Chapter 76: Side Story

August 24th.

Shi Qi opened her phone calendar. Today was marked, with a smiling face added below. Immediately following was August 25th, noted as 'Wedding Anniversary.'

She and Shang Sui had separated many years ago on August 24th. He had deliberately set their wedding date for August 25th, symbolizing that all the bad things stayed in the past.

Sensing his intention, Shi Qi had made a bold declaration the day before the wedding. She suggested that every year from then on, they should do something thrilling on this day, right up until their anniversary, covering the bad memories with intimacy.

However, plans couldn't keep up with changes. Last year, Shi Qi had to go to the U.S. for a dance studio exchange program, and the 'something thrilling' fell through.

Shang Sui had originally planned to come find her; they could have squeezed out a little time for their anniversary. Unexpectedly, a key backup dancer in Ying Yuran's group got injured. Unable to find a replacement abroad, they had to ask Shi Qi to step in at the last minute.

If it were just a regular colleague, she might have refused. But it was a friend she knew, so Shi Qi had no choice but to agree to help.

Shang Sui couldn't bear to see Shi Qi work too hard. Learning she was stuck in the dance studio until 2 a.m., he took the initiative to say he wouldn't come bother her. They could celebrate their anniversary later.

'You're already busy with work. Don't worry about this for now,' Shang Sui comforted her instead. 'You must be exhausted lately. Take good care of yourself.'

'We'll celebrate properly next year,' Shi Qi said, listening to his gentle voice on the phone. Thinking of Shang Sui facing six long years of separation alone, her guilt grew stronger. 'I'll push aside all unimportant work and spend two whole days with you.'

To keep that promise, Shi Qi started preparing early this year, clearing her schedule in advance.

What was unusual was that Shang Sui hadn't brought it up himself.

Given how meticulous Shang Sui was, it was impossible he'd forgotten what these two days meant. There was only one explanation: he was deliberately not mentioning their anniversary, wanting to see her reaction.

Did he think she'd forget, so he was 'testing' her on purpose?

She could be a bit slow, but she wasn't so forgetful as to let their wedding anniversary slip her mind, especially after standing him up last year.

Her partner's little game amused Shi Qi. She decided to follow Shang Sui's lead and keep quiet, pretending she knew nothing.

17: [Dinner tonight, back late.]

17: [Don't wait up.]

She pretended she was still at the office, then put down her phone and went into the bedroom, her gaze sweeping over the wardrobe at the far end.

She knew Shang Sui's tastes perfectly. Yesterday, she'd hidden a gift box inside the wardrobe. Inside was a backless, form-fitting pink nightgown, with semi-transparent white lace adorning the chest and hem.

The dress was short. The slightest movement would risk exposure.

Thinking this dress would likely be torn to shreds tonight, Shi Qi couldn't help but bite her finger slightly, already anticipating the anniversary to come.

Her phone screen flashed, showing a new message.

Ss: [Okay.]

It was rare for Shang Sui to reply so tersely, without his usual coquettish tone or the cat stickers he often used.

Was he angry?

For a moment, Shi Qi wanted to say, 'Come home quickly, I'm waiting for you.'

But she held back, deciding to let Shang Sui stew a little longer.

To free up enough time, Shi Qi had been forced to compress her workload recently. After showering, she curled up in bed, planning to rest a bit before changing into the dress. But drowsiness crept over her unnoticed.

When she regained consciousness, a tingling itch spread from her fingertips, and the sensations in her body became intensely focused.

Another person's body heat radiated from the point of contact. Shi Qi unconsciously curled her toes, her breathing becoming fragmented.

Sensing she was about to wake, the other person not only didn't hold back but intensified his efforts. Shi Qi's body and mind were completely under his control; her consciousness blurred, wanting to escape.

'Mmm...!! N-no... don't...!'

Accompanied by sobbing pleas, Shi Qi's cheeks flushed crimson as she opened her eyes, shimmering with moisture.

A faint sound of tearing tissue paper reached her ears. In her daze, she saw Shang Sui leisurely wiping his fingers. The veins on the back of his hand stood out clearly, his slender knuckles tinged pink, like a bowstring drawn taut.

Shi Qi came to her senses, propping herself up on the bed. 'How can you just... as soon as you get back...!'

