The late afternoon sun spilled through the windows of the Feng estate, bathing the drawing room in golden light. Xiao Xiao, dressed in a simple robe, sat beside her grandfather, gently pouring tea.
Feng Yichen bounced into the room, his tie crooked and hair messy. "Jiejie! Is it true? You're going to the Jiang gala? Everyone at school is talking about it!"
She chuckled, adjusting his collar. "Yes. And you, little master, are supposed to be doing homework, not gossiping."
He leaned in close, lowering his voice. "Will you be okay? I don't like those people. They feel... fake."
Her hand paused for a second.
So young, yet already sensitive to malice.
"I'll be fine," she said softly. "Because I have you and Grandpa. That's more than enough."
Grandfather Feng cleared his throat.
"I hear the Jiang woman has a tongue sharper than a sword. Don't let her corner you."
"I won't," Xiao Xiao said gently. "I've been sharpening mine too."
He studied her face for a long moment.
"You've grown into your mother's eyes," he murmured. "She would be proud. Just remember — you don't need to prove yourself to the world. You already matter where it counts."
Xiao Xiao's chest tightened, emotion blooming in her heart.
This time, she would not lose them.
Not Yichen.
Not her grandfather.
Not even herself.
Later, as the car waited outside, Xiao Xiao stood in front of the mirror. She wore a midnight black gown, elegant and fierce, embroidered with silver phoenixes.
No white.
No stitched trap.
No more pretending.
She took one deep breath
And walked out the door.