Chapter 4 Remember to Bring Protection

I had been with Alan for over ten years, and now he wanted to kill me for another woman, even targeting my family, who had always been good to him. I snapped my eyes open, my sweaty palm instinctively touching my neck, which felt as if it had been strangled. Seeing the familiar bedroom, I remembered that I had been reborn. The last thing I remembered was the dim lights, the pulsing music, and me getting ready for a wild night with a handsome man. Did I bring that man home? I scanned the bedroom, looking for him, but instead, I saw Alan opening my bedroom door. I was surprised. Since we got married, in both lives, Alan had never entered my room. This was a first. Rubbing my aching head, I asked unkindly, "Did you kick him out?" It seemed like the only answer. This villa was our wedding home. Even though Alan and I had no feelings for each other, bringing a man home publicly would make him lose face as my husband. If people found out, he’d be the laughingstock. I didn't care about his sour expression or whether my actions would make Alan a joke. In the past life, it was me who faced humiliation and ridicule in the circle. Besides, soon enough, Alan would find his true love. Then, he could embrace his love while I enjoyed my men. We'd both be happy. Alan's face darkened. "Him? You mean your fling?" I sneered, "He's not just a fling. He's someone I like. If we're being precise, you're the real fling." I hadn't forgotten Alan's harsh words from my past life: "We're just a business deal. Linda isn't the mistress. Technically, you’re the one trying to break us up." I could feel the oppressive atmosphere emanating from Alan. "Don't forget, we are legally married!" he said. I threw off the covers and got out of bed, my tone indifferent, "And don't you forget, Alan, you said this was just a business arrangement. So, stay out of my business." "And by the way, if you can have fun with those celebrities, why should I remain celibate for you?" "Alan, don't have double standards." Alan gritted his teeth and pinned me against the wall. His hand slid from my waist upwards, squeezing my chest hard, making me gasp in pain. I bit back a cold laugh, "Are you suddenly interested in me, wanting a go? Sorry, you’ll have to wait in line. And I don’t just take any man." I felt Alan's body tense slightly. He probably didn’t expect me to say such things. In the past, if Alan had pressed me against the wall like this, I would have been overjoyed. "Aisha, what's gotten into you? You were fine before," Alan questioned, confused. I broke free from his grip, facing him, and ran my finger teasingly down his neck. "I'm not throwing a fit. I just think life is short, and we should enjoy it." "My dear husband, if you think I'm being too promiscuous, you can divorce me." "You know I've given you that choice long ago." Alan studied me with a suspicious gaze, as if trying to determine if I was really Aisha. A smile with a hint of curiosity appeared on his face, "What is this? Seducing me by flirting with other men to see if I'll get jealous?" I smiled brightly, my finger circling his Adam's apple, "You're overthinking. Even the things we desire lose their charm if we can't get them for too long." "My interest in you has faded." "Life is too short; I just want to enjoy a good-looking man's body." Alan still looked doubtful. I understood his suspicion. After all, I had chased him for over a decade. How could I suddenly stop loving him? But he couldn’t find any concrete answer on my face. After a while, Alan roughly pushed my hand away and threw it aside. "You teamed up with your family to force me into marriage." "Now you want a divorce and plan to disgust me, right?" "Playing games with me?" "Fine! Very well!" "Aisha, I'm telling you, I, Alan, am not someone you can toy with." "You want a divorce? Not happening. I’ll make you regret marrying me." "You want to play? I'm in!" I was surprised Alan would use his life’s marriage to torment the woman who forced him to marry. But I didn't take his words to heart. After all, the school anniversary was next month. Alan would soon meet Linda. Once Alan fell for Linda, he’d eagerly come to me for a divorce. I gently pushed Alan away and sashayed to the bathroom. Before closing the door, I looked back at Alan, smiling brightly, "Remember to close the door on your way out. If I walk out undressed and someone sees, I'd be embarrassed." Seeing Alan's dark expression made me happy. I even thanked him before shutting the bathroom door. When I came out, Alan was gone. I changed into comfortable loungewear and was about to lie down for a nap when there was a knock on the door. The maid came in carrying a box of condoms and placed it by my bed, making my face almost turn purple. The maid awkwardly said, "Sir said you should carry these with you. This is a month’s supply at seven times a day. If you run out, let me know, and I’ll get more." "And these birth control pills, sir said you should carry them too." The maid looked at me cautiously, then cleared her throat and added softly, "Madam, should we add more meat to your diet? I’m afraid you and sir might, well, struggle with the physical demands." Alan must be crazy! I cursed inwardly, then forced a smile, "No need. Alan was just joking." The maid sighed in relief, "Very well, madam. But do take care of your health. Overindulgence isn’t good for either of you."