Chapter 25: Permission to See Him

Scorching lips swept over every inch of skin, making Yun Xueyan tremble uncontrollably.

A warm, powerful hand gripped her slender waist, yet it felt like the shackles of a demon, rendering her utterly immobile.

Within her heart, fear and struggle gave way to a hint of despair...

Once again, she recalled that rainy night, when Duan Nanyu had tried to possess her with brutal force; that incomparable panic now resurfaced in full force...

“Did you not wish to beg me? Now I am giving you the chance!” Duan Nanyu lifted his head, gazing at the woman before him whose face was full of grievance and terror. His heart softened despite himself.

Whenever he was with her, he found himself unable to control his temper, hurting her again and again...

The thought filled Duan Nanyu with regret, but in an instant, his hardened, icy shell rebuilt itself. He would not allow his heart to soften so easily for another!

Seeing Yun Xueyan beneath him, closing her eyes as if resigned to fate, Duan Nanyu began to claim her with abandon. She was his favored slave; he could possess and punish her as he wished!

“Open your eyes. Look at me!” Gripping Yun Xueyan’s throat, Duan Nanyu growled in anger. Was he truly so unworthy of her gaze?

As the thought crossed his mind, he sneered coldly. Of course—she had another man in her heart. Even if she was now a mere concubine, she would not look at him.

And yet, he was angry because she ignored him—how ridiculous!

Reluctantly, she opened her eyes, meeting Duan Nanyu’s unpredictable face. The rage in his deep eyes seemed ready to consume her whole.

“Watch me as I take you!” No sooner had the words left his lips than Duan Nanyu thrust forward—

“My lord...” Suddenly, a voice called from outside, forcing Duan Nanyu to lift himself, glancing at the figure on the bed before climbing off with a dark expression.

“What is it?” he asked irritably, donning his clothing before opening the door. Outside, Zihun stood respectfully.

“My lord, General Yun requests an audience. He wishes to see... Lady Xueyan.”

Zihun had hardly finished speaking when a loud crash came from within, as if something had fallen to the ground.

Casting a sidelong glance into the room, Duan Nanyu waved a hand at Zihun. “Have him wait a while.”

He turned and walked back inside. A chair had toppled by the table, and Yun Xueyan, having hastily put on her underclothes, stood frozen in place, her eyes fixed on Duan Nanyu with pleading and longing.

Such a look twisted something painfully in Duan Nanyu’s heart.

His loathing for the woman before him only deepened.

“So eager to see that man? Weren't you just begging me a moment ago? Why are you dressed so quickly now?” He never meant to be at odds with her, yet the harsh, biting words always slipped out unbidden.

Yun Xueyan lowered her eyes and knelt, her head bowed. “My lord, I beg you, please let me see my brother. Just one meeting, and I will submit to whatever you wish.”

The humble plea slipped from her lips at last. Since there was no escape, she would no longer try...

Concubine, servant, favored slave—none of those titles mattered to her now. They could not change her fate.

Her destiny was a net, binding her tightly, leaving her nowhere to flee.

“What a wretched life! Yun Xueyan, you would beg me just to see another man?” Duan Nanyu hurled his sleeve in anger and strode out of the room. “You had best mind your words!”

A slow smile curled at the corner of his mouth. He had, in fact, agreed to let her see Yun Qixiao.