Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2675 - 2611: The Second Young Lady with a Complicated Background

Despite their future engagement, Lu Shuangshuang perceived Sixth Young Master Jiang's reluctance. She orchestrated a plan, feigning her own illness to induce a severe cold and cough in him. Under the guise of his delirium, she expedited the betrothal ceremony, concluding it swiftly.

By the time Sixth Young Master Jiang could protest, it was far too late. The Jiang and Lu Families, having gathered numerous guests for the arranged union, left him with no opportunity to object publicly.

Thus, the marriage was irrevocably set. Yet, the bond between Sixth Young Master Jiang and Lu Shuangshuang seemed to weaken with each passing day.

"Later, the eldest lady discovered that Second Miss had accompanied him to the island that very day. She began to suspect that Sixth Young Master had encountered Second Miss and become utterly smitten with her," Fei Cui elaborated.

Chiang Xiao blinked, taken aback. "Second Miss? The Lu Family has a Second Miss?"

The cascade of revelations from Fei Cui left Chiang Xiao feeling faint. She had believed that in this generation, Lu Shuangshuang was the sole daughter of the Lu Family, hence Old Master Lu's doting affection.

"Second Miss Lu is not widely known. She is the daughter from an illicit affair of the eldest lady's father. The mother and daughter lived in seclusion until the mother's deathbed brought Second Miss to the Lu Family, seeking refuge. At that time, Second Miss was merely fourteen," Fei Cui explained.

Chiang Xiao listened, her mind reeling. "Old Master Lu agreed to take her in, recognizing her as family. However, having grown up away from refinement, he perceived Second Miss as somewhat petty and timid. To avoid public scrutiny and potential ridicule, he entrusted her upbringing to the eldest lady, instructing her to teach the girl proper etiquette. Outsiders were led to believe she was the eldest lady's distant cousin."

"But the eldest lady, aware of Second Miss's true origins, harbored a strong dislike for her and frequently banished her. During one difficult period, Second Miss seemed lost, constantly seeking the eldest lady's presence."

Chiang Xiao leaned closer, captivated by Fei Cui's unfolding narrative. Her heart churned with a mix of emotions.

Could this obscure Second Miss Lu truly be the daughter her father had once cherished?

"However, Second Miss only remained with the Lu Family for six months."

"Why? Did she pass away?" Chiang Xiao inquired, her voice tinged with worry.

"No, later, when the master returned from a business trip, he insisted that Second Miss was the illegitimate child of the woman and her former lover, foisted upon him. It's said Old Master Lu took Second Miss for a paternity test. The exact method is unclear, but he returned alone, confirming Second Miss was not of Lu blood. Consequently, she was expelled."

A sharp pang struck Chiang Xiao's heart. She pictured the fourteen-year-old girl: fatherless, her mother gone, arriving at the Lu Family hoping for a home and belonging. She faced her elder sister's loathing, lived in constant fear, only to have her hopes dashed by a paternity test, deemed not of their blood, and cast out.

After enduring such hardships, was she still managing to live a fulfilling life?

Contemplating this, a disquieting unease spread through Chiang Xiao.

Fei Cui shook her head. "After Second Miss's departure, the eldest lady sought out Sixth Young Master Jiang. For the first time, he expressed his desire to annul the engagement. He confessed to the eldest lady that he held no affection for her, stating that a lifelong union required at least mutual fondness. The eldest lady was devastated, lamenting that Sixth Young Master didn't even care for her. Later, within Second Miss's former room, she discovered a letter penned by Sixth Young Master, confirming he had indeed met Second Miss and fallen in love with her. From that moment onward, the eldest lady harbored an intense hatred for Second Miss."