n

n

nMengmeng snapped her eyes open when she heard a whisper just beside her ear. She got up and looked around only to see that it was already morning. The light from outside entered through the glass door of the balcony.

n'Must be a dream…' she thought, catching her head on her palm.

nShe straightened her back, stretching out her legs and arms in the process. She rose from the bed as quietly as she could. She pushed her hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear as she headed straight to the bathroom. After freshening up, she changed into comfortable clothes before she headed out of her room.

nUpon arriving downstairs, she directly went to the dining room only to see Bai Jingye and Tian Ruyi in the middle of having their breakfast. There were two maids standing on the side of the room, waiting patiently to receive their orders.

nHuh… no one came to wake her up.

n

"Oh, you're awake. Come join us,

" invited Tian Ruyi with a gentle smile.

nMengmeng narrowed her eyes at her, glaring coldly. She swept her gaze to the man in the middle. He continued on eating his food peacefully, not even giving her a glance when she entered the room.

n

"Why is she here?

"

nBai Jingye didn't say a reply. Just as usual, he ignored her. Instead, it was Tian Ruyi who spoke,

"why can't I?

"

nMengmeng clenched her fists and growled angrily,

"you shameless bitch! I have already warned you yesterday not to show your face in front of me!

"

n

"And yet here I am,

" the other woman calmly replied which only infuriated her more.

n

"You-

" She was cut off when the quiet man placed his fork back on the table rather forcefully. making a loud thump. He took the napkin and wiped his lips with it. He looked at Tian Rui and asked,

"are you done eating?

"

n

"I am~ Shall we get going?

"

nThe two ignored Mengmeng's presence, acting as if she wasn't there at all. She was speechless, she could only look in spite as she watched the two as they were about to leave the room.

n

"TIAN RUYI!!!

" She turned and was about to reach out for her hair but stopped when her 'husband' grabbed her wrist.

n

"What do you think are you doing?

" The sudden chilliness in the room sent shivers to everyone present as Bai Jingye looked at his 'wife' darkly.

nTears formed in Mengmeng's eyes as she shrunk away,

"h-how can you be so brazen? I am your wife… how can you… how can you bring her here?

"

n

"What I do is none of your business,

" he replied ruthlessly as he tightened his hold on her wrist.

n

"O-ow… you're hurting me…

"

n

"That's enough, Jingye, we'll be late for the meeting,

" Tian Ruyi said as she held on his arm.

nBai Jingye was about to throw her on the ground but stopped upon remembering something. He released her wrist instead and turned away, finally leaving with his woman.

nA light purplish mark was left around Mengmeng's wrist. She looked at it and frowned inwardly.

nThat man… can't he at least control his strength?

nShe covered her face and began crying. Shortly, steward Fang came rushing to her side.

"Madam, are you alright?

" He asked worriedly.

nIt was tiring to put up a performance in front of others but what was even surprising was that Mengmeng never expected that she could easily act that way. Everything transitioned smoothly.

nDid she work as an actress? She felt so natural in putting up a feat. Just what kind of woman was she before?

nActing all depressed, Mengmeng wasn't able to appreciate her breakfast. She wasn't even able to enjoy her morning when she noticed how the other servants monitored her every move.

n…

nDays passed and Mengmeng was adjusting well in the house. She was always at home, in her room, or in the library. It was easier to avoid complications this way. It was easier to avoid accidents until one afternoon…

n

"H-HELP!!!

" Mengmeng shouted from inside her room.

nBecause of how loud her voice was, a servant came and barged in the room only to see Mengmeng in the middle of the bed, groaning in pain because of the blood that stained her dress and the white sheets.

n

"What's happening?

" Bai Jingye asked as he shortly arrived in the room just to check on the commotion.

n

"Madam is just having her menstruation,

" the maid said, rather calmly.

nMenstruation?

nHe turned his head to the woman on the bed. His usual poker face finally cracked. His look was one of slowly dawning horror.

n

"H-help… please…

" Mengmeng's pained voice snapped him out from his trance, making him rush towards her and carry her in his arms.

n

"I-it hurts…

" Mengmeng's face was pale and she was sweating profusely.

n

"MOVE!!

" Bai Jingye raised his voice to the servant who blocked his way when he turned. He left the room in a hurry.

n

"What's happening?

" Steward Fang asked in confusion and in surprise when he saw Bai Jingye rushing downstairs while carrying Mengmeng in his arms.

nObviously, Bai Jingye ignored him and instead, he went directly to where his car was parked. He gently placed Mengmeng on the backseat before he went to the driver's seat and drove the car away from the place.

n

"M-my baby…

" Mengmeng's eyes were filled with tears, she was hugging her belly, struggling to keep her consciousness in place.

n

"Your baby will be fine, don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you or your child,

" he reassured her.

n…

n

"I'm sorry, Mr. Bai… we couldn't save your child,

" the doctor announced in dismay.

nBai Jingye's jaw stiffened upon hearing what the doctor said. He was quiet for a short moment. One couldn't simply tell what he was thinking about at that moment. He was back to his usual blank, expressionless face, his cold eyes staring at the face of the unconscious woman in front of him.

n

"Don't tell her about it when she wakes up. I'll be the one to do that. You can leave.

"

n