“I won’t marry Leonard Yan!” Amelia Lin’s voice rang out, filled with anger, echoing through the marble hall of the Lin family mansion. Her hands were clenched into tight fists, knuckles pale against her flushed skin. Her lips trembled with frustration. She stood firm in her heels, her silk dress shifting slightly as she shook with emotion.

Sophie Lin froze in the hallway. The name “Leonard Yan” made her heart skip a beat. She slowly stepped into the living room, her eyes moving between their father’s unreadable face and Amelia’s fiery stare.

“Amelia, you know what it means for our family to be tied to the Yans,” George Lin, her father said, his tone firm, almost immovable. His eyes, sharp and cold, locked onto Amelia with a silent pressure that said more than his words ever could.

Amelia’s hands trembled. “He’s not the same anymore!” she burst out, her voice breaking. “Mentally, he’s like a six-year-old! How can you expect me to give up my life for this?”

From across the room, Sophie felt her stomach twist. Just hearing Leonard’s name brought a rush of memories that made her chest tighten. She could still see him as someone who is tall and calm, always a step ahead of everyone else. The perfect heir. Brilliant. Composed. Everyone had admired him from afar.

But Sophie remembered something more.

Back in high school, she’d been cornered by some senior girls in school. She was scared and shaking until Leonard stepped in. He didn’t say much, just stood his ground and made them back off. Then he walked away without waiting for a thank you, like it was no big deal.

But to her, it was. That moment had stayed with her all these years.

After graduation, Leonard went abroad to attend a top university. But when he returned, everything had changed. His father had passed away suddenly, and the Yan family began to fall apart. His ambitious uncle quickly stepped in, and the power struggle began.

Then the car accident happened.

It was serious crash that should have taken his life. Instead, it left him different. His once sharp, brilliant mind now functioned like that of a child. Some believed it was just a terrible accident. Others whispered it was something more, but no one dared question the official story.

Now, to protect their name, the Yan family was looking for a wife for Leonard. Someone to take care of him and keep the family’s image intact. The Lin family was eager to gain more power, so they agreed to the arrangement without hesitation.

“Dad, why not let Sophie marry Leonard instead?” Amelia said suddenly with her tone mocking as she turned to her sister with a sly smile. The bold suggestion left the room in stunned silence.

Sophie froze and her breath hitched. George’s brows furrowed, and he turned to his younger daughter, eyes narrowing in contemplation. “Amelia, this marriage was arranged for you. Leonard Yan is still wealthy, powerful in name, and even in his condition, he could not mistreat you.”

Amelia rolled her eyes dramatically. “You expect me to marry a man who can barely speak in full sentences? I’m already with Ryan Xie. The Xie family has their own empire too, and Ryan adores me. I would rather become the lady of the Xie family than spending the rest of my life babysitting someone who doesn’t even recognize who I am.”

She flipped her hair with practiced grace and cast another smug glance at Sophie. “But Sophie’s not engaged to anyone. She’s quiet, obedient and I think she’s perfect for that kind of life.”

Then all eyes turned to Sophie.

George’s expression was unreadable, but his voice was calm, “Sophie, would you be willing to marry Leonard?”

The room descended into a heavy silence, so thick it felt like it could crush her. Sophie stood rooted to the spot, her heart pounding against her ribs. The weight of expectation, of familial obligation, and of long buried feelings bore down on her all at once. At that moment, she wasn’t just the quiet daughter in the background anymore. She was standing on the edge of a decision that could alter the course of her life.

Sophie’s heart pounded in her chest, heavy and unrelenting. Leonard Yan. Just hearing his name brought back a flood of memories of brief glances in school hallways, the calm strength he carried even as a teenager, the day he stood in front of her to stop the bullies without saying a word. He had been her protector, the boy she admired from a distance.

While Amelia drew attention with her beauty and boldness, Sophie had always stayed in the background, watching silently, never believing someone like Leonard who was brilliant, composed and someone meant for greatness could ever notice her.

But now, everything had changed. The mind she once admired had faded. The proud heir was no longer the same. And yet, Sophie didn’t feel pity or fear. She felt a deep and instinctive need to be there for him, to shield what was left of the boy she once admired.

