Addicted after marriage - Chapter 18:
They sat across from each other, quietly eating their meal,
not a single word passing between them.
Late at night, after a long and exhausting day, she finally collapsed onto the bed.
The next morning, she slept until ten, dragging her almost broken body out of bed.
Her face had lost much of the swelling, but the pain in her hands remained,
sharp and irritating, even brushing her teeth hurt.
She changed into casual clothes and stepped out.
Yu Zhan was still on the sofa in the living room,
a pillow resting on his legs with a laptop on top.
His frameless glasses reflected the glow of the screen as he managed his work.
Next to him, a neatly folded blanket caught her attention.
Had he slept here last night?
Morning.
Morning.
He finally lifted his eyes to look at her properly, only to quickly lower them again.
Go downstairs for breakfast, then we will do the check-up,
and afterward, get the marriage certificate, he said, eyes still on his work.
Okay, she tugged at her sleeve and walked down.
This was happening too fast. Was he really talking about marrying her?
Weren’t they supposed to be dating first?
Her mind buzzed, unsure if it was too late for regrets.
Good morning, Miss Luo, the maid greeted her.
Morning, she replied.
Breakfast was yam and lean pork porridge, surprisingly appetizing.
After finishing, she wandered around the first floor, finally noticing the style of his villa.
The front yard was a small retro garden with flowers and plants,
while the backyard resembled a countryside retreat.
Stone paths wound through it, a square pavilion stood at its center,
and a man-made pond hugged half of the perimeter wall, giving the space a unique charm.
She observed quietly, her thoughts swirling.
Climbing 16 flights of stairs, my legs feel like they are going to break,
a message from Shen Yan popped up early in the morning.
Did you offend the elevator, making it refuse you entry, she teased in reply.
He remembered his hurried arrival last night, gasping for breath,
and explained that he did intend to use the elevator but,
after her call, the elevator was crowded, and to prevent her from any accident,
he ran up the stairs instead.
Sixteen floors.
She blinked, stunned, as Yu Zhan appeared by her side.
Let’s go.
Okay, she murmured.
Today, Li, the butler who had returned from his hometown,
drove them. She had only seen him a few times at work.
Shen Yan sat in the passenger seat, busy with paperwork.
This time, the car had a divider, which rose as soon as they entered, separating them clearly.
She felt a little awkward, both of them sitting stiffly in the back with a barrier between them.
If it doesn’t take… she started hesitantly.
Then we’ll try next time, no need to stress, he said calmly.
Next time… her face burned red.
Did you bring the household register? he asked.
Yes, she replied.
Any requests of me? He tilted his head to look at her.
I am still… not used to this, she admitted, quickly looking away.
That’s okay, take your time.
At the hospital, they went to the nurse’s station to collect the
pre-prepared forms and walked straight to
the ultrasound room, no waiting required.
She followed him like a puppet, doing nothing at all.
She lay on the examination bed, Yu Zhan standing beside her the entire time.
Do you want to leave? she asked shyly.
No need, it will be quick, the doctor smiled. Take off your pants.
Her face burned crimson as she clutched her clothes. Yu Zhan, maybe you should go out…
Alright, he agreed.
It was embarrassing beyond words. Within two minutes, she emerged.
Yu Zhan led her to his aunt’s office.
Aunt, he said as he pulled her to a seat.
She sat obediently. Hello, Aunt.
Ah, she smiled warmly, glancing at the computer while talking.
A few days ago was Grandpa’s birthday. I heard you came but didn’t see you upstairs.
What a shame. I didn’t expect to meet you here.
She forced a smile, wondering if the whole family knew about their so-called quarrel.
Not pregnant, Shu’er. You probably haven’t been eating properly,
Aunt said, frowning. Skipping meals again?
Her heart leapt with relief. Thank goodness she wasn’t pregnant.
Recent irregular eating was true; Qin Heng’s matters had often left her without appetite.
Yu Zhan, that’s your fault! Last time she got a stomach ache from hunger,
now you starve her again, she muttered to him.
Every stomach is different, Aunt continued.
Skipping meals triggers reactions, dry heaves are normal.
Remember to eat properly and avoid junk food.
I will pay attention next time, he said, placing his hands on her shoulders and patting gently.
Since you’re here for a gynecological check, I’ll give some advice.
Take folic acid for one or two months before considering pregnancy.
You are only twenty-two. No need to rush, Aunt said.
Finally, leaving the office, she felt a sense of relief.
Haven’t been eating well recently? he asked, holding her hand.
Some personal matters have left me without appetite, she admitted.
She tried to pull away, but he held tighter.
Hmm, he said, saying no more.
After hesitating, she decided to tell him about her ex-boyfriend.
At the hospital gate, she stopped.
Yu Zhan, Qin Heng is my ex. Yesterday in the hospital, the person we saw was…
He looked at her like a child who had done something wrong,
gently touching her head to stop her.
It’s in the past. Don’t think about him. Your past doesn’t matter to me.
But your future belongs to me, that is what matters.
She looked at him and for a moment thought he was incredibly handsome.
Stop worrying, little one, let’s eat. He smiled and led her to the street.
He smiled at her. Yu Zhan actually smiled. Her heart lifted, tension easing.
He brought her to a restaurant.
They sat by the window where they had eaten last time.
Who was the person you ate with last time, she asked nervously.
My ex-girlfriend, he said.
Ah, she gasped.
She just returned from abroad. I invited her to dinner,
but rest assured, there is no possibility between us.
Then, that day, do you remember how you got home?
I wasn’t drunk, he said, his tone still icy.
She drank water awkwardly, unable to meet his eyes.
So he did it deliberately, knowing she hit him and probably heard her scolding.
Yu Zhan, she began.
Yes, you speak.
In the company, can we keep this private? I’m afraid it might affect your work,
she stumbled, realizing she might be overthinking.
She wasn’t worried about his work, but her own.
If colleagues knew she married her boss, how would she survive in the department?
He was silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement, though unwillingly.
Do you have any requests of me, she asked, changing the topic.
Just don’t break the law, he said, a surprisingly simple answer.
The steak arrived. He cut her portion and handed it to her first, then served his own.
She ate while watching him closely.
Marriage didn’t seem so unbearable after all.
During the meal, she explained her family situation.
As expected, he didn’t care. To him, as long as it was her, nothing else mattered.
Her fondness for him grew a little more.