25th February, Country X;

The winter zephyr next morning brought but a wave of excitement to the entirety of Country X. None, as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as the media, still. It was, after all, the day of the nation's most awaited wedding. Encircling the palace, the journalists stood, hunting for so much as a shadow of the bride and the groom. Their families, too.

While some reporters actively elaborated the romantic tale of Duke Raphael and Princess Pearl's English Palace to the public, other channels focussed primarily on the oh-so-prominent guests that'd been invited. From the Prime Minister and the President of the nation to the top Five global industrialists, the range to them all was nothing ordinary, to put it in words. There were quite some old faces as well. Rong Xinghe's co-performers from 'Voice of the World', for instance. Majority of the Youth team, along with Four world-renowned Nobel Peace Laureates.

"Business King and Military Queen: most adored couple across the world now!", one of the various headlines read that day.

"A marvelously refreshing royal wedding."

"Let's get Xinguan-ed, dear ones!", another went.

"Military Chief to walk down the aisle with her eldest brother, Lu Wei, today."

"Xi Corps's Vice-President Xi Fang: all you need to know of the handsome groom's best man."

Meanwhile, inside the regal castle, unbothered by the commotion outside, Rong Xinghe walked out of the shower, a team of makeup artists, and hairstylists waiting for her. "What the mother of--", the girl gasped, clutching onto her Gray bathrobe subconsciously, "I can put on makeup myself, please.", she smiled nervously.

"You are the Bride today.", Ningtao walked in, clothed in an elegantly appealing starry Blue gown, "Just sit down on that chair and relax, okay?"

"But..."

"Come, come.", Feng Mian grinned excitedly, "We'll begin with the hair first, and then the makeup. Only then can you get into the wedding gown."

"Wow.", Rong Xinghe laughed shortly, sitting over the chair in front of the fancy huge mirror, "It seems so complicated. How long will it take?"

"Ideally, it takes only an hour and a half.", Ruo Cy said, "But in your case, it might stretch up to 3-4 hours. Your accessories, and makeup, and even the gown; everything is too delicate to try on hastily."

"Goodness.", the girl blinked, shocked. It was bizarre, she thought. She could cross-dress faster than that. "Uh... How's Yuan doing?", she asked, clearing her throat, as the hairstylist walked up to her from behind.

"He's with your brothers. Chatting.", Songyan replied, cradling the sleeping Zhi Taio in her arms.

"Chatting?", the woman raised her brows, indignant.

"Well... Men have to do, what exactly, put on a suit? He will start half an hour before the wedding.", Ching Tong scoffed, "Lucky brats!"

"And where is my twin?", the girl laughed.

"In the next room. With her own stylists.", Ningtao smiled, "Maid-of-honor rights, she said."

::::::::::::::::::::::

The Royal Suite, 19:00;

"Could you repeat the events' order please?", Xi Fang said to the wedding organizer behind him, as he stared at the speech cards in his hands.

"Wedding, first, Sir.", the middle-aged man, Luke Hamilton, nodded, "One hour from now. It should last until nine, I believe. With the couple's vows and everything. And then, there will be the reception, at ten. It could stretch on until dawn, so I was instructed by the Third Young Master Wei."

"What's going on, Fang?", Xi Yuan glanced at his brother, "Why so worked up?"

"Security concerns.", the man smiled tiredly, "Nothing serious, though."

At this time, Mo Zixuan walked into the huge room, toward Xi Yuan, leisurely, "Need help with the tie?", he asked, outstretching his right hand. With a faint nod, the man passed on the clothing article to the girl's brother. "How is she?", he asked.

"Sleeping.", Zhi Bo answered instead, stepping in into the place a moment later, a laugh escaping his mouth, "They're finishing her makeup, so not much movement is required. Classic Xinghe."

"Charming.", Xi Yuan laughed back.

______________

Rong Family Mansion, 19:30;

As soon as he reached home, Rong Yufan found everyone gathered inside the living room, in front of the OLED TV set. Grabbing a seat for himself, the man looked at the screen, finding across it what he'd already expected. The talk-of-the-town wedding.

"Remarkable venue, don't you think?", he winked at his mother, who he could tell had been gritting her teeth out of anger. The old couple was no different, neither was his father. Understandably, so. Detestation against Rong Xinghe was something they all shared.

"How could the Xi family let in an abandoned baggage like her?!", Gu Hong hissed, eyeing her son helplessly, "This is ridiculous."

"Who is to guarantee her well-being in the Xi family?", Rong Yufan smiled lightly, pulling his phone out from his suit pocket.

"What do you mean? I thought this was a love marriage.", the man's father, Rong Chang furrowed his brows, muddled.

"You will know. Soon.", with that being said, the man strode out, pressing the phone to his ear.

He was very little when he'd been told that Rong Xinghe was a threat to him. To his existence. But he'd never believed any of that. Because every time he would look at her, there'd be hope in her eyes. And compassion, and vibrance. She'd always look up to him. An obedient child, who had never expressed her rage, no matter what the Rong family elders did to her. How could someone like that possibly harm him, he'd wonder.

But as time passed by, and he saw her thrive at everything she did, he could feel something slip from him. Power. Control. Strength. In those high-class parties, no matter how dully she'd be dressed, guests would listen to her, attentively, delightedly. She had opinions and thoughts about everything, even as a five-year-old. And people loved to watch her talk.

He had never loathed her for what his parents feared. His hatred stemmed from a whole different trepidation, instead. No one in this world could understand the dread of living under the shadow of their younger sibling better than him. Rong Xinghe had always been like the Sun, whose brightness could be concealed, of course, but never forgotten. He could not make peace with a life like that. A life, filled with such humiliation, and worthlessness.

Hence, it had to end. She had to end. He couldn't kill her now, for that'd only make her a martyr. She was the Military Chief, after all. He didn't intend to, anyway. Wouldn't it be more hilarious, he thought, for him to break her from within? Again, and again, and again. Until she'd give up on herself, eventually.