Her final words came haltingly, each syllable heavy with resolve. She was not someone to be bullied.
A faint smile tugged at Jin Han's handsome features, softening the sharp line of his brows."Mrs. Jin, tell me—who's really bullying whom? I'm the one who got kicked and left with a second-degree injury. Why do you sound like the victim here?"
Still pinned against the wall, Xia Xiaofu's wavy brown hair spilled over her pale, jade-like shoulders. Her voice turned cold."Didn't you bully me on our wedding night? You forced yourself on me. That's rape."
Jin Han's mind flickered back to that night. His throat tightened, bobbing twice as he swallowed. Then, in a low, deliberate voice, he spoke her name."Xia Xiaofu."
It was the first time he had ever called her by name.
She blinked up at him, startled, her voice tinged with softness. "Hmm?"
"Xia Xiaofu, we're married. You are my Mrs. Jin."
His tone was matter-of-fact, almost like a correction. To him, it hadn't been rape—it had been the lawful right of a husband. In his mind, he was a licensed driver on the road of marriage.
But she remembered every detail of that night two years ago. Forced by her family into marriage, thrust into the bridal suite at Repulse Bay, she had curled up on the bed, hugging her knees, trembling.
The door had swung open. Her new husband stumbled in, reeking of alcohol. Without a word, he had staggered straight toward her, gripping her ankle when she tried to flee, pinning her down beneath him.
What followed was chaos—pain so sharp she could barely breathe, tears she couldn't hold back.
The smile in her eyes dimmed as she said coldly, "Anything done against a woman's will is rape. What you did that night was marital rape."
"..."
"I already showed you mercy by only kicking you hard enough to leave you with a second-degree injury. If you dare try it again, I won't just kick you—I'll confiscate your weapons."
"..."
For a moment, Jin Han was silent. Then his voice dropped, steady and chilling."Mrs. Jin, let's get back to this divorce you want. Divorce is fine—on one condition. You cure my illness."
Was he seriously blaming her?
Xia Xiaofu didn't flare up. Instead, she batted her lashes innocently. "If you're sick, see a doctor. What's the point of coming to me, Mr. Jin? What kind of treatment are you expecting?"
She knew exactly what he meant, of course. She was just pretending not to, deliberately teasing him. And she loved doing it.
Jin Han's eyes darkened. He stepped forward and pulled her firmly into his arms."We'll know whether I can or can't—after a try."
Her lips parted in disbelief. "And who exactly do you want to try with?"
"You, Mrs. Jin. You want a divorce, don't you? Then give me a chance. If I can do it, I'll agree to let you go."
She almost laughed. He was actually bargaining with her body? Did he think she was a child?
"Mr. Jin, your tail is showing. Miss Lu won't let you try with her, so you come running to me instead? You're still scheming to get into my bed before signing the divorce papers? Keep dreaming!"
Her smile vanished as she shoved against him.
But Jin Han caught her slender waist in one swift move, locking her in place. His voice dropped, rich with warning."What are you playing at, Mrs. Jin? We haven't seen each other in two years, and suddenly you're throwing around curses. Who taught you that?"
Xia Xiaofu's peach blossom eyes flashed, cold and defiant. "I'm not Miss Lu. She might act like some refined lady who never swears, but me? I curse. And I hit people too."
His gaze lingered on her flushed lips, words tumbling sharp and bright from them. His restraint snapped.
In the next instant, Jin Han lowered his head and kissed her hard.
Xia Xiaofu stiffened immediately, frowning as she struggled. But his strength dwarfed hers, caging her completely. His kiss was rough, teeth grazing her tender lips until—
"Hiss—"
A sting of pain shot through her.
She shoved him back just enough to gasp, glaring at him."Young Master Jin, do you even know how to kiss? You've gone and split my lip!"