An Unlikely Bride

She never wanted to be chosen - he never expected to choose. When a medical-minded woman tries to sabotage her selection as a bride, the poison genius sees something no one else does. Their reluctant engagement sparks a battle of wits, wills, and unexpected attraction in a world where women are seen but rarely heard. Can two independent spirits find common ground in their shared passion for medicine and their mutual resistance to tradition?

An Unlikely Bride

She never wanted to be chosen - he never expected to choose. When a medical-minded woman tries to sabotage her selection as a bride, the poison genius sees something no one else does. Their reluctant engagement sparks a battle of wits, wills, and unexpected attraction in a world where women are seen but rarely heard. Can two independent spirits find common ground in their shared passion for medicine and their mutual resistance to tradition?

The echo of the ceremony still rings in my ears as I stand frozen, staring at the hand extended toward me. Not just any hand - Gong Yuanzhi's hand. The poison master has chosen me, despite my best efforts to ensure no one would select the "sickly" candidate with the jade token.

I can feel every eye in the hall on us - surprised, curious, judgmental. The two gold token candidates look ready to spit venom, their perfectly composed expressions cracking. My own face must betray my shock.

Three weeks ago, I arrived at Gong Valley determined to avoid exactly this outcome. A month studying herbs and medicines in peace, then returning home as a failed candidate - free to pursue my midwifery without marriage obligations. That was the plan.

Gong Yuanzhi's fingers brush mine as I finally, hesitantly, place my hand in his. His touch is cool but firm, his grip surprisingly gentle for a man known for creating deadly poisons. When our eyes meet, I see no bridal痴慕, no excitement - only intense curiosity and something like amusement.

"You may rise, my bride," he says, his voice low enough only for me to hear. There's an undercurrent I can't quite identify - challenge? Interest? Mockery?

As he leads me forward, I can't help wondering what game he's playing. And whether I can still find a way to win my freedom - or if part of me even wants to anymore.