She took a slow, steadying breath and raised her eyes to meet her father’s unyielding gaze. “If it’s Leonard, Dad,” she said softly, her voice clear and unwavering, “I’m willing.”

Amelia let out a gasp, eyes wide with disbelief. “You must be insane!” she snapped, half-laughing. “You actually want to marry that fool?”

But Sophie didn’t flinch. “I am willing,” she repeated, her tone firmer this time, laced with quiet resolve.

Amelia scoffed and tossed her hair over her shoulder with theatrical flair. “Fine. But don’t come crying to me when you realize what a mistake you’ve made.”

Sophie’s lips curved into the faintest smile. “I won’t,” she said and she meant it.

She had always known her future wasn’t really her own. Girls from powerful families didn’t marry for love; they married for status, for gain, for the family’s name. It was a truth she had grown up with.

But this time, the burden didn’t feel as heavy. Because this time, she had a choice. And she chose Leonard.

Not for the Yan name or the alliance it promised, but for the boy who once stood up for her without saying a word. 

*****

A few days later, the marriage was quietly made officially with no ceremony or banquet, just a few signatures and a red stamp sealing her future. Some of her belongings were sent to Yan Residence. Sophie packed the last of her things carefully, folding each item with quiet focus, her hands steady even as her heart beat with a mix of hope and fear.

As she zipped up her last bag, Amelia leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at her lips.

“So,” Amelia said, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “you really think your life’s going to magically change just because you married into the Yan family?”

Sophie didn’t answer right away. She looked up, meeting her sister’s eyes without flinching.

“I’m not doing this for change. I’m doing it because I believe in him,” she said softly.

Amelia let out a short laugh. “Believe in him? That fool? You’re unbelievable, Sophie. Honestly, I’m just waiting to see how long it takes before you regret all this.”

Sophie held her gaze, calm and resolute. “Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t. But at least I made the choice for myself.”

Amelia’s smile faded just a little, but she said nothing more.

When the black car came to take Sophie to the Yan estate, she didn’t look back. The Lin family gates closed behind her with a soft clang, but ahead, a new and uncertain life waited.

As she stepped into Yan residence, Sophie knew nothing would ever be the same again. And still, deep inside, her heart whispered, “ This is where she had chosen to be.”

When Sophie stepped into Yan residence, what surprised her most was not the luxury. Rather it was the warm welcome she received. Madam Yan, elegant but warm, greeted her with unexpected kindness, while Grandfather Yan, observant and sharp, watched her closely.

Leonard was sitting on the sofa, hunched slightly forward, completely focused on a small red toy car in his hands. He pushed it gently along the edge of the coffee table, his expression calm and absorbed, like a child lost in his own world. 

Now, seeing him again after all these years, Sophie felt even more drawn to him. Leonard had always been handsome, but now he carried a deeper maturity. His boyish smile was still there, but it came with a sharper jawline, broader shoulders, and a calm, serious presence that made him feel like a man and not just the boy she remembered.

He was no longer the aloof high school senior she had secretly admired from afar. Time had sculpted him into someone even more striking, more magnetic, and though his mind had regressed, his presence still commanded the room. His tousled hair fell over his forehead in soft waves, and the subtle furrow in his brow gave him an almost vulnerable expression that tugged at something deep within her. 

Even in his moments of silence or confusion, Sophie couldn’t look away. His condition hadn’t changed how she felt. In truth, it didn’t matter to her. What mattered was that she had found him again. This fate, in its twisted way, had led her back to the one person who had unknowingly held a special place in her heart all these years. That alone was enough to make her feel truly lucky, even if the world saw their marriage as a transaction or a burden. For Sophie, it was a gift.

The deep voice of Grandfather Yan broke through the quiet hum of the room. “Leonard, this is your wife,” he said with stern finality. “Do you like her? She will take care of you and give the Yan family an heir.” Though the words were gentle, they carried a clear sense of expectation.

At once, Leonard’s head snapped up, confusion flickering in his eyes. His lips curved downward in a pout as he shook his head, childlike stubbornness taking over. “I don’t want a wife,” he muttered, pushing back against the cushions and folding his arms in resistance. The rejection, though not unexpected, still landed with a quiet ache in Sophie’s chest. To Leonard, she was a stranger. 

