C17 Is There Any Use in Apologizing?

As Xia Xiaowu opened the door, the fresh scent of body wash filled the air. For a moment, Bai Sichen's concentration wavered, but he kept his eyes on his book, pretending to be absorbed in reading.

Xia Xiaowu wrapped her robe tightly around herself, hesitating slightly as she stepped out of the bathroom.

Well, what's meant to happen will happen, she thought with a sigh, walking over to Bai Sichen. "Where should I sleep tonight?" she asked, her tone cool and composed, revealing nothing of her inner thoughts.

The room seemed to freeze over as Bai Sichen continued to act as if he hadn't heard her. After a long pause, he finally lifted a hand and gently patted the bed beside him.

That simple gesture made his position clear: she was to sleep on the bed. Yet, he showed no intention of moving, as if he truly saw them as a couple.

Xia Xiaowu hesitated, contemplating whether she should get some alcohol to knock him out first.

"What are you plotting now? Planning to tie me up?" Bai Sichen suddenly looked up, his sharp gaze meeting her hesitant eyes, his voice tinged with irritation.

"You... you know I didn't willingly marry you." Xia Xiaowu's words were firm, causing Bai Sichen to narrow his eyes slightly.

"Finally, some honesty."

With a sharp snap, he closed the book in his hand and tossed it heavily onto the nightstand, exuding an intimidating aura.

Xia Xiaowu stared at his scarred face, finding him even more frightening.

"But... you didn't really want to marry me either, did you?" Xia Xiaowu took a deep breath, trying to stay calm as she continued to reason with him.

"That's right. I married you to fulfill a family duty and to get back at you for that slap."

Despite his ruined appearance, no one had ever dared to humiliate him so publicly. Xia Xiaowu was the first, and for that alone, he felt she deserved punishment. Marrying her was just the beginning; he planned to slowly make her pay for the humiliation she caused.

Yet, once she joined the family, she seemed like a different person. He had intended to punish the arrogant and conceited woman, but now she seemed fragile, like she could break at any moment.

What a letdown!

Bai Sichen held back, hesitating to take any action.

"I'm sorry, okay? I shouldn't have done that. Actually, I..." Xia Xiaowu felt her apology was sincere, but she was cut off by Bai Sichen: "Do you think saying sorry is enough? You've already done what you shouldn't have. Now you want to apologize and pretend nothing happened?"

He didn't seem ready to let her off the hook so easily. Xia Xiaowu suddenly understood why people in town whispered that he was a "tough nut."

"So, what do you want?" Xia Xiaowu's wary eyes fixed on Bai Sichen, waiting for his response.

To her surprise, he suddenly moved swiftly to her side, his long arm wrapping around her waist. "Since we're already married, what do you think we should do?"