Arriving at Xiotan's door, Lifie knocked gently, but there was no response. She tried again, firmer this time. Still, silence. With a quiet sigh, she slowly opened the door and stepped inside.
The room was dim, the curtains drawn. Xiotan lay on the bed, eyes shut, clearly pretending to be asleep. Lifie approached quietly and sat at the edge of the bed.
"Xiotan," she whispered, brushing her daughter's hair from her face. "Are you feeling better?" She placed a hand on Xiotan's forehead—no fever. Her skin was cool and normal. Lifie frowned. Strange...
"Xiotan," she repeated, more firmly this time, helping her daughter sit up. "Your temperature is normal. Are you alright now?"
Xiotan opened her eyes slowly, offering a small, tired smile. "Mm... yeah, Mom. It was just a slight headache this morning. I'm okay now. I took some medicine and just need to rest a little more."
Lifie nodded, though her eyes still scanned her daughter's face with concern. "That's good to hear. But it's odd, because Jinxin told me you had a high fever earlier. That's why I rushed up here."
"Oh... no, Mom. It wasn't that serious," Xiotan quickly replied. "I'm fine now. Really. You don't have to worry about me."
Lifie sighed in relief, her lips curving into a warm smile. "I'm so happy you're alright. I was really scared." Then her expression sobered as she added, "Xiotan... do you know your wedding is in three days?"
"Three days?" Xiotan exclaimed, eyes wide. "What the hell? Why are they rushing everything like this? I haven't even processed the fact that I'm getting married, and now you're telling me it's happening in three days? Mom, this isn't fair!"
"Xiotan, calm down, my dear," Lifie said softly, holding her daughter's hand. "I know this isn't the way you wanted things to go. Everything feels rushed and overwhelming, but we don't have a choice. It's been decided. All I want—what I need—is for you to be happy."
Xiotan looked away, her jaw clenched, heart aching.
Lifie continued, her voice steady but full of emotion. "Even though this marriage isn't happening the way you dreamed, I want you to stay strong. Marriage is a lifetime journey, and I want you to face it with courage. Think positively, my child. Don't let them turn you into a joke or an object of pity. Show them that even something forced can bloom into something powerful. Let your happiness shame your father—and anyone who thought you'd be broken by this."
Tears welled in Xiotan's eyes.
"I want to see you happy, Xiotan," Lifie whispered, squeezing her hand. "Before I leave this world, I want to see your smile. Promise me, you'll live a beautiful life. That no matter how dark things seem now, you'll keep your head up and smile."
"But Mom—"
"No buts," Lifie interrupted gently. "It's not about weakness, my dear. Even the strongest have moments when they can't fight back. Sometimes, we must endure. And in that endurance, we find our strength. Trust me—this marriage will surprise you. It will bring you joy, somehow. I believe that."
Xiotan sniffled, then nodded slowly. "Okay, Mom. I'll do what you say. I'll make it work. I'll make them regret underestimating me. I promise... I'll be happy, for you."
Lifie wrapped her in a tight embrace. "That's my girl."
Pulling back, she smiled and wiped away Xiotan's tears. "Now, it's time to prepare. You're going to be breathtaking. From today on, you're not leaving this room. Stay indoors and let me handle everything. I'll make sure your husband falls head over heels the moment he lays eyes on you."
Xiotan managed a small laugh through her tears. "Alright, Mom. Let's do this."
"Good," Lifie said with determination. "Let the transformation begin."