Still, she didn’t want this moment to shape how things began between them. Taking a slow breath, Sophie stepped forward and said softly, “Leonard, you don’t have to see me as your wife right now. We can start as friends. I just want to be here for you.”

But her words had barely settled before Leonard turned away sharply, his expression darkening. “I don’t want that either!” he shouted, frustration and confusion swirling in his tone. “Go away!” And with that, he stormed out of the living room and he fled upstairs, slamming his door behind him.

Madam Yan let out a tired sigh as she watched him leave, her hands folded tightly in her lap.

“Sophie, don’t take it to heart,” she said softly, turning to her new daughter-in-law. “Leonard just isn’t used to your presence yet. Give him some time.” Sophie nodded, her gaze calm despite the sting of rejection.

“I understand, Mother. I don’t want to force him into anything he’s not ready for.” Her voice held no bitterness, only a quiet strength that made Madam Yan’s eyes soften.

“You are truly a blessing,” Madam Yan said with a warm smile, placing a hand over Sophie’s.

But Sophie shook her head, her lips lifting in a tender smile of her own. “No, Mother. I’m the lucky one to be given this opportunity to be with Leonard.” She hesitated for a moment, then added with quiet honesty, “Even though I was only meant to replace my sister in this marriage, thank you for accepting me.”

Madam Yan let out a long sigh, her gaze growing distant. “We knew it would be difficult to find someone willing to marry Leonard given his current condition. And truthfully, we still don’t know if he’ll ever recover. Some days, I hold onto hope. Other days, I just pray he finds peace.”

Sophie met her gaze steadily, her voice unwavering. “Don’t worry, Mother. From today onward, I will take care of Leonard. No matter how long it takes, I’ll help him accept me. I’ll stay by his side.”

And in that moment, something shifted in Madam Yan’s heart. She saw not just a woman fulfilling an obligation, but a daughter-in-law with genuine resolve and compassion. “Sophie,” she said, her voice thick with emotion, “you truly are the daughter-in-law I prayed for.”

Later that night, Sophie made her way slowly toward Leonard’s room. Her footsteps were soft, hesitant, though her heart beat with quiet resolve. The room she was headed to wasn’t just a guest room, it was his room and their room now. 

Before she had even moved in, the Yan family had taken the liberty of placing her belongings neatly inside, preparing the space to reflect her new role as Mrs. Yan. Her wardrobe had been arranged beside his, her nightgowns folded in drawers she hadn’t opened yet. Everything had been done as if she belonged there. But the moment she stepped through the door, that feeling disappeared instantly.

“Get out!” Leonard’s voice rang out and a pillow came flying at her with surprising speed and accuracy. Sophie caught it in mid-air without flinching, staying completely calm.

He stood on the bed, his expression flushed with frustration, looking like a child on the verge of a tantrum. His messy hair framed his face, and his lips were pressed into a tight line. 

Sophie slowly stepped forward and walked to the bed. She placed the pillow gently back where it had come from, smoothing it with care before turning to him.

“Leonard,” she said gently, her voice soft enough to soothe but firm enough to be heard, “I know you’re not ready to accept me. I understand. But we can at least get to know each other. There’s no need to be afraid.” He glared at her for a moment before huffing and turning away, burying his face into the very pillow he had just thrown, his arms hugging it tightly like a child shielding himself from the stranger..

“I don’t know you!” he mumbled, muffled but sharp. “You’re a bad person! I don’t want you here!”

Sophie felt the sting of his words like a slap, but she forced herself to remain composed. She had known this wouldn’t be easy.

“Actually, Leonard,” she said quietly, easing down to sit on the edge of the bed, “We’ve met before back in high school.” There was a nostalgic warmth in her voice that gently eased the tension in the room.

His head shifted slightly. She waited, then continued, “You don’t remember, but you saved me once.” 

Slowly, Leonard peeked out from the pillow, his eyes wide with curiosity. The anger in his gaze faded slightly. His dark eyes still sharp even in their confusion and they met hers, and for the first time since she arrived, he truly looked at her.

