine himself wearing it.

Standing beneath the winter sunlight in Ji Mansion’s garden.

Watching Yue Ling walk toward him in her mother’s wedding gown.

The thought brought a faint smile to his lips.

"This one."

The sales associate immediately approached.

"Excellent choice, Mr. Lu."

Lu Han turned around.

"Wait, what?"

Zi Yifan looked up.

Lu Tian pointed toward the tuxedo.

"I’ll take this one."

Lu Han stared at him.

"Bro, we just got here."

"And?"

"You’re supposed to look around!"

Lu Tian raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

Zi Yifan chuckled.

"Because most people try several options before deciding."

"This one will do."

Lu Han threw his hands up.

"Unbelievable!"

But after Lu Tian tried on the tuxedo, neither man had anything to criticize.

The tailored black jacket emphasized his broad shoulders and narrow waist. The satin lapels added a refined elegance without distracting from his naturally commanding presence.

Lu Han slowly nodded.

"Alright."

Zi Yifan folded his arms.

"I hate to admit it, but he chose well."

Lu Tian glanced at his reflection.

He adjusted the cuffs.

Then looked toward the sales associate.

"Have the necessary alterations completed."

"Of course, Mr. Lu."

After the measurements were taken, Lu Tian changed back into his clothes.

The entire process had taken far less time than Lu Han anticipated.

As they approached the cashier, Lu Han shook his head.

"I can’t believe we came all this way just for you to choose the first tuxedo you saw."

Lu Tian calmly retrieved his black card.

"I knew what I wanted."

Zi Yifan laughed.

"That’s certainly one way to shop."

Lu Han sighed.

"Fine. We’ll go get the car while you pay."

Lu Tian nodded and the two men left the formalwear boutique.

When he approached the cashier, he was just about to hand over his black card when—

"Mr. Lu?"

An excessively sweet voice sounded behind him.

Lu Tian’s eyelids lowered slightly.

He knew his wife’s voice and this voice was nowhere close to his wife’s.

So doing what he does all the time, he ignored the person.

The cashier smiled politely and reached for his card.

Then came the clicking of high heels.

Closer.

And closer.

"Oh! It really is you, Mr. Lu!"

A woman stopped beside him.

Ji Chu Hua.

She wore a fitted pink tweed blazer with a matching skirt. Her long brown hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and her makeup was carefully applied to enhance her delicate features.

She had spotted Lu Tian the moment she entered the boutique.

Although her appearance was anything but accidental, she had decided to approach him as though their meeting were a pleasant coincidence.

Her heart fluttered with excitement.

’What wonderful luck.’

Yue Ling wasn’t here.

And Lu Tian was alone.

A shy blush colored her cheeks.

"I wasn’t sure it was you at first."

She smiled sweetly.

"What a coincidence!"

Lu Tian didn’t respond.

Ji Chu Hua pretended not to notice. She stepped closer and reached toward his arm.

"I’m so happy to see you here."

Before her fingers could touch him, Lu Tian moved aside.

Ji Chu Hua’s hand froze in midair.

His brows drew together slightly as the strong scent of her perfume reached him.

It was overpowering.

His expression turned colder.

"You’re in the way."

Silence.

Ji Chu Hua blinked.

The cashier froze.

For a moment, both women stared at him.

’What?’

Ji Chu Hua’s smile stiffened.

She had expected him to at least acknowledge her greeting.

Instead, he had dismissed her as though she were an inconvenience.

Her fingers curled.

But she quickly recovered.

"Mr. Lu..."

She gave a soft, embarrassed laugh.

"I’m only trying to greet you."

Lu Tian ignored her.

Ji Chu Hua took another small step closer.

"Besides..."

Her smile widened.

"We’re going to be family soon."

The cashier’s eyes flickered between them.

She knew Lu Tian was purchasing a tuxedo for his wedding.

But seeing Ji Chu Hua behaving so familiarly with him made her curious.

Wasn’t he supposed to be marrying Han Yue Ling?

Then why was another woman from the Ji family approaching him like this?

’Could the rumors be wrong?’

The cashier quickly lowered her gaze.

Lu Tian placed his black card on the counter.

"Settle the bill."

His voice was cold.

The cashier immediately straightened.

"Of course, Mr. Lu."

She hurried to process the payment.

Ji Chu Hua’s smile twitched.

"Mr. Lu, I—"

"No."

The word was spoken without the slightest emotion.

Ji Chu Hua fell silent. Her cheeks burned.

She could feel the cashier watching them.

The humiliation made her want to scream.

But she couldn’t afford to lose her composure.

Not in front of Lu Tian.

Not when she had finally found an opportunity to speak with him alone.

The cashier quickly returned his card and receipt.

"Thank you, Mr. Lu."

Lu Tian took them.

Without sparing Ji Chu Hua another glance, he turned and walked toward the entrance.

Ji Chu Hua stared after him. Her expression darkened.

’How dare he!’

She had dressed beautifully.

Approached him politely.

Even reminded him of their future family connection.

Yet he had treated her as though she were invisible.

She clenched her jaw.

Then forced another smile.

"Excuse me."

She nodded politely toward the cashier before hurrying after him.

