Riley changed into a new dress and returned to the party venue.
Perhaps due to the sudden change in appearance, some people muttered comments about her. However, fortunately, no one directly asked why she changed her clothes or made pointed remarks.
“Where on earth did you go? And why did you change your clothes again?”
However, after saying she was going to the bathroom and hiding for nearly two hours, Riley was scolded by Livnete when she returned.
“I spilled champagne on my dress, so it took a bit of time to prepare a new one.”
“If something like that happens, you should’ve told me.”
“I was planning to, but Givernan noticed first and helped me out. So, I got delayed. I’m sorry.”
“…Nothing happened, right?”
“Of course not.”
It seemed unnecessary to bring up the conversation with the 7th Prince in front of Livnete.
“Alright, let’s leave it at that. Just don’t distance yourself from me without saying anything.”
“Thank you, Livnete.”
Hila was quite angry at Livnete, and Livnete seemed relieved, exhaling a sigh as Riley’s face relaxed.
Riley remained on guard, expecting the 7th Prince to approach and talk again.
However, fortunately, the 7th Prince did not show up throughout the party. As the party progressed, the princes who had been guarding their seats one by one began to leave.
‘It seems my stepfather has returned.’
Lyan was with his family, guarding his seat. Although curious about who he met and what stories were exchanged, Riley decided not to complicate things further since Givernan said he would find out.
In this way, Riley guarded her seat until the end of the party. Fortunately, nothing untoward happened until she left the party venue.
That’s how a challenging day came to an end.
The party ended without any incidents, but the aftermath of the party lingered.
“I’ll take you home today.”
Givernan came to pick her up from the early morning breeze.
It was inevitable because, as soon as dawn broke, the outside of the mansion was inundated with reporters.
It was expected, and to some extent, she was prepared for it, but seeing a dense crowd gathered outside the mansion, Riley was at a loss for words.
“It will calm down soon, and you’ll get used to it.”
Givernan seemed very familiar with this situation.
Was it possible to get used to a situation where a much larger crowd gathered in front of the house than the reporters gathered in front of the academy last time? Riley wondered.
“By the way, there are many reporters in front of the academy too. For a while, either I or Sak will help you with commuting.”
Fortunately, Horizon Academy had restricted access for outsiders.
“…How am I supposed to get through those many people?”
“I’ll use a portal. I got permission from the Magic Bureau to use a portal for a certain period. The portal is connected to the Horizon dorms.”
“Did you go through all this trouble because of me?”
“It can’t be helped.”
Riley sighed as she changed clothes and began to get ready for school.
Dealing with reporters was one thing, but facing Horizon Academy students made her a bit nervous.
Especially those from prestigious families, there was concern about whether they would maintain their hostile attitude as before or transform into a more friendly one. In reality, neither side seemed particularly welcoming.
Living with a barely noticeable presence, being practically invisible, was the best. However, since Givernan and her marriage were officially announced, this seemed impossible from the moment her identity was revealed.
“How’s your body?”
“…Still hurts.”
When Riley walked with a bit of a limp, he smiled satisfactorily.
“Couldn’t control yourself too much, huh?”
He seemed very proud. No, who would laugh as if it were amusing when someone was still in pain? Riley hurriedly changed her clothes, her face reddening at the memories of yesterday.
The gaze looking at her with affection was very unfamiliar and ticklish. His eyes were always affectionate, but today, the depth of emotion seemed even deeper and richer than usual.
“A tie pin… you put it on?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m glad you liked it.”
“It’s just a gift from someone.”
“…”
“You have to carry it with you for the rest of your life.”
Givernan genuinely liked the birthday present.
As he touched the tie pin shaped like the date on the tie, his lips rose as if they were about to tear apart. Seeing him pleased, Riley’s mood also improved.
After the preparations were complete, Givernan opened a portal and extended his hand.
“What are you planning to do after today?”
“Since the exam period is coming up, I thought about visiting the teacher… Why?”
