85 The Review 3 (1/2)

”Of course I am not ashamed of you, Joann. Why would you ever think that?”

”Meaning you're proud that your wife's naked picture is free for the world to see?” Joann countered in a tone that was filled with incredulity.

By then, Xu Jing had caught up to his wife's train of thought so he added, ”Of course I am not proud of that. In fact, I am horrified by this article, and I find it detestable that they would do something like this but my complaint lies more with the industry practice than yourself.

”Joann, I am proud of you, I cannot be more proud even if I try.”

Joann leaned into her husband's chest and she asked, ”Then, why did you…”

This time Xu Jing got what she was trying to say quickly. ”Because certain things are meant to be between husband and wife.”

”Thank you,” Joann whispered. As her husband's heartbeat drifted into her ears, she felt comforted and protected. Then certain thoughts filtered into Joann's mind.

If she had not volunteered to do the sex scene herself, then this would not have happened. Furthermore, from what Xu Jing had said, Joann could deduce that even though he did not once bring it up, he was affected by her decision to volunteer for the sex scene without consulting him. 'Certain things are meant to be between husband and wife' was his exact words.

Joann felt surfeited by guilt and she said, ”I'm sorry.”

”What for?”

”For all this.” Joann waved her hand at the room.

”It's okay. This is hardly your fault.”

”Even so, I'm sorry.”

Xu Jing smiled and put her arms around his wife. Joann in turn snuggled deeper into her husband's embrace.

The apology came several months too late but it was better late than never.

The couple did not say anything else after that and only stood there holding each other, enjoying the other person's silent company.