Chapter 6: The Night Everything Changed

“In the study drawer... there’s medicine and a syringe. Go get them...” Priya’s voice was weak, desperately trying to hide the scales and patterns spreading over her body.

Her breathing was ragged, almost animal. I caught the faint scent of antiseptic and the metallic tang of sweat. For a second, her vulnerability made me want to wrap her in my arms, consequences be damned.

I looked at her—lips bitten bloody, clothes soaked with sweat, curves outlined seductively...

Suddenly, I changed my mind.

Three years in a cold marriage—even if I don’t have a succubus’s appetite, I’m still a normal man.

Even though I’d written the first rule of our contract myself: No feelings, just money, absolutely no taking advantage.

But I’m a morally bankrupt, vicious supporting character—why bother with trust now?

Having decided, I gently stroked her face and whispered, “Priya, I’ll be gentle.”

The words hung in the air, uncertain and new—like the time I confessed to Ma that I’d lost her gold ring in the park. My voice was almost a prayer, a wish for forgiveness.

“Don’t touch me... I’m dirty...” She trembled at my touch, clinging to her last shred of dignity.

Her voice was barely a whisper, her body taut. Tears shimmered in her eyes, threatening to spill, but she blinked them away. For the first time, I saw how hard she fought to keep herself together.

“But I want to...”

I shrugged off my towel, wiped the blood from her lips with my finger, and leaned down to kiss her.

In the stillness, the sound of my heartbeat was almost deafening. Outside, a dog barked in the lane. I pressed my lips to hers, tasting salt and longing and old regret.

Barrage:

[What’s happening? The male supporting character is taking the initiative!]

[Aaaaah, this is so hot, I’m dying. Bro, do you need a dog?]

[Love mixed with hate—delicious. Hate birthing love—divine.]

[Heart pounding, hands shaking—our villain couple is finally doing it!]

As our lips met, I cupped Priya’s head in my broad, warm palm.

She gasped, her legs going weak.

Suddenly, a black ‘rope’ coiled tightly around my waist.

It was so tight it hurt; I groaned, trying to push it away.

“Sorry, don’t... don’t look...” Priya snapped out of her daze, eyes shrinking in panic as she tried to hide the tail that had slipped out.

Before I could react, she’d already fled in embarrassment.

A moment later, I heard her rummaging through the study drawers next door, the sharp scent of medicine wafting out.

The clatter of drawers was loud, like the banging of the pressure cooker lid. I waited, towel slipping, not sure if I should follow or pretend nothing happened.

I leaned against the wardrobe, gulping for air, watching the barrage scroll by:

[Priya, you coward, come back! I already took my towel off, why are you running?]

[Am I the only one who feels bad for the second female lead? Bullied her whole life for being a succubus, married her white moonlight with joy, but even he finds her disgusting. How could she not feel inferior?]

[Male supporting character, seriously, did you have to act grossed out by her true form at a time like this? She’s really about to break.]

No, I’m innocent!

I just wanted her not to tie me up so tight...