Her whole body was weak, her质问 lacking force, coming out just as soft.

Or perhaps, deep down, she didn't mind this wake-up call at all. She was even unconsciously savoring the feeling of being claimed.

'Weren't you at the office, baby?'

Without waiting for her answer, Shang Sui thoughtfully filled in the blanks. 'Came back to catch a nap before heading out to dinner?'

Shi Qi stared at his beautiful hands, feeling a sudden thirst. 'Yeah.'

...Wait, no.

Distracted by his hands, she'd misspoken.

Shi Qi's gaze lifted. The bedroom had only one small lamp on. The Alpha's expression was unreadable in the half-light.

The next moment, Shang Sui softened his voice. 'Don't go, okay? I want you with me.'

Shi Qi was about to agree, but his seemingly vulnerable demeanor piqued her interest.

After three years of marriage, she'd gradually figured out her partner's personality. She knew Shang Sui was adept at using various tricks to get his way. She did fall for it, but she was also curious about the real emotions he hid beneath.

Shi Qi decided to play along, deliberately teasing him. 'That wouldn't be good. I've already promised someone else.'

'Someone else?'

'Ying Yuran and the others are having a celebration dinner. They invited me.'

That much was true. Recently, Mirage had finished their tour, and Ying Yuran had enthusiastically invited her to dinner today. Shi Qi had naturally refused. Mentioning it now was just an excuse.

Shang Sui didn't speak. The silence felt like the calm before a storm.

After a moment, he said, 'What day is it today? Did you forget?'

A faint honey scent churned in the air. Alphas usually leaked pheromones when emotionally agitated, but Shang Sui could completely control his. It was like this simply because he didn't want to hold back.

Realizing Shang Sui was on the verge of exploding sent a shiver down Shi Qi's spine—and it excited her.

For so long, Shang Sui had almost never lost his temper with her.

If she made him angry, it would probably be thrilling.

What was that term... Angry sex?

Anyway, today was supposed to be a day for 'finding thrills.' She'd apologize properly afterward for her mischief.

Having convinced herself, Shi Qi pretended to look at him blankly.

'Today is the day before our wedding anniversary,' Shang Sui said, kneeling on one knee by the bed, moving closer with a hint of grievance. 'You promised me. You'd spend both days with me.'

'Ah, I've been so busy lately, I forgot,' Shi Qi put on an expression of sudden realization, then apologized. 'But I already made plans with them. Can I come back early tonight? I'll spend tomorrow with you.'

Shi Qi made the decision unilaterally, asking willfully, 'Tomorrow is our actual anniversary. What does it matter if we're apart tonight?'

As if he hadn't expected Shi Qi to so casually discard a promise she'd made herself, Shang Sui stared at her in shock. For a moment, Shi Qi felt like an irredeemable scoundrel.

Was she taking the game too far?

She hesitated, wondering if she should explain, when Shang Sui's palm gently touched her cheek.

Shi Qi instinctively leaned into the touch, but the hand suddenly slid down and closed around her neck.

The Alpha's other hand shoved hard. Caught off guard, Shi Qi fell back onto the bed. A solid arm easily pinned her waist, leaving her no escape.

Shi Qi vaguely sensed Shang Sui pulling something from the nightstand. The next second, soft silicone pressed against her tongue, completely muffling her voice.

'Wai... mmmph—!!'

'I'm very unhappy.'

A soft click sounded. Looking down at Shi Qi from above, Shang Sui saw the black leather straps framing her cheeks, a stark contrast against her fair skin.

'Are you tired of me, Xiao Qi? Forgetting such an important day, and brushing it off even after I reminded you.'

Shi Qi mumbled incoherently, wanting to say, 'I'm sorry, I shouldn't have teased you, I was just playing around—'

But all her sounds turned into pitiful, broken whimpers.

Shang Sui's fingers slowly stroked her tender lips. Shi Qi caught the sweet scent on his fingertips and, in this situation, couldn't help her legs going weak.

Shi Qi thought hazily.

Her mouth was blocked. How were they supposed to kiss later?

'First you don't care about the day we were apart, then you don't care about our anniversary, and next you'll forget me entirely? Only remembering me during your Heat Phase, treating me like a convenient tool. Should I be grateful? That I'm the only tool you can use.'