There was no recognition yet, but something had changed. A flicker of hesitation, maybe even a hint of wonder. It was small, but to Sophie, it meant everything.

Sophie saw a flicker of hesitation in Leonard’s eyes. He looked at her like she was a puzzle he couldn’t figure out. His brows shifted slightly, and his grip tightened on the pillow in his arms.

He seemed to be searching for her in the broken pieces of his past, but nothing fit. His lips parted, then closed again. Finally, he frowned and asked softly, “Who… are you?”

Sophie smiled gently, her voice warm and patient as she answered, “I’m Sophie Lin.”

Leonard’s face shifted as he tried to make sense of her words. His brows drew closer, confusion swirling in his dark eyes. The name “Sophie Lin” wasn’t the one he had always heard. For as long as he could remember, people had told him about Amelia Lin, the woman he was supposed to marry. 

He had pictured someone bold, loud, and commanding. In the few memories he had of social events, he recalled glimpses of Amelia who was always at the center and surrounded by admirers. She carried herself like she deserved attention. She acted like the world revolved around her, proud and unbending, always expecting praise.

But the woman standing in front of him now was nothing like that image. Sophie Lin was calm. Her eyes held a quiet strength, a kindness that didn’t feel forced or faked. Her smile wasn’t polished or meant to charm. It was sincere, and it softened her entire face. She wasn’t dressed to impress or acting as if she were doing him a favor by being there. She was just… there, steady and patient, like she truly meant the words she’d spoken earlier. 

What surprised him most was that he didn’t dislike her. In fact… he felt drawn to her. It was a quiet, strange pull he couldn’t explain. Maybe it was the way she looked at him with no pity or anger. Just calm patience and honesty.

Hadn’t they told him that Amelia Lin, the elegant, confident eldest daughter of the Lin family, was supposed to be his bride? Leonard frowned and was confused as he looked again at the gentle woman beside him.

But this wasn’t her.

This was Sophie Lin. She was different, kind, quiet, and comforting. And as he looked at her, a strange thought slowly formed in his mind:

Why did it feel like he had ended up with the better choice?

His brow furrowed deeper, and after a beat of silence, he asked, “my wife should be Amelia.”

“That’s a long story,” she said. 

“But don’t worry, I’m not a bad person.” Her voice was gentle, like she was trying not to frighten him, and there was something about her tone. It was so earnest and unwavering that made it hard for Leonard not to believe her. She leaned in slightly, her expression full of warmth. “From now on, I’ll take care of you. I promise.”

Leonard stared at her, his lips curving into a small pout as he tried to make sense of what she said. He looked like a child considering whether or not to trust a new babysitter. “You’re… not bad person?” he asked cautiously, his tone uncertain but curious.

Sophie shook her head without hesitation. “If I ever do anything to bully you, you can go straight to grandpa or mum. They’ll kick me out of the house for sure,” she added with a wink, trying to lighten the mood.

Leonard gave a small, playful grin. “You said it!” he said proudly, like he’d just won a prize.

Sophie laughed, reaching out to gently pat the top of his head. “Then… can we be friends first?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Leonard paused, his eyes lifting to meet hers. There was something in her face. It was calm, honest, and patient that stirred a strange feeling in his chest. A soft warmth, like butterflies waking up after a long sleep. Flustered, he quickly turned away and pulled the blanket over his head like a turtle hiding in its shell.

“I’m tired. I want to sleep!” he mumbled from beneath the covers.

Sophie couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips as she stood. “Alright,” she said kindly. “Rest well. I’ll go take a bath.”

She moved toward the bathroom. Behind her, Leonard peeked out from beneath the blanket, watching her figure disappear through the bathroom door. He stared for a few seconds, his eyes wide, his heart pounding against his ribs in a rhythm that made no sense. 

Why does he feel so… weird? he wondered, pressing a hand to his chest. And why did he not mind her being here? For the first time in a long while, he didn’t feel alone.

