Warnings:
1. Coercive relationship
2. Ten-year age gap
Proud, resilient heroine vs. outwardly refined but inwardly ruthless hero
(Both pure)
Opto Dougherty caught a glimpse of her on a New York street. The lovely girl laughed softly, vivid and graceful.
He touched his chest in a daze. The flesh there, usually as still as water, thumped once, then again, louder each time.
He understood. He had fallen for her.
Opto chose the quickest way to have her, claiming the title of her husband at the first opportunity.
She cried, fought, ran away, and fell apart.
*
"Don't be so cruel to me. Let me go, please," Li Zhuji begged him through tearful eyes.
Opto gently lifted his wife's face and wiped away her burning tears. His voice was low and hoarse. "My Psyche, you're so innocent and full of life. How could I possibly give you your freedom?"
*
He used the allure of love to deceive her and ensnare her, whether or not his wife wanted it.
Mistaking numb resignation for love, Opto held her close.
"I love you."
Psyche stared blankly for a moment, thinking it over. After a long while, she gave a faint smile. "Do I... love you?"
