Chapter 2

The pain unfurled through Robin's body like a persistent drizzle, slowly creeping into every nook and cranny.

Robin's voice was hoarse, every word scraping her throat like a razor blade. "Waldo, I just want to use the bathroom."

Waldo snapped, impatience flickering in his eyes, "You make too much sound. You used to hold it in. Why can't you do it tonight?"

It felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over Robin, making her shiver all over.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Waldo. She was surprised that he actually knew it.

He knew she'd been suffering in silence for three years, too afraid to even get out of bed at night.

She wondered if he also knew that when she was burning up with fever before, but she wouldn't even dare to call his name.

All this time, he just watched without doing anything.

Robin couldn't help but laugh at herself. After all these years, she'd actually loved a man like him.

Robin had been crazy about Waldo since they were little kids. Back when she was still running around in diapers, she'd follow him everywhere.

But Waldo was always distant, like he was emotionally shut off and never interested in girls. No matter how much Robin tried to get his attention, he never responded.

So when she found out the Nash family and the Hopkin family were planning a marriage alliance, Robin went straight to her parents.

She went behind her sister's back and insisted she had to be the one to marry Waldo.

She was so desperate for this marriage that she went on a three-day hunger strike, and even signed away her right to inherit from her family.

She thought that as long as she married Waldo and was around him every day, eventually she'd win his love.

But she never imagined Waldo had already fallen deeply for another woman.

Now, because of that woman, he wouldn't even let her get out of bed at night.

Robin let out a sarcastic laugh, frustration bubbling up. "Waldo, what if tonight I just can't hold it anymore?

"What if I really have to go?"

She struggled, pushing against Waldo with everything she had, but in the next instant, he locked her in a crushing embrace, holding her so tight she could barely breathe.

The sharp scent of cedar and his overpowering masculine presence smothered her while he was pinning her down. Robin then bit down hard on Waldo's neck.

Waldo winced in pain, the veins at his temples bulging, but he still refused to let go.

His voice was hoarse and cold, each word clipped as he spoke in her ear. "I said no.

"If you really can't hold it, then just go in the bed."

Waldo took a deep breath before adding coldly, "Just toss the bedding tomorrow."

It was like a bomb went off right next to Robin's ear. She froze, chills running down her spine as she stared at Waldo. "What did you just say?"

Before Waldo could answer, a bitter, broken laugh escaped Robin.

"Waldo, you're out of your mind!" she snapped.

Robin stopped resisting Waldo.

Her face was ghostly pale, a sarcastic twist to her lips, and her voice was colder than ever before. "Just let go."

Waldo finally loosened his grip.

Robin leaned back, her voice flat and icy. "No need to toss the sheets. Relax, I'll hold it in.

"But this is the last time I'm ever holding back.

"Tomorrow, we're getting a divorce."

From now on, she'd never hold back for him again.

Waldo didn't think much of Robin's proposal.

After all, it was common knowledge how deeply Robin loved him.

He just assumed she was being petty, sulking to get back at him.

So the next morning, it was business as usual for Waldo. He washed up, got dressed, and went about his routine like nothing had happened.

When he started to put on his tie, he called out for Robin, out of habit. "Robin?"

It was their unspoken ritual.

On their wedding day, Robin was the one fumbling with Waldo's tie.

She had no clue how to tie it, so she kept watching video tutorials, using Waldo as her practice dummy. The pricey tie ended up looking like a mess.

After three failed attempts, she lost her temper and just ripped the tie off.

"Forget it, I'm not doing this anymore. It's impossible!" Robin snapped.

Waldo just sighed, took her hands in his, and guided her through every step until the tie was finally done.

He kept his head down, silent, his profile sharp as if carved from stone, just as cold and indifferent as ever.