Chapter Forty-Five

Yingyue’s heart pounded wildly, thumping so hard it felt as if it would leap right out of her chest. Her small hands clung tightly to Arthur’s shirt, but she was careful not to let herself touch his skin. Even if she brushed against him by accident, she would pull away in an instant. His chest radiated a scorching heat, as if just touching him would burn her, and yet there was a warmth that drew her in, making it hard to resist.

Arthur was strange today—gentle in a way he never was. It hardly seemed like him at all. In her memory, their relationship had never been so calm. Whenever she faced him, she was filled with fear, loathing, and emotions she couldn’t name—a tangled yearning to draw close, yet an urge to flee.

Each time she neared him, her heart ached unbearably, and yet the pain was just as sharp when she tried to keep her distance.

Whenever he looked at her, he always wore that careless, mocking smile, as if nothing mattered. She was like a beloved toy to him—his alone, not to be touched by anyone else. But he could play with her however he pleased. If he was in a good mood, he would coax her with a few gentle words; if he wasn’t, he would cast her aside without a thought.

To him, she seemed no more than an object—something dispensable.

A stinging ache welled in her eyes. Was she really just a thing to him? Why did the thought that she meant nothing to him make her heart seize so painfully? Biting her cherry lips, she tightened her grip on his shirt, as if holding on would keep her safe in his arms and keep him from abandoning her.

Arthur’s smile faded from his eyes, his brows knitting together as he looked down at the girl in his embrace.

Her small face was buried in the folds of his shirt, her slender fingers clutching the fabric so hard her knuckles had turned white. Against his chest, he could feel a faint, cool dampness spreading—tears.

Was she crying?

Was it because of him? Because it was he who had found her—he, the one she despised and loathed—instead of Yuwen Xi, the one she admired so deeply? Was she hiding her face against his chest, weeping in silent misery, unable even to look at him without feeling sick, so she would rather sob breathlessly into his shirt than meet his eyes?

Did she hate him so much that even a single glance was too much?

A cold, bitter laugh slipped from his rose-colored lips. His eyes were icy, with a sorrow buried deep within.

But I’m not ready to let you go. So even if you have to force yourself, you’ll stay with me, no matter how much it hurts. If we are fated to be unhappy, would it not be lonelier if I was the only one suffering? So, you’ll stay by my side!

Even in hell, no one should be alone.

A world of just one person, even hatred is lonesome. So I will keep holding your hand, never letting go.

His golden hair, even under the brilliant glow of the crystal chandelier, appeared dull and lifeless.

Arthur carried Yingyue into a bedroom and, without a trace of gentleness, tossed her onto the white bed. Standing over her, he looked down with an icy gaze she knew all too well, a wicked smile playing on his lips.

“This is your room. If you need anything, you may ask the housekeeper. If it’s reasonable, I’ll allow it.” He paused. “But don’t wander without my permission, especially not to the attic. That is absolutely forbidden. Otherwise—” The threat in his cold voice, delivered from those rose-colored lips, sent a chill through the air.

“Are you… imprisoning me?”

——Author’s Note——

Please look forward to my new novel, “Master of the House, The Lady Pays a Visit.” It’s a story filled with love and pampering—truly indulgent, with all sorts of heartwarming moments. Don’t be envious! There are also plenty of amusing scenes. In short, it’s a novel designed to help you relax and unwind in your spare time.