To save my grandmother, I knelt down and begged Shen Jinzhao.

By day, I am his bodyguard; by night, he is my lover.

He has many beautiful women around him, but I am the only one left.

I thought I was special.

Until I heard him telling others “I’m just playing with him.”

I left without looking back.

I heard that the young master of the Shen family was digging three feet underground, looking for a small bodyguard.

Later, I found myself pinned him down beneath me, while telling him: “I’m a mad dog; don’t provoke me.”

1

The banquet was over.

Not long ago, Shen Jinzhao had a jeweler come over, asking me to help choose a necklace, saying it was for a client.

Now that sapphire necklace was on Xu Fangtong’s neck, sparkling blindingly.

He held Xu Fangtong close, whispering in her ear.

She smiled, her gaze drifting toward me, her smile deepening.

I silently lowered my eyes until Xu Fangtong’s car roared away.

In the car, Shen Jinzhao lifted his chin, signaling me to loosen my tie.

He asked softly, “A Xuan, aren’t you happy?”

My fingers rested on his neck, feeling his body temperature through his clothes.

It sent shivers down my spine.

I wanted to use these hands to choke him, to hear him plead and see him cry, to let him know that some people shouldn’t be provoked.

But I couldn’t.

The rules of the contract still applied; I had to play the role of a well-behaved “dog.”

Whenever he looked at me with those passionate eyes, my heart raced.

I suppressed my emotions and shook my head.

Shen Jinzhao grabbed my hand, staring at me intently: “I’m just playing with her.”

I skillfully smiled, reassuring him: “I know, young master.”

The phone rang, and he glanced at the screen, a hint of displeasure flashing across his face.

I could tell the other party had said something, as his expression grew darker.

Like a volcano about to erupt.

I knew tonight wouldn’t be peaceful.

2

I was preparing honey water.

After drinking, he needed honey water.

This habit had lasted five years.

Once, I was too busy to handle it, so I asked a colleague to prepare it according to the recipe.

As a result, Shen Jinzhao took a sip and threw the cup.

My colleague called me back thirteen times.

Shen Jinzhao held me from behind, rubbing my cheek.

I could smell his cologne.

I had been smelling it for several months now.

I didn’t know if it was Xu Fangtong’s perfume that was too special or if my nose was just too sensitive.

It was unforgettable, sickeningly sweet.

I held the honey water up to his lips.

As he drank, he stared at me.

His throat rolled, eyes glinting like a wolf seeing meat.

He set the cup down, immediately leaning in, clingy and calling for me.

His hot breath sprayed against my neck, sending shivers down my spine.

His nimble fingers opened my shirt and slipped inside.

His scorching palms roamed my waist, sending chills all over me.

I turned around to see Shen Jinzhao’s heavy breathing: “A Xuan…”

His face was cold, yet his brow was tightly furrowed.

His eyes were a mix of anger and desire, like the calm before a storm.

3

Shen Jinzhao left.

I didn’t expect him to get up so early.

I woke up at three AM yesterday, and he was still awake, the ashtray full of cigarette butts.

The room was filled with smoke; I almost thought it was on fire.

He leaned down and pecked me on the cheek: “Go to sleep; I have something to do tomorrow.”

“Don’t you need me to accompany you?”

He leisurely lit a cigarette: “No, you rest.”

I understood.

He rarely had plans that didn’t require me, except when meeting Xu Fangtong.

I tidied myself up, carefully trying to cover the bruises on my body.

He had been rough yesterday.

His mood must have been terrible.

When the phone rang, I thought it was Shen Jinzhao.

But it was his mother: “Come see me.”

His mother, the lady of the Shen family, had a gentle demeanor.

She got straight to the point: “Lu Jingxuan, you’re almost done paying off your medical bills; you can consider finding a new job.”

I replied coolly: “The young master is my employer; I will discuss my future with him.”

She smiled slightly: “Do you know where he went today? Why didn’t he bring you along?”

I quietly clenched my fists: “The young master let me rest today.”

Her expression darkened slightly, her gaze falling on my neck.

I wore a turtleneck, which covered the marks, yet I felt as if she could see everything.

I endured the shame, gritted my teeth, and lowered my head.

“He’s so close to Xu Fangtong; do you really think she’s just a big client? You truly won’t give up until you hit the wall. It’s better to leave before you’re kicked out.”

She sighed, a hint of regret in her voice: “One should have a bit of self-respect.”

4

I hid behind the door, saying nothing.

After a long time, