402 Covered in Blood (1/2)

Yu Zhen was too concerned about Li Xueyue's behavior to realize the sorrow that hung over him. He approached her, clasping their hands together. They had just lost what could've been their first child…but there would be many more to come, and he was hopeful.

It felt strange. He was always a pessimist, much like her. But at times like this, he was forced to adapt so that she doesn't go down the rabbit hole.

”You've yet to tell me how you feel,” Yu Zhen said.

Li Xueyue wasn't paying attention to him. Her eyes were fixated on the doors, waiting for it to open. Once Xu Jiaqi gave her explanation, Li Xueyue would deem the appropriate punishment.

”My unruly wife,” he called out, teasing her. His taunts always provoked a reaction from her. He was certain that it would work.

But she didn't even hear him. Distraught danced in her eyes, as she nibbled on her bottom lip. She was with him, but consciously, she was elsewhere.

”Sunshine,” he deadpanned.

Li Xueyue continued glaring at the door. She didn't want to explain to him. All she wanted to do was hit something or someone. The revelation of what happened to her made her so furious that it overcame the sorrow of her loss.

Her fingers curled into a fist. She would make everyone pay. All of them. No matter what happens, no matter the consequences.

Li Xueyue knew it wasn't her fault. She was mindful of the risk of being poisoned, mindful of taking good care of her body. But external forces were out of her control. These thoughts continuously ran through her mind, ringing like temple bells. But no matter how many times she tried to convince herself that she did nothing wrong, a part of her blamed no one but herself.

”Li Xueyue,” he snapped, finally capturing her attention.

”I'm sorry,” was the first thing she said.

Yu Zhen forced himself to be more patient with her. They had both suffered a tremendous loss, and neither of them were prepared for it.

”Why do you want to see that wench?” Yu Zhen demanded.

”Why not?” she argued, glaring up at him. What? Was he too reluctant to see his favorite servant harmed?

Li Xueyue grimaced at her impulsiveness. 'Since when did I have such ugly thoughts?' she asked herself.

”You have to be logical, Little Hamster—”

”Logical?” she hissed. ”I am completely sane right now.”

”I didn't say you were crazy. I am merely reminding you that this might not be the best way to deal with Xu Jiaqi.”

Li Xueyue scoffed. She took a step back, shaking her head in disbelief. Without knowing it, her hand had touched her stomach, almost as if there was more than one person that was offended by his words.

His gaze immediately averted to her hand, lying upon the flat belly. His glower softened. ”Sunshine, do not jump to conclusions so quickly.”

”Everyone is excused,” she stated.

Li Xueyue barely kept her voice in control. It was difficult not to sound frustrated with them when she was angry at the world.

They looked up, confused, and bewildered by her request. The maidservants shuffled their feet but hesitated to leave. Nonetheless, they slowly departed the room, one by one, closing the door behind them.

Silence engulfed the room. The tension was so thick, it could be sliced by a knife.

Yu Zhen tried to reason with her again—even when his mood was worsening. But at times like this, what could he do? Anger and screams would do nothing to help.

”You have to tell me the reason you're summoning Xu Jiaqi. I will support everything you do, Sunshine.”

Guilt began to nibble at Li Xueyue's broken heart. Yu Zhen was always so understanding and patient���but all she did was take, take, and take. Her eyes watered as she looked away.