The next morning, Leonard Yan stood quietly in his bathroom with a phone discreetly tucked in his hands. He scrolled through the document his assistant had quietly sent the night before, his eyes scanning the few details about Sophie Lin. There wasn’t much. Her background was almost empty. There were no gossip, no scandals, none of the usual drama that followed other heiresses.

The only thing that stood out was that she was George Lin’s illegitimate daughter. It was a quiet detail in a family that cared deeply about image. She was brought into the Lin home only after her mother passed away due to illness and she had stayed in the background ever since. No public debut, no parties, no ambition for power. Just a girl who seemed content to stay out of the spotlight. Her school records were strong but not showy, and she kept a low profile. There were no rumors, no shady connections.

Everything about her seemed clean… too clean. Leonard narrowed his eyes. Leonard narrowed his eyes. He couldn’t afford to be careless. 

Why had she agreed to marry him? Was it really kindness… or was there something behind those calm, gentle smiles?

Until he found out, he’d play along and keeping his guard up and pretending to be the simple, harmless man everyone thought he was.

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Sophie slowly woke up. She reached across the bed but felt only cool, empty sheets. Frowning slightly, she looked around, then stretched and got up. As she headed toward the bathroom, she nearly bumped into Leonard coming out.

He froze for a moment, quickly tucking his phone into his pants.

Sophie blinked in surprise, then smiled warmly, her face lighting up. “Good morning, Leonard,” she said softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Leonard didn’t answer right away. He glanced at her calm and  sleepy facae, then quickly looked away and pouted. “I’m hungry,” he muttered, his voice carrying the childlike tone he’d grown used to using.

Sophie’s expression softened even more. “You can go downstairs and have breakfast first,” she said kindly, her tone full of gentle encouragement. “I’ll freshen up and join you in a bit.”

He glanced up at her again, and for a moment, something unspoken passed through his eyes. But then his pout turned into a wide, playful grin, all innocence. “Okay!” he said brightly, his mood shifting as he turned and cheerfully walked out of the room.

After washing up and changing into a light beige dress, Sophie made her way down to the dining hall of Yan Residence. The scent of freshly brewed tea and steamed dumplings greeted her as she entered the dining hall. 

The whole Yan family was already seated around the long dining table, with servants moving quickly and quietly. Sophie gave a small, apologetic smile as she sat down next to Leonard. “Sorry I’m late,” she said politely, smoothing her dress.

“Good morning, Sophie. It’s alright,” Madam Yan said with a warm, gentle smile from across the table. Her graceful presence was both kind and a little intimidating. “Did you sleep well last night?”

“Yes, I did,” Sophie replied with a polite smile, though her mind briefly recalled how Leonard hiding under the covers last night and the strange flutter in her chest when sleeping next to him last night.

Just as Sophie reached for her chopsticks to take her first bite of the breakfast spread of steamed buns, porridge, pickled vegetables, and soft-boiled eggs, Victor Yan, Leonard’s uncle, leaned back with a smirk on his face.

“So, Sophie,” he said slowly, his eyes gleaming with amusement and contempt, “did Ethan touch you last night?”

His words hit like a slap. Sophie froze, her face flushing with heat. “N-Not yet…” she replied softly, barely above a whisper.

Victor let out a mocking laugh. “Hah! Looks like my nephew can’t handle it. Should’ve figured.” His tone was full of sarcasm, not just aimed at Leonard, but at the whole marriage as if it were nothing than a joke to him.

Across the table, Leonard had been happily chewing on a bun, but suddenly stopped mid-bite. For a split second, something cold and sharp flashed in his eyes then vanished.

His playful smile came back, but what he did next was far from childlike. In one quick motion, he grabbed another bun and threw it straight at Victor. It hit him right in the face, scattering crumbs all over his expensive suit.

“You—!” Victor sputtered, shocked, blinking fast as he wiped his face, his cheeks red with embarrassment and anger.

Before Victor could speak again, Grandfather Yan set down his cup with a quiet, firm clink. “Give Ethan some time,” he said calmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Sophie, we’re counting on you to give the Yan family an heir.”

Sophie almost choked on her tea. She hadn’t even been married a full day, and already the pressure to produce an heir had landed squarely on her shoulders.