The more she listened, the more horrified Shi Qi became. Where is your brain going with this? What's all this 'tool' nonsense?

'Anyway, I'll agree to anything you say. Even if you summon and dismiss me at will, I'll obey like a dog.'

Shang Sui's tone shifted, and he smiled gently at her. 'I'm overthinking it, right?'

'I'm exaggerating, darling. You wouldn't do that to me, would you?'

His eerie demeanor sent a chill down Shi Qi's spine. She could only shake her head repeatedly.

Shang Sui only smiled wider. Shi Qi stared at him blankly, unable to tell if he was actually happy or not.

But...

Shang Sui looked really good when he smiled.

Before Shi Qi could gather her thoughts, Shang Sui abruptly dropped the smile and pressed her face-down into the pillow.

'Mmm, mmmph? ...Ah!'

A sudden slap landed on her bottom. Shi Qi's face flushed hot, shame making her kick and struggle. The same spot was struck again.

She let out a small whimper—whether in protest or pleasure, she didn't know.

With the sound of fabric rustling, Shi Qi's remaining sleepwear was tossed to the floor. Her hands were pulled behind her back, soft fabric winding around her slender wrists, then tightening with a pull.

Even in this utterly helpless predicament, surrounded by his familiar scent, Shi Qi felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

The Alpha's tall frame covered hers. Shi Qi half-resisted, half-yielded, kneeling on the bed. Shang Sui's fingers slid between hers, then removed the simple, thin band from her ring finger.

Why was Shang Sui taking her wedding ring...?

A look of confusion crossed Shi Qi's face. From the corner of her eye, she vaguely saw Shang Sui remove his own ring as well. The two rings were threaded through pure white lace, clinking together softly like tiny bells.

The lace strung with their wedding rings was used to bind her.

Shi Qi's cheeks burned crimson. She protested incredulously, 'Mmmph mmmph!!'

Shang Sui actually...!!

Gagging her and tying her hands was one thing, but how could he do this?!

'So naughty, baby. Forgetting our wedding anniversary.'

Cool fingers traced an inch of skin at a time. Shi Qi responded with incoherent sounds, her face growing hotter.

Her hands were lifted overhead and secured to the headboard.

A large hand with prominent knuckles easily blocked Shi Qi's vision. In the darkness, Shang Sui's voice came.

'Helping you remember.'

—

When Shi Qi regained consciousness, she was being held in Shang Sui's arms under the shower spray.

Steam filled the room. Shi Qi heard her own soft sobs; the physiological tears were completely beyond her control.

'It's okay, don't cry.'

Intense shame made Shi Qi tremble slightly. Shang Sui cupped her face in his palms. Unlike his earlier domineering decisiveness, his tone and movements now were full of tenderness.

'You're perfect,' Shang Sui soothed her gently. 'Everything you do is adorable.'

Adorable? She'd lost all face.

Only a lunatic like Shang Sui would find that adorable.

Shi Qi kicked him weakly. Shang Sui chuckled, the sound muffled.

He leaned in to lick her cheek, swallowing the crystal-clear tears. His lips pressed against her delicate skin, gradually turning into light, scattered kisses.

Shi Qi felt ticklish and let out a muffled grunt.

Her body was covered in the Alpha's honey-flavored pheromones. The back of her neck had been bitten again; in his extreme excitement, Shang Sui hadn't cared that they were already permanently marked, biting down on Shi Qi's gland once more.

She couldn't deny it—she derived immense pleasure from this intimacy. She even liked Shang Sui's crazed behavior when he lost control.

Had she spent too much time with Shang Sui and become a little abnormal herself?

Or had she always had this inclination?

Shi Qi gradually stopped crying, her thoughts drifting idly.

Shang Sui dried her off, then helped her into a bathrobe. Shi Qi accepted the pampering contentedly, until Shang Sui asked, 'Can you stand?'

She nodded, leaning against the bathroom doorframe. She watched as Shang Sui walked over and untied the lace and wedding rings from the vanity.

The soiled lace was tossed into the trash. Shi Qi's expression grew increasingly odd. As the two rings were being cleaned, she snatched them first. 'Wait, don't put them on yet. I... can't look at them directly right now.'