Frowning slightly at Riley’s words, he said, “Come to me. I’ll take care of you.”
“Aren’t you busy?”
“I can help you with your studies.”
“…”
“I want to be with you.”
At Givernan’s words, Riley nodded.
“I’ll do that.”
The two entered the portal. As soon as they passed through the portal, the view of the Horizon dormitory unfolded. This was so convenient! It only took 5 seconds to move 30 minutes away!
When male lead is the homewrecker
“I know she doesn’t love him.”
I’ve read the novel below twice already. Girls, I’m highly recommending it to you!
The female lead? Not a good person.
The second male lead? Not a good person.
The male lead? Willingly plays the third party, breaking up the female and second male lead’s relationship despite all the warnings from his friends—so yeah, he’s definitely not a good person either.
Basically, nobody in this novel is simple-minded or without scheming.
The female lead starts off as the male lead’s secretary, but don’t worry—later on, she takes over the company while the male lead steps back to support her. He won’t steal her spotlight, overshadow her, or dull her shine.
I love novels where men are out here snatching wigs, tearing each other down, and going to war just to win the female lead’s affection. And this is exactly that kind of novel. Most of Hai Dai Ran’s works have this dynamic. You’ll see the male characters’ emotions being pushed to the absolute extreme.
There’s even a scene where the second male lead exposes the male lead online for being a homewrecker. The brotherhood immediately gangs up on him, dragging him through the mud. I find it compelling —it completely flips reality on its head, where usually, women are the ones fighting over a man and getting torn apart by the sisterhood.
For me, female leads in the novels I read should only struggle in their careers, not in love. But if the brainless romantics in the story are all men? I have zero complaints.
I’ve pretty much read all of Hai Dai Ran’s novels and even translated all of them—her works are just my thing. I’ll slowly upload everything here. One day, when my website is official, I hope I can invite her to join as one of the star authors.
Here’s the story synopsis:
One-line summary: She is his lifelong obsession, to the point where he was willing to be a third wheel, scorned by society, just to wedge his way into her relationship with her fiancé.
Cold-hearted and indifferent female lead + Scheming and subservient CEO male lead
Intro 1:
“I know she doesn’t love him.”
With blood trickling from his clenched fist, Rong Xiu gazed at the woman before him, his eyes clouded with anguish. Hidden in the wardrobe, he had witnessed Fan Xia – the woman he desperately loved – in an intimate embrace with her fiancé. Yet his heart still yearned for her, defying all reason.
Fan Xia, the elegant and composed assistant, carried something mysterious in her eyes whenever she looked at her fiancé, Wen Lan Sheng. Strange occurrences began to surface – secret meetings with the young Gu Jin Yi, an unexplained withdrawal of 5,000 yuan… Then suddenly, her fiancé’s sister, Wen Jing, violently attacked her.
In this matriarchal society, Rong Xiu had risen to become the chairman of a powerful healthcare conglomerate, breaking through gender prejudices. But for the first time, he willingly stepped into the shadows as the other man, disregarding his friends’ warnings to become her secret lover.
Because he had discovered the truth – Fan Xia wasn’t the pure angel everyone believed her to be. And perhaps, he was the only one capable of helping her execute her mysterious plan…
Intro 2:
Rong Xiu’s biggest regret in life was missing out on Fan Xia.
He secretly loved Fan Xia for 7 years.
Watched her go public with her boyfriend.
Watched her kiss her boyfriend at their wedding.
Until that man blissfully nestled in Fan Xia’s arms, obtaining everything he could only dream of.
The crazy jealousy stripped away his hidden secret love, layer by layer, burning like wildfire.
Fan Xia, how can I have you!
【Reading and Trigger Warning Guide】
1. Female dominant, male submissive, male pregnancy
2. Male lead schemes his way to the top, male competition
_____
Please help me, I want to bring you the best possible things.
If you find any chapter or novel with poor translation and editing quality, let me know by commenting directly under that novel or chapter. I will retranslate it as soon as possible.
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