#windery

I-

Tangled Hearts

A Novel by Xiao

Synopsis:

Winter’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is thrust into an arranged marriage with Hendery, a cold and mysterious businessman. The arrangement is simple: live together, keep up appearances, and fulfill their respective duties. But when their marriage of convenience begins to feel all too real, they’re faced with an undeniable pull neither of them expected. Will their hearts stay in check, or will they fall in love despite the rules?

Chapter One: The Proposal

Winter sat in the plush chair of her father’s study, the weight of the conversation sinking deeper into her bones.

“You’re marrying him,” her father declared, his voice firm as he looked at her from across the desk.

“Excuse me?” Winter’s voice was a whisper, a mix of disbelief and confusion.

Her father’s face remained stoic, his hands folded neatly in front of him. “It’s already been arranged. It’s for the good of the family, Winter. Hendery Huang is the heir to the Huang Corporation. This is your responsibility now.”

Winter blinked, trying to process the shock. Hendery Huang? The infamous businessman with a reputation for ruthlessness? The same man who had been in the news for his icy demeanor and cutthroat business tactics?

She shook her head. “But I don’t even know him.”

Her father’s gaze softened for a moment, though his words were unchanged. “It’s a marriage of convenience, Winter. There’s no need for emotions. Just make sure the agreement is upheld. You’ll have everything you need.”

Winter opened her mouth to protest, but the words didn’t come. What could she say? Her family’s future was tied to this arrangement, and she was nothing more than a pawn in the game.

The door to the study opened then, and in walked a man she only recognized from the headlines—Hendery Huang.

Tall, with dark hair styled impeccably, he held himself with an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. He was everything Winter had imagined—a man who never needed to prove himself because the world already bowed before him.

His eyes met hers, and for a moment, Winter’s breath hitched in her throat. There was something cold in his gaze, something that made her stomach twist.

“Winter,” he said, his voice smooth but distant. “I assume you’ve been informed of the arrangement.”

She nodded stiffly, unsure of what to say.

“Good,” he replied curtly. “We’ll have a meeting with the lawyers in two days. I expect you to keep up your end of the agreement.”

And with that, he was gone, leaving Winter in a haze of confusion and uncertainty.

Chapter Two: Living Together

The wedding was quick—quiet, even. There were no extravagant celebrations, no loving vows. Just a simple ceremony, the exchange of rings, and a promise that neither of them expected to keep.

Winter moved into Hendery’s sprawling mansion, a cold, imposing place that felt more like a prison than a home.

He was always busy with work, always unreachable, always in a world she couldn’t touch.

They shared meals only when necessary, exchanged pleasantries, and went about their separate lives—each pretending that they were okay with the arrangement.

But as the days passed, the lines began to blur.

Winter found herself becoming more attuned to his presence—his calm, collected demeanor, the way his jaw tightened when he was deep in thought, the slight flicker of something unspoken in his gaze when their paths crossed.

And Hendery? He started to notice Winter in ways he hadn’t expected.

Her quiet strength. Her intelligence. The way she carried herself with dignity, even in the face of a life she didn’t want.

One night, after a long day of work, Hendery found himself standing in the kitchen, his eyes lingering on her as she prepared dinner. The soft hum of her favorite playlist filled the space, and for the first time since the wedding, he felt an unfamiliar tug in his chest.

He didn’t expect to want her. He didn’t want to care.

But it was there.

The attraction. The pull.

Chapter Three: The First Touch

It was late—past midnight—and Winter was in the living room, curled up on the sofa with a book in hand. The house was silent, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning.

She didn’t expect Hendery to return so soon.

But he did.

The door to the living room opened, and he stepped inside, his gaze immediately landing on her. He looked… different. Less cold. More… human?

“I didn’t expect you to be up,” he said, his voice softer than usual.

Winter looked up, her heart pounding in her chest. She swallowed. “I couldn’t sleep.”

He nodded, walking toward the bar. “I’m getting a drink. Want one?”

Winter shook her head, though her fingers gripped the edge of the book tighter than before.

Hendery sat across from her, his gaze never leaving her face. There was something in his eyes, something that made her skin flush.

Before she could look away, he spoke again, this time his voice low, almost hesitant. “Winter… can I ask you something?”

She met his gaze, her breath catching. “What?”

His eyes darkened, and for a brief moment, the room seemed to close in around them. “Why haven’t you asked me to leave?”

She froze.

The question hung in the air, sharp and raw.

“You could,” he continued. “You don’t have to do this.”

Winter’s heart hammered in her chest. She wasn’t sure if it was from the tension, the proximity, or the growing realization that maybe, just maybe, she didn’t want him to leave.

She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. The truth was, she didn’t know why. All she knew was that something in her had shifted—something she couldn’t control.

And before she could stop herself, her hand reached out, brushing against his.

Hendery’s breath hitched, and for a moment, neither of them moved.