“I’m a bit tired.” Dean said faintly, heading upstairs, “Where’s mom?”
“Mom went to the airport to pick up grandmother; she hasn’t come back yet. Have you had lunch?”
“No.” Dean said. In fact, he had rushed back to appease Misha, so she wouldn’t come looking for him in the city.
“Then I’ll have someone prepare it.” Misha followed him upstairs. Misha spoke as she turned to go downstairs. Dean returned to his room, loosened his tie, and undid the top two buttons of his shirt, revealing his firm, sexy chest. He sat lazily by the window, lit a cigarette, and pondered quietly amidst the swirling smoke. What was Ye Ye doing? Was she out sightseeing, or staying in her room? Would she wait for me to come back? What kind of girl is she? She appears naive, but in reality, she’s quite feisty. When faced with Jessica’s unreasonable behavior, she actually slapped her twice without fear! Although it was a justified retaliation, not every girl would have such courage; most might choose to cry or remain silent, but Ye Ye responded immediately and decisively! Ye Ye is also combative; when the dancer provoked her, she bravely took the stage to defend him, her companion, like a small beast fiercely protecting its own, roaring yet perfectly defeating her adversary. Ye Ye is also a somewhat muddled girl, falling asleep beside him without any pretense, burrowing in and out of his bed, even wearing his shirts… She can also concoct perfumes, with that special scent, that “Night Soul” perfume, just like Ye Ye herself, unique and tempting… What kind of girl is she really? Is she battle-hardened, or still naive? Did she appear intentionally, or was it just a coincidence? Dean was puzzled. Even though he was married, he had never before pondered so deeply about a woman, and this woman, whom he had known for less than 24 hours and hadn’t even won over yet…
“Darling, I’ve had the servants prepare your favorite meal; it will be ready in about half an hour,” Misha said as she gently pushed open Dean’s door and walked in gracefully. Dean looked at her, his wife; their marriage was just for the benefit of their families. Misha loved him, but he, at 26, had never loved any woman; he only enjoyed their fascination and love for him… Misha approached Dean; this man, as handsome as a demon or a god, was her childhood crush, becoming his bride was her lifelong wish, now fulfilled. However, over the year since their marriage, she sadly realized that her husband, the man she deeply loved, his heart was still not with her—she hadn’t truly captured this man… She knew Dean was still involved with new and old flames outside, with scandals and gossip flying around, but she chose to be the waiting woman, steadfastly believing that Dean would not stop for any other woman… So she let him roam, knowing he would return home when tired, and she was the only one who could wait for him at home. Sooner or later, Dean would realize that the one truly worth loving was his wife—Misha!
“Misha, from now on, if you don’t see me, go to bed early, don’t stay up late,” Dean said, looking at Misha crouched in front of him, her deep dark circles under her eyes, her beautiful face looking haggard. He gently rubbed her face with his fingertips. Misha lifted her hand to hold his large hand on her face and said tenderly, “Darling, I’m just worried about you. Promise me, no matter when, especially at night, even if you don’t come home, call me to let me know you’re safe… only then can I sleep…” Her words were almost humble, with a hint of choking. Dean always knew Misha was a very simple and gentle woman; they were two years apart, and Misha married him right after graduating from university; her world had always been just him! He also knew Misha was aware of his romantic escapades outside, as the media across Europe never ceased to report on his private life. Yet, the gentle Misha had always remained silent, never causing a scene. As a man, having such a virtuous, beautiful, and tolerant wife should be satisfying, right?
“Okay, I promise you,” Dean couldn’t think of any reason to refuse, his lake-blue eyes looking at Misha with a complex expression. Misha, satisfied, leaned in to kiss him, wrapping her arms around his neck, and they shared a deep, passionate kiss. Dean’s dormant desire was awakened; he was a man, he needed release… With one swift motion, he picked up Misha and carried her to the adjacent room—her room. “Darling, can’t we do it here?” Misha asked hoarsely; they had never made love in Dean’s room before… Dean didn’t reply, just carried Misha to her room and laid her on the large bed… Misha eagerly responded, her soft moans filling the room with joy.
“Lips trembling in secret—your eyes hint at mystery—I hide in the dark to talk—why are we stuck in this deadlock…” “Darling, your phone… it’s ringing…” Misha patted her husband on her. Dean paused his movements—this ringtone—Ye Ye?! “A strange melody—perfect and concrete—all words lose their meaning—absurd analysis—gets no response—just listen quietly—forgive yourself…” The ringtone continued. Dean quickly withdrew, picked up his shirt from the floor, put it on, and pulled out his now silent phone from his pocket, standing with his back to Misha, staring blankly for three seconds… “Darling, who is it?” Misha asked curiously; she knew this phone was only known to Dean’s closest friends, not even his wife knew the number, and the usual ringtone was just piano music, now it was in Chinese…
“You rest first, I need to make a call…” With that, he left without a trace of reluctance and returned to his room. Misha watched her husband leave, the first time he had stopped in the middle of lovemaking for a phone call…
Ye Ye, watching her phone ring for a long time without an answer, suddenly felt cold—she had mustered the courage to call, telling herself if he answered, she would stay and wait for him; if not, she would leave… And he—didn’t answer! Just as Ye Ye was lost in thought, her phone rang—”Lips trembling in secret—your eyes hint at mystery—I hide in the dark to talk—why are we stuck in this deadlock…” Ye Ye hesitated before picking up, softly saying, “Hello—”
“What’s wrong, Ye Ye, you seem down?” Dean immediately sensed Ye Ye’s unusual tone. “Dean, I’m leaving…” “Isn’t it the day after tomorrow?” Dean asked urgently. “No, let’s call off our bet. This game is too dangerous, and it hurts people…” “Are you backing out?” Dean said sharply. “Yes, I am backing out. Because I don’t want to ruin things, because I lack the courage!” “Don’t you not care about my marriage?” “I thought I could not care, but now, when I need you, you’re not here, and suddenly, I find that I care a lot!” Ye Ye confessed honestly. “You need me? What’s wrong, Ye Ye?” Dean sensed Ye Ye’s weakness and asked anxiously. “I… it’s nothing… I’m leaving, Ho, forgive me… I can’t say goodbye…” She resolutely hung up the phone. [From Paris to Rome: Twelve, Mommy and Grandma] Dean stared at the disconnected phone, wanting to call back, but Misha walked in…
Misha, seeing Dean’s complicated gaze, suddenly felt an unprecedented fear. She felt that she was about to lose him… She forced a strained smile: “Darling, let’s go downstairs for lunch. The servants have it ready… Mommy and Grandma are back too!” She knew that their lovemaking would not continue, so she wisely didn’t mention it. Dean looked at Misha; he knew his sudden withdrawal had hurt her, but without love, he chose to continue ignoring Misha’s affection, selfishly enjoying her tolerance. “Let’s go!” He stood up, walking ahead of Misha. This would do for now. Regarding Ye Ye, he knew this was different from his usual flings, so he needed to think carefully about whether he could continue this forbidden game…
