No Such Fetish (20)

Ling Chuxia stood in a daze rooted to the ground for quite some time. She returned to reality when she heard a car's horn.

Unaware to her, she had been standing in the middle of a road and had obstructed busy traffic. She retreated to the pavement and allowed the cars to drive past her.

That was three or four o'clock in the afternoon — the hottest part of the day. Summers in the city of Liangcheng had always been intolerably hot and dry. The scorching sun, hung high up in the cloudless sky, was merciless with its might.

Ling Chuxia raised her head gently. Peering at the horizon of the borderless blue sky, a gleam of bright light pierced her pupils and she had to close her eyes. She lifted her hands to help shield from the sun's rays. However, she felt a touch of wetness. She was surprised to find tears sneaking out from the corner of her eyes.

During her three-year marriage to Shi Che, she was hurt by the nasty insults he hurled at her. After all, she was a human being and not a robot.

Nevertheless, before their marriage and up until several months as newlyweds, Shi Che had doted on her.

Shi Che's sudden change in attitude had hurt her deeply. Sometimes he was cold and aloof, and at other times he was furious and violent. When Shi Che had first blasted at her, she hid in her room and cried non-stop.

She wondered how she managed to survive those trying times. She was adamant that she had to be Shi Che's faithful wife and stood unwavering in her position. As such, she also had to accept and endure Shi Che's ruthlessness and tyranny.

Gradually, she got accustomed to Shi Che's wrath and fury. She was conditioned from being mortified to being numb and immune.

Shi Che had hurt her with his harsh and condescending remarks. She had initially thought that she was immune to such outbursts. However, she had overestimated herself. She was utterly heart-broken.

She had done her utmost, endured all odds to stay unwavering in her position. She had hoped that she could return the position to her sister when she came home one day in the future. By that time, Shi Che and her sister could be together forever.

She had sacrificed so much for them, had she not?

How come… Shi Che could still bear to treat her thus?

-

The car was cruising along the road. Inside the cabin, it was icy cold.

Mr. Chu sneaked a peep at Shi Che's expression from the rear mirror. He could not help but shuddered. He had no wish to start a small talk with Shi Che at such a moment.

However, Ling Chuxia had alighted at a remote highway. There was scarce traffic around. It was dangerous to have left Young Mistress alone. Moreover… he had noticed that Young Mistress had not taken her handbag with her when she was dropped off.

Mr. Chu peered at Shi Che repeatedly. He attempted to speak on several occasions. However, his voice was stuck. The thoughts of Young Mistress being left destitute by the roadside was too much to bear. He bit the bullet and spoke slowly, "Young Master…"