Lin Wanning and Shen Sihan's car drove out of the luxurious gates of the Fu family's banquet, entering the bustling city streets. The car was eerily quiet, only the hum of the engine and the sound of the night wind outside could be heard.
She sat in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed on the window, but her mind was in turmoil. The image of Fu Jingchen's regretful expression still lingered in her mind, but she knew that this emotion no longer had anything to do with her.
Suddenly, the car slowed down, and Shen Sihan's low voice broke the silence. "Are you okay?"
She paused for a moment, then turned to look at him, the corners of her lips curving into a faint smile. "I'm fine. It's just... some things I need to let go of."
Shen Sihan didn't respond, simply nodding lightly. He turned, reaching to open the car window, and a cool breeze blew inside. His gaze was complex, as if hiding too many words, yet he remained silent.
Lin Wanning's gaze flickered, and she suddenly realized that this marriage was no longer just about revenge; it had become more about Shen Sihan. His presence had gradually permeated her life and heart.
At that moment, Shen Sihan suddenly spoke. "Lin Wanning."
"Hmm?" She looked down at her fingers, which had been gripping the car door handle just moments ago.
"You know I've never breached a contract," Shen Sihan's tone remained cold, but there was a hint of firmness. "And you, you've changed me."
She was taken aback, her eyes meeting his cold profile. At that moment, Shen Sihan seemed like a man cloaked in a cold exterior, but she knew that the complex emotions inside him were gradually surfacing.
The car stopped at the entrance to her apartment complex. Shen Sihan turned, his deep voice sounding again. "I know what you want right now, but I hope you understand, I've already started to care."
Lin Wanning suddenly felt somewhat at a loss. She lowered her head, her fingers rubbing against the leather of the car seat, as if searching for something to say, but she knew deep down, her feelings had already begun to change.
"Care? Then you..." She lifted her head, her voice tinged with provocation. "Did you stand up for me today because you didn't want Fu Jingchen to touch me?"
Shen Sihan's eyes shifted slightly, and then he sneered. "That was just a little reminder."
"Reminder?" Lin Wanning raised an eyebrow. "You're quite generous, standing up for me."
Shen Sihan didn't respond, just looking at her with a complicated gaze.
Lin Wanning felt an inexplicable tension filling the car. Her heart began to race. Shen Sihan's presence, for her, had already become more than just a partnership or a contractual marriage. It felt more like an emotional tug-of-war.
"I don't need you to stand up for me," she stared at Shen Sihan, her gaze firm.
Shen Sihan suddenly smiled, his smile deep and tinged with danger. "You don't need it, but I want to."
"Why?" Lin Wanning furrowed her brow. "What are you really doing this for?"
Shen Sihan suddenly reached out, gently cupping her chin, forcing her to look up. His eyes were like a sharp sword, piercing and deep, as if trying to cut through her heart. "Because you're mine."
Lin Wanning's heartbeat suddenly quickened, staring blankly at him.
"You think," Shen Sihan whispered, "I'd let you go so easily?"
Her heart began to panic, but she didn't want to show it. "Shen Sihan, you're too confident."
"Confidence comes from knowing that I understand you better than anyone else." Shen Sihan's eyes shone with burning intensity. "I'll show you that I can give you the best things in the world."
His hand still hadn't released her; he held her chin tightly, pulling her closer, and lowered his head to kiss her.
This time, the kiss was deep and passionate, not allowing her any chance to refuse.
Her heart raced, her body trembling slightly, but she found herself responding to him. It felt like a storm, sweeping away her reason and defenses.
He suddenly pulled away from her, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You'll regret this, Lin Wanning. Just wait."
The car door opened, and Shen Sihan coldly said, "Get out."
Lin Wanning stood for a moment, then stepped out of the car. Looking back at the tall figure, her heart was filled with mixed emotions.
She realized then that Shen Sihan had truly begun to care, and she, unknowingly, was falling deeper and deeper into it.