On a chilling winter night, the suburban villa of City B was as warm as summer.

"I never realized you have such a strong sense of pride. Even in this state, you refuse to make a sound..."

The man behind her coldly taunted while not reducing his strength, with each harsh movement between her legs. Du Ruo bit her lip, deliberately stifling any shameful groans.

She could only hope for an end to this torment quickly.

But the man seemed to have seen through her desires - the more she wished for it to end, the more he indulged himself, particularly focusing on her sensitive areas, applying slow and calculated moves, going in deep and shallow alternatively.

With minutes and seconds passing, Du Ruo had bitten her lower lip hard enough to draw blood. Her whole body was sweaty as if she had just been pulled out of a pool.

It was her sweat, and his as well.

It even made her feel like she might die on the bed tonight.

But just at the moment when she felt closest to death, with a final fierce thrust, it was over.

She let out a muffled whimper, collapsing onto the bed drained, eyes shut tightly, not willing to even move a finger.

Fu Yichen stared at the marks he'd left on her bared body, his long, narrow eyes slightly narrowing, much like a haughty leopard presumably admiring its prey.

"Du Ruo, your performance has dropped drastically from three years ago. At least then you would make some noises to please me..."

He raised his eyebrow, reaching out to pinch her chin, forcing her to look directly into his eyes, "Are you mute now? Hmm?"

Pain shot through Du Ruo as he pinched her chin. Struggling to open her eyes, she looked into his icy gaze. With a hoarse voice, she pleaded, "Your parents are still in the next room."

"Heh..." The man let out a derisive laugh, contempt evident in his gaze, "Du Family's shameless second miss, are you afraid of this?"

She bit her lip, remaining silent.

Fu Yichen suddenly found the situation boring. Since her unexpected return, her temperament seemed to have drastically changed.

No matter how cruel he was, she would tolerate; even if he hurt her, she would bear it quietly, without fuss, dispute, or resentment.

He flung her away and sternly said, "Du Ruo, remember how you pleaded me in the past. Whether the Du Family can remain safe and sound depends on my satisfaction with you."

She stared blankly as he got up from the bed. Knowing that he always kept his word, her heart ached involuntarily.

The sound of running water could be heard and she lay weakly on the bed, looking at the 'double happiness' character pasted at the head of the bed, feeling the utmost irony.

Years ago, she painstakingly schemed to share his bed and then disappeared silently. Now, however harsh he was to her, it wouldn't be unwarranted.

She just didn't expect that Fu Yichen would marry her.

Thinking that her Du family relied on the Fu family's aid, she closed her eyes again, her hand at her side clenching quietly.

The sound of running water eventually stopped, footsteps sounded, the mattress at her side sunk down, and that hand once ignited passion on her body, fell on her waist, its warmth searing her heart.

Du Ruo couldn't help but shudder.

But the man didn't make any further movements for a long time. After a while, she opened her eyes, only to meet his peach blossom-like eyes full of faint amusement; a light chuckle sounded in her ear, "Are you so afraid of me? I remember you being very brave. Three years ago, when you ran away, you should have known that some debts have to be paid. Who are you trying to fool with this act now?"

She wanted to say something, but in the end, she swallowed it back. Taking a deep breath, she softened her voice, "I'm not afraid of you. I just need to get up early tomorrow to make tea for Grandfather, aren't you tired?"

"Tired?" He brushed aside her hair from her forehead and lowered his gaze to study her facial features. This face was as delicate and charming as ever, appearing so innocent and fragile, yet capable of launching the deadliest strike when you least expect.

He raised an eyebrow, ice in his voice, "Tormenting you, I'll never tire."

...