Chapter 5: The Marriage Bargain

Three hours later.

When I returned to my room, sore all over, I found Derek lying naked on my bed.

We’d been sleeping in separate rooms for two years.

Derek had sexual dysfunction, needing strong stimulation to function. Ever since that unspeakable incident two years ago, he hadn’t touched me.

At this moment,

His chest rose and fell. He looked at me, panting, eyes half-closed.

"Come here."

I bit my lip and slowly walked over.

"I can’t give you acupuncture tonight—my hands are too shaky to hold the needles."

I showed him my trembling hands.

If I had any use in front of him, it was my acupuncture.

Years of dysfunction made it hard for him to control his body, sometimes always aroused, sometimes completely limp. During episodes, only acupuncture could barely bring him back to normal.

As the granddaughter of a master herbalist, I’d learned by immersion, and my technique was better than any outsider’s.

Derek’s face darkened.

Clearly, he was having an episode again.

Lying there, in a miserable state.

It was the former.

"Of all days to have this trouble today."

He cursed irritably, bloodshot eyes fixed on me, voice gruff:

"Just do it. Now."

I stood still, hesitating, and said, "The doctor said my brother’s bill needs to be renewed."

His voice turned cold instantly.

"You have to bring this up now?"

My voice trembled. "Please, Derek. The hospital said today’s the deadline. If we don’t pay, Alex’s meds stop tomorrow."

Derek stared at me for a few seconds, then snorted, picked up his phone, and made a quick call.

"Send $30,000 to the hospital."

Then he tossed his phone aside and glared at me:

"Take off your clothes and get on yourself."

I let out a quiet breath.

With trembling hands, I began to undress.

His gaze grew redder, his chest heaving more violently.

"Ugh—"

I suddenly doubled over, retching violently.

The taste of bile burned my throat. I clamped a hand over my mouth, but it was too late. I vomited on the bed, some splashing onto his leg.

Derek was a neat freak. He cursed and jumped up, rushing into the bathroom.

When he came out after washing, his face was thunderous.

I apologized quietly, "I must have eaten something bad today. I’ll clean it up right away."

He ignored me, picked up his phone, and dialed.

"I’m coming over tonight. Wait for me."

He started putting on the pajamas he’d tossed aside.

He didn’t speak.

I didn’t speak either.

The room was so quiet I could hear my own shaky breath. I sat on the edge of the bed, too tired to cry.

In the heavy silence, Derek finished dressing and walked out. At the door, he suddenly turned, his face grim and sarcastic.

"Aubrey, I really want to see how long you can keep up this act."