Shang Sui stopped, not pushing her. 'Then we'll wait until tomorrow.'

He took Shi Qi's hand and led her into the walk-in closet. The Omega's fair nape bore crimson marks. From his angle, the fresh bite was clearly visible.

Shang Sui smiled, repeating meaningfully, 'Everything you do is adorable. Including hiding gifts.'

Shi Qi froze on the spot, only then noticing two gift boxes of different sizes on the central jewelry island. One looked extremely familiar—it was the gift she'd hidden in the wardrobe.

Shang Sui could only have prepared all this before coming home to wake her. Which meant...

The shock was too great. In utter confusion, Shi Qi asked, 'How long have you known?'

The man beside her didn't answer, instead enticing her. 'Open it and see?'

The full-length mirror ahead reflected Shi Qi's bewildered face. She stepped forward and lifted the lid of the gift box she'd chosen, her fingers hovering in the air.

On top of the slip dress she'd prepared lay a pure white veil, like a bride's adornment.

'The dress Xiao Qi picked is beautiful. Knowing you were preparing for our anniversary made me really look forward to it.' Shang Sui took her hand, guiding her to open the other box. 'So I made some preparations too.'

The new box contained an assortment of toys. Some Shi Qi had seen before, others she hadn't. The variety was enough to make anyone blush.

She'd just had her mouth blocked by something similar. Her lips and tongue tingled reflexively.

'I like it when you affect my emotions, make me uneasy.'

'I like it when you provoke me, when I treat you roughly.'

Shang Sui accurately exposed her thoughts, asking as if seeking praise, 'Did I perform well just now? Was it enough for you?'

Realizing Shang Sui had been playing along from the moment he walked in, fully aware of her intentions, Shi Qi felt their roles had reversed. She was the prey who'd fallen into the trap.

Flustered, Shi Qi said the opposite of what she felt. 'It was just okay. I was just having fun—'

'Tell the truth.'

A gentle command flooded her mind. Shi Qi felt like a puppet being manipulated, unable to control herself as she spoke her true thoughts. 'I liked it.'

Realizing Shang Sui was using mind manipulation on her, Shi Qi wanted to cover her mouth, but it was too late.

'Then... what about...?' Shang Sui paused briefly, his expression mischievous as he asked, '...?'

With each thing he mentioned, Shi Qi's blush deepened. The final question was especially blunt and crude, short-circuiting her brain.

She closed her eyes in despair, about to answer, when the mind manipulation abruptly lifted.

The Alpha clung to her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

'Thank you, husband, for being willing to play with me.' Knowing Shi Qi was thin-skinned, Shang Sui knew when to stop. 'I loved it.'

'...'

Hearing the暧昧 laughter in his voice, the heat in Shi Qi's ears intensified. 'What a strange thing to say. 'Willing to play with you'?'

Shang Sui buried his face in the fragrant hollow of her neck. Shi Qi's words were sharp, but she let him touch her freely.

Three years into their marriage, his almost pathological obsession with Shi Qi had only grown, making separation harder each day.

Shang Sui breathed in the sweet lily of the valley scent from her, feeling filled with unparalleled happiness.

He suddenly said, 'Even though I knew it was a game, the emotions in the middle were real. Just imagining it for a second felt like dying.'

If Shi Qi really had grown tired of him...

Her phone lit up nearby, emitting a soft 'Meow~'

The alarm she'd specially set for Shi Er o'clock chimed on time, marking the official arrival of their wedding anniversary.

Shang Sui paused, feeling today wasn't the day to voice his darker thoughts. 'Happy anniversary. I love you.'

'I liked it.' Shi Qi said abruptly. 'The things you asked me earlier. The answer to all of them is 'I liked it.''

She turned her head, meeting Shang Sui's stunned face.

'I'm going to change into the dress and veil. You can use any of the toys in the box. But before that, we're going to kiss.'

Shi Qi reached out, hooked her arms around Shang Sui's neck, and pulled him toward her.

Their body heat and scents intertwined intimately. Shi Qi's heartbeat quickened, just as it had countless times before, even stronger than on the day they first met.

'You won't die from lack of love.' Before kissing him, Shi Qi spoke against Shang Sui's lips, feeling equally filled with unparalleled happiness.

'I love you.'