1 My husband, Ethan Beckett, was a man of strict habits, often distant. He didn't seem to care for me. Every night, he’d button his shirt all the way to the top before bed, and, just to top it off, he’d slip a self-improvement guide under my pillow. I’d finally reached my breaking point. I was about to hand him the divorce papers when, suddenly, a string of comments appeared before my eyes: [Poor Dragon Lord, about to be heartlessly abandoned during his mating season.] [The clueless female lead is blind as a bat! That’s not a self-improvement guide he’s slipping under your pillow, it’s ‘Beastman’s 108 Positions’!] [Female lead, why don’t you just touch him? The Dragon Lord’s… well, his ‘firepower’ is about to explode! He’s only holding back because he’s afraid of scaring you!] I froze, my hand hovering, the divorce papers momentarily forgotten. Then, I tentatively reached out and brushed my hand over his abs. … Ethan’s expression remained indifferent, his amber eyes gazing at me with a calm, almost serene, detachment. "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice still that familiar, cool tone. The comments continued to scroll: [Is the male lead a ninja? So much self-control, and it’s already the third day of his mating season.] [What’s the male lead doing wrong? He’s only holding back and going for a ‘pure’ romance because he’s terrified of scaring the female lead away. He’s absolutely crazy about her!] [It’s no wonder the female lead thinks the male lead doesn’t like her. Tonight, out of spite, she’ll go to a club to find a male escort and get caught! That’s how the male lead and the true female lead finally meet.] What?! A male escort? And getting caught? Don't jump to conclusions about things that haven't even happened! My gaze drifted casually away from the comments. "N-nothing at all," I stammered, feeling a blush creep up my neck. "You just had something on your shirt. I was just wiping it off for you." Ethan said nothing, simply staring at me for a long time. So long, I was convinced he’d realized I wanted a divorce. I started to nervously crumple the divorce papers in my hand, but then Ethan picked up his bathrobe and walked into the bathroom. My spirits plummeted. I’d only touched him, and he immediately went to wash. Was he truly that disgusted by me? The comments, however, were anything but calm: [Silly girl, he’s not disgusted by you at all, he’s, hehehe…] [Whoa, whoa, whoa! The male lead finally couldn't hold it in! The female lead just touched him, and now he needs a cold shower!] [Ah! The male lead is whispering the female lead's name in the bathroom!] My cheeks burned. Was this the comment section or a private chamber? An hour later, Ethan emerged from the bathroom, his voice much clearer, less strained. "The Beckett Foundation is hosting a charity gala tonight. I need you to accompany me." I frowned. "Oh, I don't know…" Those galas were always exhausting and dull. Ethan reached out and gently tugged my sleeve, his voice softening, almost pleading. "Just this once." The comments went wild: [Ugh, it’s a shame the male lead is lowering himself and begging, but the female lead still refuses and goes to find a male escort at a club!] [The Dragon Lord, uncomforted during his mating season, then finds his wife flirting with an escort! Heartbroken, he’s ultimately ‘rescued’ by the true female lead, and their romance begins!] [Female lead, just agree! If you don’t, you two are doomed tonight!] [Not only doomed, but without the male lead's protection, she'll be tormented half to death by his obsessed admirer!] A shiver ran down my spine. My refusal caught in my throat, then twisted into a reluctant agreement: "Alright. Just this once, I'll indulge you." The comments exploded: [Wait, what? How did the female lead agree?!] Ethan seemed to let out an imperceptible sigh of relief. Normally, I wouldn’t have noticed. But now, with the comments incessantly reminding me that "a dragon's Adam's apple is a sensitive spot," I braved a second, closer look. And that’s when I noticed it. His eyes were subtly reddened at the corners, a stark contrast to his usual cool demeanor, and a suspicious dampness seemed to cling to him. Impulsively, I reached out and gently brushed his Adam's apple. Ethan flinched violently, his breathing suddenly ragged, his Adam's apple bobbing with a muffled sound. "You, you…" Frightened, I pulled my hand back. "I'm sorry! You don't like it, I won't touch you again!" His reaction was nothing like the "begging for rubs" the comments had described! 2 The comments erupted in a furious barrage: [Female lead, do you even know how to touch him? If you don't, let me! This isn’t 'dislike,' Chloe, this is pure excitement from Ethan Beckett!] [Ethan Beckett’s inner monologue: My wife touched my Adam’s apple! She touched me! Do I have a chance to be a father?!] I looked suspiciously at the comments, then back at Ethan. The next second, he suddenly grabbed my hand and pressed it firmly against his neck, his voice muffled. "I… I like it." My titanium-reinforced eyesight nearly popped out of my head. At my core, I was a total simp for good looks. The moment I first saw Ethan Beckett three years ago, my heart had completely fluttered. A year ago, I’d heard the Beckett family was arranging a marriage. I had fought my way through a host of wealthy socialites, determined to marry into the Beckett family. Who would have thought? We got married, but I ended up a de facto widow. This man either