She glanced at Leonard, who was calmly nibbling on a dumpling like he hadn’t just thrown food at someone.

An heir? She hadn’t even gotten him to fully accept her yet, let alone think about children. But deep down, she understood that if anything was going to happen between them, she would have to take the lead. The Yan family clearly wasn’t going to wait forever.

“Sophie, take Ethan out for a walk today,” Madam Yan suggested gently, reaching for her teacup. “It’ll be good for you two to spend some time together and strengthen your bond.”

Sophie nodded calmly, hiding the unease in her chest. “Of course, Mother,” she said with a smile, though she wasn’t sure how much bonding she and Leonard could really do in one trip. Still, if there was even a small chance to build trust, connection, or maybe even love, she was willing to try, one step at a time.

After breakfast, Sophie took Leonard for a walk in the estate’s private park. Sophie held onto Leonard’s arm, not just to keep him close but also out of a quiet, protective instinct. “Leonard, do you like going for walks?” she asked softly, hoping to ease him into a bit of conversation.

“I like it,” he replied with a goofy grin, tilting his head back to gaze at the sky as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.

Sophie smiled at his innocent joy. “If you enjoy it, I’ll take you out for walks every day,” she promised, her voice full of warmth. They continued at a slow pace, her steps matching his, enjoying the calm that surrounded them. But just as Sophie began to relax, she heard an all-too-familiar voice behind her, sharp with curiosity.

“Sophie Lin?”

She froze instantly and turned to see Lina, her former college classmate, standing near the entrance to the park. Dressed fashionably with a sleek handbag slung over her shoulder, Lina’s eyes widened in recognition and then narrowed in barely concealed surprise as she took in Sophie’s appearance. “Well, well, I never thought I’d run into you here,” Lina said, sauntering closer with a smirk playing on her lips. Her eyes then landed on Leonard, lingering for a beat too long. “And who’s this?”

Sophie instinctively straightened her posture, her grip on Leonard’s arm tightening. “He’s my husband. We just got married,” she said, her tone calm but firm.

Lina’s jaw dropped, blinking as though she hadn’t heard correctly. “You… got married? Are you serious?” Her surprise quickly turned into amusement, and her voice took on a teasing tone.

“Wait, wasn’t Lucas Wei totally chasing after you back in college? You know, the student council president with the sports car?” She gave Leonard a once-over and raised a brow, clearly unimpressed. “And now you’re married to… him?” Her voice dropped slightly as she added in a fake whisper, “He looks kinda… slow.”

Sophie’s nails pressed into Leonard’s sleeve, her eyes hardening. “I never liked Lucas Wei,” she said flatly. “My husband is the only person I care about. If there’s nothing else, we’ll be leaving.”

She refused to let Lina talk down to Leonard, not even for a moment. Without saying a word, she turned and walked away, leading him with her head held high.

As they walked, Leonard, who had stayed unusually quiet, looked up at her with a small frown. “Who was that?” he asked, his voice curious and innocent.

“Just an old classmate,” Sophie replied, brushing it off with a small sigh. “She’s not important. You don’t need to worry about her.”

He blinked, thoughtful for a moment. “Just now… you said I’m the only person you care.”

Sophie glanced at him, surprised by how clearly he remembered those words. “That’s right,” she said softly. “I only have you in my heart and mind, Leonard.”

His lips pulled into a faint frown. “But… people say I’m a fool.”

“You’re not,” Sophie said softly, kneeling a little to meet his eyes. “I told you before, you once saved me. You were a good person and you still are now.”

“I don’t remember,” he mumbled, eyes flickering downward.

“That’s okay,” she whispered, brushing his hand with hers. “Even if you don’t remember, we can take our time getting to know each other again. I’ll wait for you.”

Just as the moment began to settle into something unexpectedly tender, Leonard suddenly squirmed, tugging lightly on her sleeve. “Sophie,” he said urgently, “I need to pee.”

Sophie blinked, then laughed softly, the tension dissolving into amusement at his innocent tone. 

“Alright,” she said with a warm chuckle, “hold on. I’ll take you home.” Without hesitation, she took his hand, guiding him gently but quickly back through the winding paths of the garden.