Completed(Slow-burn romance, no transmigration or rebirth, scorned lover, political intrigue, pure love, and business warfare)
She was just a simple farm girl. After her father’s death, she was sold and became a lowly kitchen maid in a marquis’ household.
By a twist of fate, she was forced to follow the family when they were exiled a thousand miles away for committing a heinous crime. To feed the family during those hard times, she endured countless hardships and injuries, all because the marquis’ heir promised her a grand future as his wife and the lady of the house.
However, once their name was cleared and they returned to the capital, his mother dismissed her:
"Be a noble concubine—no responsibilities, no social obligations, just a life of ease and comfort in the house."
That grand promise shattered like a bubble, replaced by the presence of his childhood fiancée.
That very night, she took her silver and walked away.
How ironic—it was you who begged me to come back to the capital with you.
——
During their exile, there was always someone trying to steal her away from him:
"Think about it. When you’re twenty, he’ll be nearly thirty—half a foot in the grave."
"Does he have my fair skin, good looks, and long legs?"
"I’m young and smart. I have a lot to offer."
A dashing young man, full of vitality, taught her to read, answered her questions, cooked meals for her, and even shielded her from harm.
As her fingertips traced the scars on his body, tears welled in her eyes.
"Does it hurt?"
"It’s been so long, I’ve forgotten. But..."
He leaned against her shoulder with a pitiful expression.
"When you touch it, it hurts so much more!"