*Chapter 49: Penalties and Memories*
It was late when Zhao Liang finally approached her. He spoke quietly, almost conversationally. "You broke clause 6 yesterday."
Li Xue's heart froze. Clause 6: No contact with anyone outside the household without prior approval.
"I… I didn't—"
"You did," he interrupted, his voice calm but commanding. "Do you know the consequence?"
She swallowed hard. "I… I know."
The implied penalties were enormous. Money she did not have, obligations she could not escape. But this time, it was different. She felt a pulse of anger — subtle, tiny, but there. He noticed it, his gaze sharpening.
Then, almost tenderly, he traced a finger along her jawline. The gesture should have been comforting, but it carried weight — control, intimacy, and cruel power wrapped into one. Fear tightened around her chest, mingled with the faintest spark of rebellion she barely allowed herself to recognize.
Meanwhile, Mei Yan was exhausted but planning a weekend for Li Xue. She wanted to bring a small escape — a study group, a dinner out, a moment where Li Xue could breathe. Shen Wei offered to help, clearly smitten but cautious, aware of Zhao Liang's shadow.
Li Xue, lying awake later, clutched her math notebook, remembering the life they had promised each other — before the accident, before the ink. The contrast was unbearable, but also a faint reminder of the person Zhao Liang had once been… and perhaps, somewhere deep inside, still was.