Who ever heard of a bride bringing up divorce the very same day their marriage certificate is still warm from the stamp? And yet he couldn’t bring himself to say a single harsh word to her. What is a man to do when he has finally got the wife he has longed for? Spoil her that is what.
Xu Yaoyao pressed her advantage. Write it down right now.
Tomorrow. I will do it tomorrow all right Jiang Chiye ground out through gritted teeth.
Fine then but do not go back on your word. She slipped free of the arms holding her stepped away and curled up in her own blanket. That is all. I am sleepy.
Jiang Chiye followed a moment later shirtless and Xu Yaoyao’s eyes went wide. She stared unabashed at the defined muscles of his eight pack and swallowed hard. I really hit the jackpot she thought. He really does have eight of them. He was not exaggerating.
She had been half lying now she sat bolt upright gaze roaming freely over him practically glowing. Jiang Chiye noticed and was pleased. He switched off the light lifted the duvet and settled in beside her. The bed barely five feet wide suddenly felt far too small.
Before long a soft slender hand drifted over his abs bolder by the second. His breathing deepened he caught that wandering hand in his. Stop it. Go to sleep. Any more of this and he could not answer for what he would do. He had meant to behave this was not the time and besides her father had already made his expectations perfectly clear.
Xu Yaoyao pouted. What is wrong with just touching? It is not like you will lose a piece of meat. So stingy.
Jiang Chiye laughed helpless. No but I might catch fire. Just lying next to her was enough to make his blood run hot. And here she was teasing him like she had no idea what she was doing testing every last bit of his self control. He had managed fine before he knew what it was like to be with her now that he has how is he supposed to hold back? Especially when it is her the girl he has wanted for so long.
She felt his skin growing warmer still and sheepishly pulled her hand back. Fine. I will not touch.
Too late.
He leaned over her then pinning one wrist above her head while his other hand found her curves his mouth traced the line of her collarbone slow and deliberate descending inch by inch. Her strength melted away beads of sweat gathered at her temples and trickled into her hair as she arched breath coming in soft ragged gasps.
Beautiful he murmured. Her cheeks were flushed her eyes bright and dewy her lips swollen and pink. She was soft warm yielding entirely in his arms like water cupped in his hands. He stopped just short of the last final step drew back and went into the bathroom instead.
The sound of running water went on and on. Xu Yaoyao cheeks burning pulled the covers up and drifted off to sleep.
When Jiang Chiye finally returned cool and damp it was late. He kept his distance until she restless in sleep kicked off the covers and clung to him like an octopus seeking his warmth. He sighed. That shower was a waste of time.
The next afternoon three o clock. State run Guesthouse.
Xu Yaoyao wore a pale green dress that matched Jiang Chiye’s military uniform perfectly. She had chosen something understated rather than red too much attention was the last thing they needed. Three full tables held their closest friends and family.
Jiang’s mother still looked troubled. She squeezed Xu Yaoyao’s hand. Yaoyao my dear you deserve better than this. Rules were tight everything had to be quiet no firecrackers no proper celebration. It broke her heart.
Mother I am not unhappy. Truly. This is more than enough. Xu Yaoyao did not care for fanfare if it were up to her they would have skipped it entirely.
Ma go see to your guests I have got her Jiang Chiye said gently but firmly.
She shot him a look. Where is your sister? I have not seen her since dawn. She feared the girl might do something foolish.
Lin she is a grown woman. She has gone looking for that Zhi Yuan boy again you know she has Jiang Chiye said.
His mother’s face fell. I do not know what has got into her. Marching straight into the fire that is what this is. Then she shook her head. Enough. Today is your wedding day no gloomy talk.
Xu Yaoyao thought she understood. Avoiding being sent down to the countryside was part of it but the real reason she suspected was to outshine her. They have never gotten along whatever Xu Yaoyao liked Jiang Chiyue always wanted to snatch away. Now she thinks she has won something and she wants everyone to see.
After the meal they handed out wedding candies to everyone present and to neighbours back at the family compound. Everyone smiled and offered endless blessings.
When they reached home Jiang Chiyue was on the floor shoulders shaking with sobs. Her mother rushed over. Child what is it? Did Chen Zhiyuan hurt you?
If you truly want to marry him I will not stop you but his family are not good people. Think carefully.
Jiang Chiyue lifted her face streaked with tears. No. I do not want to marry him. I want to go to the countryside instead. I am never getting married.
What? Only yesterday you were determined what changed your mind? Her mother frowned. And where were you today? Your brother’s wedding day of all days.
I went to register just like you she choked out. Outside their door I heard them. They said they would give me no dowry. None at all.
And I saw his brothers’ wives covered in bruises not a single unmarked spot on them. His mother called them hens that will not lay and money thrown away words so cruel I cannot bear to repeat them. She shivered. For all her rivalry with Xu Yaoyao all her wanting to come out ahead she could never live like that.
I told you her mother cried angry and upset. I told you Chen Zhiyuan was no good. You argued with me fought me for him. Has sense flown out of your head?
Ma I know I was wrong. Jiang Chiyue tugged at her sleeve contrite. When her mother said nothing she turned to her father. Pa say something.
He looked grave. You are a grown woman now. You must take responsibility for your choices. Tomorrow you leave for the countryside. He could have pulled strings to keep her home but she has been impulsive selfish. This is the only lesson that might stick. Better this than a marriage she will regret for a lifetime.
Old Mr. Jiang rapped his cane and sighed. We have spoiled her he thought. Fortunate it has come to nothing worse.