Chapter 1 Can You Stay?

Heavy rain enveloped the dark night like spilled black ink. A flash of lightning split the night sky open and illuminated a pale face. Susan Shelby held onto the umbrella as she looked into the distance nervously. Julian had promised her that he would be home tonight, but it was already 10 o’clock, yet he was still nowhere to be seen. Had he not kept his word again? Susan tightened her grip on the umbrella while her eyes contained a flash of helplessness. Suddenly, a bright light flashed in the distance. A luxury car that seemed to merge with the dark night appeared. Julian! It was Julian’s car. Susan hurried over excitedly. Screech! When the car came to a halt, half of Susan’s clothes were soaked by the splash of water. Nonetheless, she was oblivious to it as she cheerfully said, “Julian, you…” “Idiot, don’t you know how to hide?” Before she could finish, a man came down from the car angrily. The man’s facial features were exquisite and there was an indescribable hint of malevolence between his eyebrows. At that moment, his inky-black eyes stared at Susan, whose wet clothes hugged the silhouette of her body intimately, with a menacing flash. “I…” Susan was slightly anxious about the man’s sudden burst of anger. The man who stood in front of her was Julian Shaw. He was her husband and the master who controlled her fate. Looking at Susan who was trembling in fear, Julian held back his anger and suppressed his tone as he demanded, “Why are you still standing here? To disgrace us?” After saying that, he walked inside. “Okay,” Susan responded in a panic, “I...I took the umbrella out for you.” “There’s no need for that. Taking care of yourself is enough.” Julian’s voice held a hint of sarcasm. He hung his blazer which was soaked from the rain. Then, he took off his necktie and unbuttoned two cuff buttons. After that, he glared at her impatiently. “Speak! Why did you ask me to come home?” “You...you haven’t been home for half a month,” Susan responded softly, “We are husband and wife. It’s better for you to come home.” Julian’s gaze dimmed and he looked at Susan with an unspeakable expectation in his heart as he raised his eyebrows. “Woman, you can’t be…missing me, can you? Are you in love with me? You can’t be that dumb.” “No, it’s not that.” Susan wrung her hands. The union between her and Julian Shaw had been a mere transaction since the beginning. Love was just an impossible word that she dared not think about. Susan’s quick denial immediately caused Julian to sulk. “Then, why do you want me home?” His voice became cold once more. Susan tensed as she gripped the hem of her clothes tightly. “I...I…” “If there’s nothing, I’m leaving.” Julian looked slightly annoyed. “I don’t want to waste my fascinating nightlife on you. As for you, get changed and go to bed.” This woman’s health was already weak, yet she still had not changed her clothes even though they were all wet. What an idiot! Without any hesitation, Julian turned to leave. Just as he walked to the entrance, a trembling voice came from behind him. “Julian, w-wait.” “What do you want now?” Julian turned around agitatedly. Then, his pupils suddenly constricted. Susan’s hands shook as she unbuttoned her clothes. “Woman, do you know what you’re doing?” Susan said shakily, “I know. We...we are husband and wife. We’ve been married for a year now, so we should…” Julian stopped listening. He walked over, picked her up, and headed for the bedroom. Draped over his shoulder, Susan let out a sigh of relief. This way, she could accomplish what her mother-in-law wanted her to do, and her elder brother’s medical fees would be secured. Bang! Susan was thrown onto the bed, already prepared for what was coming. But why… Her heart was still aching. The person who had once promised that they would be together forever was now engaged to another person. She herself also had a husband now, so the previous promise was never fulfilled. Susan took a deep breath. She was the one who could not let go of the previous relationship, but now, she should. However, she had no idea why she felt so desolate. Tears welled up in her eyes and a few drops rolled down her cheeks involuntarily. Instantly, the feeling of oppression went away. She opened her eyes only to see Julian glaring at her coldly while his eyes seethed with anger. “Are you crying?” He grabbed her collar. “Are you thinking about Luke Jenkins again?” “I…” The name at the bottom of Susan’s heart was revealed. Then, she frantically cried out, “I was only...only…” “Only what?” Julian ridiculed, “Don’t you forget, the Luke that you’ve been thinking of has a fiancée and they’re getting married soon!” “I know!” Susan trembled slightly. “The relationship between me and him is the past, and it’s not like I’m doing anything!” “Yes, you didn’t do anything. You’re just thinking about another person all day while being Mrs. Shaw.” Susan looked at him with fear in her eyes. An unexplained surge of agitation rushed through Julian’s heart as he looked at her resembling a frightened little rabbit. He turned around and huffed. “Forget about it. I have something to do. I…” “Julian.” Anxious, Susan suddenly hugged him from behind. “Can you stay tonight?” Her icy palms seemed to have a burning sensation.