C1 Chapter 1

“Tap, tap, tap...” The slow, measured steps of custom-made leather shoes clicked sharply across the hardwood floor, like a summons from hell, swallowing Xia Bing bit by bit.

She was curled into the corner of the bed, drenched in cold sweat, her whole body tense.

Her fingers tangled tightly in her hair, knuckles pale and bloodless, while her dark eyes brimmed with fear and unease.

That devil of a man had come again.

She couldn’t remember how many nights it had been. Every night, like clockwork, he would appear in the dead of night, then descend on her like a beast, consuming her completely, only leaving at dawn once he was satisfied...

“Creak...” The heavy wooden door slowly swung open. Xia Bing couldn’t make out the face of the person entering. All she knew was that he was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried an air so cold and suffocating it filled the room.

“Tap, tap, tap...” The distinct footsteps drew closer until they stopped at the bedside.

The man lifted a hand to loosen his tie, looking down at Xia Bing curled up in the corner.

She wanted to run. Her body kept shrinking back, but the solid wall pressed against her back, leaving her nowhere to go.

Her slight frame was completely swallowed by the shadow he cast. There was no escape. All she could do was wait helplessly to become his prey.

Her lashes trembled. Her lips quivered.

Xia Bing’s gaze fixed on the man’s blurred face. She saw those well-shaped thin lips curl into a sinister smile. Then, in the next instant, his tall, perfect form transformed into a sleek cheetah, baring sharp teeth as it lunged at her!

“Ah—!”

With a scream, Xia Bing jolted upright in bed.

A sheen of sweat covered her forehead, her chest heaving violently as she gasped for air. It took her a long moment to realize it had only been a dream.

Those dark days were over...

“Mom, wake up! You promised you’d take me to the aquarium today. No backing out this time!”

Her gaze fell on the little dumpling standing in the doorway, and Xia Bing’s eyes instantly softened.

With a faint smile, Xia Bing said gently, “I know. Mom’s getting up right now.”

Xia Yanyou narrowed his eyes in a grin, his long lashes framing his delicate features, then dashed downstairs and obediently sat at the table, waiting for his mom to make breakfast.

After washing up, Xia Bing changed into a simple sweater dress. She looked graceful and composed, elegant and serene.

She was long past her teenage years, and her style had gradually shifted toward something more mature.

Downstairs, she poured Xia Yanyou a glass of milk first.

Holding his bottle with both hands, Xia Yanyou gulped it down, blinking his bright dark eyes as he watched his mother moving around the kitchen.

Her beautiful hair, softly curled, was loosely tied back. Two wisps of curls framed her forehead, and the gentle lines of her profile, along with the way she focused on the cooking, made her seem even more warm and nurturing.

Even though he had seen her like this countless times, Xia Yanyou still thought his mom was incredibly beautiful.

Having such a beautiful mom made him feel unbelievably lucky.

For breakfast, Xia Bing made sandwiches with eggs, bacon, and cod sausage—simple and nutritious.

A ring of milk clung to Xia Yanyou’s rosy lips as his little hand held the sandwich and he took a huge bite.

“Yanyou, Mom wants to talk to you about something.”

“Mm-hmm, okay.”

“Mom’s thinking about taking you back in a few days.”

“Huh?” Xia Yanyou paused mid-chew and blinked at Xia Bing, his thick lashes fluttering.

“And we’d be moving back for good.”

Once he processed what she had said, Xia Yanyou quickly swallowed the sandwich in his mouth and asked excitedly, “We’re going back? Really?”