match made in heaven {edited}

"Vesna has been living foreign for years and recently came back. I hope you won't mind if she upsets you, Madam Luo," Silvia smiled sweetly, passing the teacup to her. 

Old Madam Luo accepted the teacup from Silvia with a gracious nod, her eyes never leaving Vesna. The elderly matriarch had arrived at the Xiao residence to formally dissolve the long-standing marriage agreement between their families. However, the unexpected presence of this young woman had thrown a wrench into her plans.

What truly caught Old Madam Luo's attention was her grandson's reaction to Vesna's arrival. Ziyan had visibly perked up at the mention of Vesna's name. It was a subtle change, but to a grandmother who had spent years observing her beloved grandson, it spoke volumes. There was a history here, she was certain of it.

She couldn't help but study the girl who sat across from her. On the surface, Vesna appeared the picture of demure grace. She sat with her hands folded neatly in her lap, her posture slightly hunched as if trying to make herself smaller. A gentle, innocent smile graced her lips as she listened to Silvia's effusive praise.

Yet, beneath that carefully crafted exterior was a glimmer of amusement. It flickered briefly every time Silvia made a particularly outlandish claim about Vesna's background or talents. It was the look of someone enjoying a private joke, fully aware of the absurdity of the situation but choosing to play along.

Silvia's praises continued to flow like honey, each word more saccharine than the last. Vesna maintained her polite smile, though the amusement in her eyes deepened. She could tell that Old Madam Luo wasn't easily fooled.

Suddenly, the old matriarch of Xiao, who had remained silent throughout the entire exchange, spoke. "Perhaps we should allow the young ones some time to speak privately. After all, it is their future we are discussing."

Camilia's gaze locked onto Vesna. Her eyes narrowed, lips thinning into a tight line as if silently warning her not to mess this up. 

Old Madam Luo took a moment before nodding in agreement. "Yes, that sounds like a good idea."

Silvia turned to Vesna with a saccharine smile. "Vesna, dear, why don't you take Ziyan to the backyard? The maids will serve you tea there. It's a lovely spot for a chat."

Vesna's face took on a hesitant expression, her brows furrowing slightly as if in confusion. After a brief pause, she meekly asked, "Which way is the garden?"

The room fell silent. Everyone turned to look at Vesna in disbelief. Old Madam Luo's eyebrows rose questioningly, while the Xiao family members shot barely concealed glares at her. Louis, in particular, looked as if he wanted to say something scathing but held his tongue in the presence of their guests.

Silvia, however, caught the slight curve of Vesna's lips and immediately understood that she was deliberately toying with them.

Quickly composing herself, Silvia let out a nervous laugh and addressed Old Madam Luo. "Oh, please forgive Vesna's confusion. As I mentioned, she's only recently returned to the country. She hasn't had the chance to explore much of the estate yet."

Old Madam Luo's expression remained neutral, but there was a glint of curiosity in her eyes as she observed the interaction.

Silvia continued, quickly called out to Sun Lilli who was standing nearby. "Sun Lilli, please lead Vesna and Mr. Luo to the garden."

Sun Lilli stepped forward, her face a mask of polite indifference. "This way, please."

However, instead of following the maid, she walked directly to Ziyan.

 She held out her hand to him. "Let's go."

The room fell silent, all eyes on the pair. Ziyan, without hesitation, placed his hand on Vesna's arm. The movement was smooth and natural, as if they had done this a hundred times before. There was no awkwardness, no fumbling - just two people in perfect sync.

Old Madam Luo's eyes followed the pair and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly in a small, approving smile. 

"That brat! If he liked someone, why did he make me stress so much?" she thought to herself.

Outside, Vesna and Ziyan followed Sun Lilli in silence. Finally, they reached a beautiful pergola. Wisteria vines climbed its wooden beams, their purple blossoms creating a natural, fragrant canopy. A wrought iron table and chairs sat beneath.

Vesna guided Ziyan to one of the chairs. 

Although Ziyan did not need any help, Vesna was not aware of it. Besides, he kind of liked how she took care of him. 

Once Ziyan was settled, Vesna turned her attention to Sun Lilli, who stood a short distance away, watching them intently.

Vesna's eyes narrowed slightly as she regarded the maid. It was clear that Sun Lilli had no intention of leaving them alone.

"Thank you, Sun Lilli," Vesna said. "You can leave us now."

Sun Lilli's eyes flashed with annoyance, and she shot Vesna a glare. "I'm here in case you need anything," she said, her tone barely concealing her irritation.

Vesna smiled sweetly, but there was steel behind her eyes. "That's very thoughtful of you, but I'm sure we can manage. If we need anything, we'll be sure to call for you."

Sun Lilli hesitated, clearly torn between her orders to stay and watch, and the direct dismissal from Vesna. After a moment, she grudgingly nodded and began to retreat, though she didn't go far – just out of earshot, but still within sight of the pergola.

Vesna shook her head slightly before she turned to face Ziyan. He sat relaxed in his chair, his head resting on the back of his palm. 

After a moment of comfortable silence, Ziyan spoke. "So... you are a Xiao?" His tone made it sound more like a statement than a question.

"Apparently," Vesna replied, moving to sit opposite him. She settled into the chair, smoothing her dress as she did so. There was a brief pause before she continued, her voice taking on a slightly teasing tone, "Why? Does marrying the illegitimate daughter turn you off?"

Ziyan chuckled, the sound low and pleasant. "Are you really serious about marrying me?"

"Why not?" Vesna leaned back in her chair, "You're rich and handsome. Quite the catch, I'd say."

"I'm also blind," Ziyan pointed out, his tone matter-of-fact

"Not everyone can be perfect." Vesna waved her hand in dismissal. 

Ziyan leaned forward slightly, a hint of challenge in his voice. "And why should I marry you?"

Through his dark glasses, he was observing Vesna intently, trying to gauge her reactions despite his impaired vision.

"Because I'm beautiful," Vesna's lips curved into a confident smile. "Way more beautiful than the one you were initially supposed to marry."

'Apparently narcissist as well,' Ziyan thought to himself.

Aloud, he pointed out, "But I can't see you."

Vesna's grin widened. "But the world can," she countered, her voice filled with amusement. "Just imagine the look on their faces when they see us together. A match made in heaven."

Ziyan couldn't suppress a chuckle at her audacity. "A blind man and the unwanted daughter," he mused, his tone a mix of sarcasm and genuine amusement. "Yup, truly a match made in heaven."