The Substitute Bride and the Cripple

Tang Qiu had her doubts, but she lifted her head and kissed him. Satisfied, Jiang Shaocheng bolstered himself up with his arms and shifted away. He relaxed, but didn’t entirely relinquish his hold on her. He had been single for so long, he was bound to be a little clingy now that he had someone to love.

“Dear…” Tang Qiu’s voice trailed into a plea. He was truly heavy.

Reluctantly, Jiang Shaocheng released her and settled for pulling her into his embrace instead. “Qiu…” he sighed. “When will you be mine… in all ways?”

Tang Qiu’s pulse fluttered rapidly. What he was referring to simply wasn’t possible now. “As long as you comply with the treatment, you’ll be back to normal one day,” she assured him.

“And then? Will you be willing to give yourself over to me?”

“… As long as you recover first,” she replied, hoping it could encourage him.

Fire swelled in Jiang Shaocheng, sending his loins alight with anticipation. He kissed her forehead before throwing the sheets over them. The weather was cool despite it being summer, and he didn’t want her gaze wandering to his lower body.

Tang Qiu helped tuck him in. “I’ll never leave you, dear,” she promised, smiling.

Jiang Shaocheng wrapped his arms around her and whispered, “Goodnight, Qiu.” Silly, precious girl. If only she could stay with him forever, with her warmth to ward off the chill of his loneliness. 𝘧𝔯e𝗲𝙬ℯ𝙗𝓷o𝘷e𝗹.𝐜𝑜𝒎

Tang Qiu made no reply. Within moments she was asleep, so quickly it made Jiang Shaocheng envious. He kissed her forehead and left the room, only to be greeted by He Lei.

“Young Master, your father has cut off your financial resources.”

Jiang Shaocheng smiled sardonically. “Let him.”

It should have begun long ago, this tussle between father and son, seeing who would come out on top. He would make Jiang Hanchen pay, he swore. One day, he would.

“What should we do now?”

“Send a message to Ke Liuyi.” She was one of Jiang Shaocheng’s physicians. “Tell her my condition has improved, and to come treat me.”

***

Tang Qiu awoke to a pair of eyes gazing tenderly at her. “Good morning, dear,” she greeted.

“You know what would make my day? A good morning kiss.” Jiang Shaocheng leaned in.

Shyly, Tang Qiu buried her face in the blanket, but it only made his scent stronger; crisp and fresh as pine trees. His pajama shirt hung open, giving her a glimpse of his muscles–firm, hard, painted with sunlight. She couldn’t resist reaching out to stroke them.

“What are you doing, Qiu?” he asked hoarsely. She was treading on dangerous territory. His desire was always strong in the morning–even more so now, with her fingers tracing his skin.

“Nothing.” Tang Qiu retracted her hand like his flesh had turned white-hot. Without meeting his eyes, she threw back the sheets and scurried out of bed.

Jiang Shaocheng grinned. Rays of dawn were streaming in from the window. Although she had left his arms, her warmth remained, lending him comfort even in her absence.

It was the weekend, so Tang Qiu had no classes, and they went for a walk after breakfast. “Let’s go to the supermarket so I can pick up some groceries. I want to buy some flowers, too…” She continued to prattle on about the most trivial of things, leaving him with no room to speak.

Her figure grew smaller and smaller in the distance, oblivious to his absence. Jiang Shaocheng choked back a laugh. He Lei moved to intervene, but a look from Jiang Shaocheng halted him.

Let’s see when the foolish girl realizes that I’ve been left behind.?

Tang Qiu was contemplating what ingredients to buy and what to make for lunch when she was struck by the realization that her husband was gone. Her head swiveled around, confused, to the sight of a man in a wheelchair sitting quietly amongst the crowd. She hurried back to him.

“Why didn’t you call me, dear?”

“I was waiting for you to help push me.”

“What if someone had knocked into you while I was gone? This won’t do. I’d better hold your hand from now on.”

Jiang Shaocheng had been hoping she’d say that. He let himself imagine what it would be like if she didn’t go to school, instead staying at home all day, where he could gaze at her anytime he pleased. Yearning and paranoia mixed in his heart, threatening to bubble to the surface. Had it been up to him, he would have locked her up in the house, but he knew all too well that he couldn’t act so rashly if he wanted her to remain by his side. Otherwise, he’d just frighten her off.

It was almost noon when they returned to the mansion, only to find the door open–and a woman in a white dress, waiting for them.