slept in the study or the guest room. On the rare occasions he returned to our bedroom, he still maintained a distance as vast as the Milky Way. If it were just that, I might have endured it. After all, seeing Ethan Beckett’s handsome face every day was a small consolation. But these past few days! In the middle of the night, he’d started pulling me into his arms, then he’d groan and mumble someone else’s name. He’d just keep repeating "Babe, Babe." My name, damn it, is Chloe, not 'Babe'! I’d had enough. This morning, I was absolutely determined to file for divorce. But now… I looked at the man before me, his face flushed crimson from my touch. I rubbed my chin with my free hand, thinking, maybe a few more days wouldn't hurt. Based on the comments, who knew, maybe we’d finally get to share a bed soon. At such a critical moment, let Ethan Beckett go to some other "true" female lead? Never! Ethan’s body stiffened, a flicker of embarrassment and irritation crossing his usually cool face. "Don't do that…" He lowered his eyes, which seemed to glisten, like a wet puppy's. "Touching my chin like that, it's like petting a dog. It’s… it’s undignified." Startled, I pulled my hand back, forcing a sheepish laugh. "Oh, sorry, I just zoned out for a second. Would you believe me if I said I meant to touch my own chin?" Ethan’s face darkened, and he scowled. "Zoning out? Were you thinking about another man in front of me again?" His gaze was stubborn. "I saw you touch someone else last time. Why don't you want to touch me?" He mumbled, almost to himself, "Even though I don't like it, you can't not touch…" He pressed his lips together, swallowing the rest of his sentence. I was surprised by how much he was talking today, and a little exasperated. "You say you don't like it, but then you insist I touch you?" "What on earth do you want?!" Comments: [The female lead is so stubborn, she’s practically pushing the male lead straight into the true female lead's arms.] Ethan, offended by my crude language, turned and walked away. The comments sighed: [Now that he's gone, things won't be the same when they meet again.] 3 [I’m rooting for them so hard. If only the female lead could read minds, they wouldn’t have so many misunderstandings.] [Female lead, you’re so confused! No matter how good a male escort is, can he be as good as Ethan Beckett? As handsome? As… lasting?] Lasting or not, how would I know? I haven't tried. And who said I was looking for a male escort? I’m going to make Ethan Beckett a loving wife’s lunch right now. Once it's ready, I'll take it to his office. I want to see if this guy truly becomes as passionate as the comments claim, just from a touch. While cooking, my dad suddenly called. "Sweetheart, I heard Ethan Beckett is taking you to a gala tonight?" I hummed in agreement, arranging boiled corn kernels into a heart shape. Dad, ever the concerned parent, lectured me earnestly: "Honey, don't go messing around tonight, okay? And delete those numbers on your phone, don't keep too many of those guys." I paused, realizing he was referring to the contacts I’d added from a party with friends a few days ago. "Okay, Dad, got it. Can't talk now, I'm making Ethan Beckett a lunchbox. Gotta deliver it soon." Perhaps because my long-held crush finally had a chance to see the light of day, my hands were trembling with excitement by the time I reached the lobby of Beckett Industries. The comments suddenly flooded the screen: [Why is the female lead here at the office now? If I remember correctly, the true female lead is here today to interview for a secretary position, probably in Ethan Beckett's office right now!] [This is some kind of alternative dumpster fire… I’m almost afraid to watch…] This wouldn’t do! I immediately quickened my pace, heading into the building. As I tried to enter the elevator, the front desk receptionist stopped me. "Hello, do you have an appointment?" An appointment? "No, but I…" The receptionist, Ms. Rogers, cut me off before I could finish. "If you don't have an appointment, you'll need to wait in the lobby. I can schedule one for you." Another receptionist, younger, sniffed dismissively. "Ms. Rogers, don't be so soft-hearted. Aren't there enough women throwing themselves at Mr. Beckett? Why help her make an appointment? If you ask me, anyone trying to get ahead with their looks should be kicked out." Ms. Rogers frowned at her. "Don't talk nonsense." I sighed, pulling out my phone and calling Ethan Beckett's executive assistant, Mr. Davies. "I'm at the front desk. Could you please come get me?" Two minutes later, under the stunned gaze of the receptionists, I followed Mr. Davies into the private elevator reserved for the CEO. When we reached the office door, before even stepping inside, I heard voices. A soft, feminine voice exclaimed: "Mr. Beckett, what's wrong?" "Oh my goodness, you're burning up! Do you need help?" 4 Ethan Beckett's cool voice followed, tinged with exhaustion. "No, I don't. Don't touch me. Please leave." The sound of shattering glass followed, and the woman's voice rose. "How can I leave you alone like this? Don't worry, I'll take you to the hospital." Ethan Beckett's voice held a hint of anger. "I said don't touch me. Stay away from me." Mr. Davies glanced at me, a somewhat awkward expression on his face, but he still pushed the door open for me. The office was a mess. A woman with flushed cheeks was supporting Ethan Beckett's arm. Her pretty, doe-like eyes met mine, filled