Chapter 43 - Anniversary (3)

Long Jie and Song Luli did not let go of each other even after the music had slowed down.

The dimmed lighting darkened, leaving only flashes of white light to spot Xue Guangli and Long Huojin. The attention of the audience diverted to them, giving them the entire spotlight.

However, Long Jie was still holding Song Luli, near the corner of the dance floor, away from the rest of the crowd. Song Luli tightened her grip on him, feeling the fabrics of his suit.

The song came to a full stop, and Song Luli pulled away from him, holding her breath, preventing him from seeing the slight rise and fall of her chest. Her heart hammered, though her face appeared to be cold and aloof.

"Thank you," she said to him neutrally, whirling around and walking away from him.

Long Jie stood rooted at his spot, watching as she squeezed through the crowd, while some men gave her appreciative glances as she took each step.

Throughout the evening, he had noticed people looking at her, really looking at her. And he could have sworn that Han Ru stole glances. It seemed apparent that his wife was genuinely bewitching, and not just to him, but to others.

Long Jie let out a weary sigh, watching her take each step away from him.

He tightened his fist.

He battled his conflicting inner thoughts when he decided to stride away, catching up to her. He pulled her waist to his side, holding it. Song Luli glanced at him, wondering what was up with him.

It was a bold statement from the two of them.

The night deepened, but the guests watched as the two walked side-by-side, and whispers exchanged between the guests over glasses of cocktails.

Not many people knew they were married, but it would be apparent for them to be curious about their relationship.

Song Luli couldn't explain what she was feeling. With Long Jie, it was whirlwind. There were some moments where he was considerate and gentle, but there were other times where he was iron-hearted and distant. But she hated the inconsistency.

He had to choose if he wanted to be the Long Jie that she grew to admire, or the Long Jie she would grow to resent, for not letting her in, for not being the partner he promised her to be. And whatever he chooses to be, will determine how they would move forward.

Song Luli escaped from his grip, quickly approaching her in-laws. She congratulated them once more before she parted with her family and friends. Long Jie followed her to the car, but Song Luli didn't speak a word to him.

They fastened their seatbelts, and the car ride was silent. Song Luli glanced out the window absent-mindedly, and it took thirty minutes to arrive at home.

At the driveway, Song Luli stepped from the car, fast-walking ahead of him. But she felt his presence not far behind, almost as if he was chasing her.

In the foyer, he caught her wrist gently.

Song Luli paused. Her chest pounded from both the mild jogging and because he made her heart skip a beat, though she could not have said why.

He stood behind her, and she didn't turn. His grip on her wrist moved towards her fingers, brushing them, encircling them. He bowed his head over her shoulder, "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Song Luli widened her eyes, unbelieving. "What are you sorry for?" she asked him curiously.

He didn't answer. But after a moment, he whispered, low and deep, "I haven't been entirely truthful."

Song Luli clenched her fists, placing one over her heart. She whirled to face him, "You are seeing another woman, aren't you?" she accused him.

Long Jie was dumbfounded. "Huh?" he responded.

Song Luli puffed her cheeks, holding in her bashfulness. "Well, you're acting weird. And you have been distant. You've been coming home late, and If you have a mistress, you could have said something to me sooner," she said assertively.

After Song Luli spoke her mind, trying to calm her inner rage. She heard Long Jie laugh, and she furrowed her brows, not understanding what could be so funny.

Long Jie laughed until his cheeks flushed, having to hold his stomach to contain himself. He smiled at her.

Song Luli pursed her lips.

He stopped laughing when he said, "I don't have a mistress. Nor do I intend to get one."

Song Luli flushed in embarrassment at the accusation she made against him. But she had collected all possible signs. He was behaving strangely, sneakily. Han Ru even told her earlier, 'He doesn't love you,' which made her believe that her suspicions were correct.

Long Jie stepped closer, asking, "What made you believe that?" His winter-blue eyes deepened as he searched for an answer through her expression.

She held her chin high, glaring into his eyes. "You led me into believing it when you haven't been saying a word. If there is something wrong, if there is anything you need to say. Tell me, no matter how much it hurts," she said defiantly.

Long Jie lifted a hand to her cheek, running a smooth thumb over her cheekbone, trying to soothe her worries. "I'm sorry," he breathed.

Song Luli didn't answer.

His eyes gazed at her appreciatively, staring hard enough to pierce through her pounding chest.

Long Jie stepped closer again. "Is there anything I could to make you forgive me?" he asked; his eyes dropped to her mouth.

"Tell me what's on your mind," she breathed. They spoke quietly, despite being the only ones in the room, in the house, in the ten acres beyond.

"I will," he answered, inching carefully. "But is there anything else that you want?"

He seemed to have craved for what she had wanted, too — a kiss, possibly sex.

Song Luli circled his arms, tip-toeing to reach his lips unexpectedly. It took a moment for Long Jie to register what was happening since it happened so fast.

Song Luli emphasized the hot kiss.

Long Jie caught up to her, generously. He cupped her face as he moved with her, fighting to dominate. She ran her hands over his collar, pulling it so he can deepen the kiss. Song Luli didn't realize that they were moving, and the next thing Song Luli knew, she hit her back against the wall, but that didn't stop them.

They both took hurried gasps between kisses, and Long Jie had taken the initiative to lift a leg, squeezing her thighs. Song Luli shivered beneath his touch. But then she pushed him softly away to gasp for air.

Song Luli sucked in a breath, her face feverishly warmed. Long Jie panted, withering his desire away.

"Tell me," she reminded him, and Long Jie learned that he had to be careful when she initiates something because she would ignite his fuel, but then pour water over it immediately.

"All right," he said, knowing it was only fair.

They stepped into the living room, settling on a sofa, where Long Jie told her everything--of his suspicions, of his threats, of how it connected to his father. Song Luli listened to every word.

After he finished, she took a few moments to absorb the information he gave her.

"Oh," was all she said. Song Luli had no idea that he held the weight of the company, that he had to fight the feud that began before he was born.

After she had a few moments to think, he said, "Do you know why I wanted to marry you?" he asked.

Song Luli faced him as he continued, "You seemed strong enough to take any challenges, no matter how difficult it was."

Song Luli furrowed her brows, and she hit him softly on the shoulder. "Then why didn't you say anything sooner?" she questioned him.

Long Jie rubbed his shoulder and laughed. "Because I didn't want you to know. I felt like it was better if you had left me, and it'd be easier to if I had kept my distance."

Song Luli knitted her brows, taking his collar, facing him. Long Jie flushed at the sudden closeness. "I don't care how bad it is. I don't care how dangerous. We're supposed to be a team," she said.

Long Jie smiled. "I know. I'm sorry," he told her softly.

Song Luli observed his expression. His face held a gentleness, an emotion she had almost forgotten he wore. He had told her everything and even confirmed that she suspected wrongly of him so that she wouldn't feel bad for it. He should have told her sooner.

Long Jie read her expression, "I promise to not keep anything from you anymore."

Song Luli gazed at him. He seemed genuine. "You better," was all she told him.

Song Luli was feeling tired. She wanted to speak with him more, but instead, she decided to go wash up and change. She rose from the sofa when she said, "Goodnight," to him. Long Jie stood, planting a swift, fleeting kiss on her forehead.

"Goodnight," he breathed near her ear.