"Mr. Lu!"

Lu Tian continued walking.

"Mr. Lu, wait!"

She quickened her steps.

Just as he reached the entrance, she stretched out her hand.

Her fingers were only inches from his arm.

’Just once.’

She wanted to touch him.

To feel his attention turn toward her, even if only for a moment.

But Lu Tian’s reflexes were faster.

He shifted effortlessly to the side.

Ji Chu Hua grasped nothing but air.

"Ah!"

Her balance faltered.

She stumbled forward, barely managing to catch herself against the glass door.

Her palms struck the surface.

The sudden impact startled her.

For a moment, she remained frozen.

Then she slowly turned around.

Her face flushed with embarrassment.

Lu Tian stood several steps away.

His expression remained completely indifferent.

Ji Chu Hua’s eyes immediately filled with tears.

"Mr. Lu..."

Her voice trembled.

"How can you treat me this way?"

She lowered her head, appearing deeply wounded.

"I only wanted to speak with you for a moment."

Lu Tian barely looked at her.

Not a trace of sympathy appeared in his eyes.

"Only my wife can touch me."

His voice was calm.

Absolute.

Ji Chu Hua froze.

The words struck harder than any insult.

’Only my wife.’

Her fingers tightened against the door.

Before she could respond—

The glass door suddenly swung open.

Ji Chu Hua hurriedly stepped aside.

"Bro!"

Lu Han entered with Zi Yifan following behind him.

"What’s taking you so long?"

He laughed.

"I thought you got lost trying to pay the bill."

Lu Tian didn’t answer.

Lu Han’s smile faded when he noticed the woman standing beside the entrance.

His brows drew together.

"Miss Ji?"

Zi Yifan also stopped.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Ji Chu Hua quickly straightened.

"Young Master Lu."

Lu Han glanced between her and his brother.

"What are you doing here?"

Zi Yifan folded his arms.

"This is a men’s formalwear boutique."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Did you come to buy a tuxedo?"

Ji Chu Hua’s cheeks warmed. She had barely recovered from Lu Tian’s rejection.

Now she had to explain herself to two more people.

Her eyes flickered toward Lu Tian.

Then she smiled bashfully.

"Oh, I came with a friend."

Lu Han stared at her.

Ji Chu Hua continued.

"I happened to see Mr. Lu and thought I’d come over to greet him."

She lowered her gaze.

"But..."

She hesitated deliberately.

Zi Yifan raised an eyebrow.

"But what?"

Ji Chu Hua gave a soft laugh.

"Well, he was being shy."

Silence.

Lu Han blinked.

Zi Yifan slowly turned toward Lu Tian.

Even the cashier, who had been watching from behind the counter, nearly dropped the receipt in her hand.

Shy?

Lu Tian?

The man whose cold expression could silence an entire boardroom?

The man who had just told her to get out of his way?

Ji Chu Hua maintained her innocent smile.

"He probably wasn’t expecting to see me here."

She glanced at Lu Tian again.

Her cheeks colored faintly.

"That’s all."

Lu Han stared at her as though she had lost her mind.

Zi Yifan pressed his lips together. He wasn’t sure whether to laugh or feel embarrassed on her behalf.

Then the atmosphere changed.

A chilling pressure seemed to settle over the entrance.

Lu Tian’s eyes darkened. His handsome face became completely expressionless.

He slowly turned toward Ji Chu Hua.

"Shy?"

The single word was spoken so coldly that her smile faltered.

Lu Han instinctively took a step back.

Zi Yifan’s amusement disappeared.

Ji Chu Hua swallowed.

"Mr. Lu, I didn’t mean—"

Lu Tian interrupted her.

"Don’t flatter yourself."

Her face stiffened.

He continued, his voice devoid of warmth.

"I moved away because I don’t want you touching me."

Ji Chu Hua’s lips parted.

No words came out.

"And I ignored you because I have nothing to say to you."

The silence became unbearable.

Lu Tian looked at her with undisguised displeasure.

"Don’t mistake my unwillingness to acknowledge you for shyness."

Ji Chu Hua felt her cheeks burn.

Lu Han slowly turned his head away.

He pressed his lips together, struggling not to laugh.

Zi Yifan lowered his gaze.

Even he hadn’t expected Lu Tian to be quite so merciless.

Ji Chu Hua’s eyes glistened.

"Mr. Lu..."

Lu Tian’s expression didn’t change.

"One more thing."

She looked up.

His dark eyes narrowed.

"Being related to my wife doesn’t make you my family."

Ji Chu Hua went completely still.

The words stripped away the last remnants of her carefully maintained smile.

Lu Tian calmly adjusted his cuff, his cold gaze sweeping over the people in the boutique who had been discreetly eavesdropping on their conversation.

"The only person from the Ji family I intend to marry is Han Yue Ling."

He paused.

"And I suggest you and everyone else remember that."

Without waiting for a response, he turned toward the door.

"Let’s go."

Lu Han immediately followed.

Zi Yifan shook his head and cast Ji Chu Hua one final glance before leaving.

The glass doors closed behind them.

But not before Ji Chu Hua could hear Lu Tian’s cold, deep voice.

"I need to sanitize my hands."