with a hint of timidity, and she spoke blushingly. "Mr. Beckett is ill. As a secretary candidate, it's my duty to take care of him." Mr. Davies' face hardened. He stepped forward himself and took over supporting Ethan Beckett. "You haven't passed your interview yet. You're not needed here at the moment. Please leave." Ethan Beckett looked terrible; the hair at his temples was drenched with sweat. He looked at me, wanting to speak, but only managed a pained groan. Mr. Davies prompted me. "Mrs. Beckett, please come closer." He added, his voice soft, "Mr. Beckett… he really needs you right now." I hesitated, a bit afraid to step forward, feeling like something momentous would happen if I did. But then I reconsidered. At worst, we'd end up in bed right then and there. Isn't that what I married him for? What was there to be afraid of? I braced myself, walked over, took Mr. Davies' place, and supported Ethan Beckett. He was burning hot. The moment I touched him, he immediately pulled me into his arms, resting his chin on my shoulder, his breathing ragged and chaotic. Mr. Davies closed the door and left. Ethan Beckett, unsettled, rubbed against me, like a lost, disheveled dog. [What’s going on? The male lead kicked the true female lead out?] [Isn't it the true female lead’s job to help the male lead through this? How’d it switch to the female lead (me)?] [Female lead (me) is fine too! Is this car about to hit the highway? Female lead, don't let Ethan Beckett, that dragon, get away!] I stiffened, not daring to move. "Um, I came to bring you lunch. Are you hungry? Want some?" [Ugh, no! The Dragon Lord only wants to eat you, you stupid female lead!] [Don't ask him if he's hungry! Kiss him right now! Only intense… activity… will satisfy him!] [Are you all crazy? If the female lead satisfies the male lead, what about the true female lead? The official pair is true love!] [Who cares about true love? I just want to see some action, otherwise, my VIP subscription will be wasted! Female lead, go for it!] The comments made my heart pound with a mix of excitement and lust. I was just about to cup Ethan Beckett’s face and force a kiss when he pushed me away, looking as if I'd offended him. "Apologies. I need to compose myself. I won't hug you like that again." I saw red. He’d hugged me, he’d rubbed against me, and now he was saying he wouldn’t hug me again? What did he mean? Was I uncomfortable to hold? "So," I challenged, narrowing my eyes, "should I go call that secretary back in?" I waited for his answer. Suddenly, a cold, scaly pressure coiled around my calf. I looked down, and nearly fainted. 5 A thick, dark dragon tail, its scales gleaming under the sunlight. I trembled, raising a shaking hand. "You, you, you…" Do monsters not hide anymore? In broad daylight, he’s wrapping his tail around me? Ethan Beckett's body stiffened for a second, and he reached down to pull his tail away. "I'm sorry, I…" I wasn't listening. It was too terrifying. The tail was horrifying, and Ethan Beckett's eyes had transformed into inky green vertical slits. For a moment, I felt like I was looking at Godzilla from Ultraman. I turned to run, but he yanked me back. The dragon tail coiled around my ankle again, and Ethan Beckett's burning hot body pressed against my back. His hoarse voice, like a wet, pleading puppy, whimpered: "Don't be afraid of me, please." [Isn’t the male lead supposed to reveal his beast form tonight? How is he already…?] [His soft, sweet wife is right in front of him, he just couldn't hold it in, could he?] [That’s what you get for being so reserved and secretive! Now it’s exposed directly, and you almost scared your wife to death.] [Doesn't this mean it's office play unlocked? Waiting eagerly!] I didn't dare move, trying to sound calm. "I didn't see anything. I won't say anything, just don't…" Before I could finish, sharp teeth lightly grazed the skin on my neck. It didn’t hurt, but it tickled, and I felt even more terrified. "Don't scare me. Put your teeth away." I pleaded, my voice thin. "I'm just a normal person; I can't survive a bite from you." Ethan Beckett was truly ruthless. I just wanted to sleep with him, but he seemed to want my life! His ragged breathing hitched, and the pressure on my neck vanished. Ethan Beckett released me, steadied his breathing, and said softly, "You can go. I won't force you." I bolted. I'd been terrified of Godzilla from Ultraman ever since I was a kid. I’d thought, based on the comments, that my lust might outweigh my fear. Ethan Beckett was so devilishly handsome, I was willing to accept him even if he was a dragon. But after today, I completely gave up. The moment his tail appeared, I started trembling. How was I supposed to handle this? I couldn't! [No? Female lead, you just left the male lead like that?] [He couldn’t even hold back his beast form! Leaving him like that, aren’t you basically signing his death warrant?] [It seems that if beastmen don’t… relieve themselves… during mating season, it’s very dangerous. They can get high fevers and convulsions.] My steps faltered. My heart began to churn with conflict again. Ethan Beckett… would he be in danger? Maybe I should go back and check? I turned and walked back towards Ethan Beckett’s office. The comments instantly boiled over: [Here it comes, here it comes, the famous scene is about to happen!] [I just pray the female lead sees this famous scene and doesn't blame the male lead.]
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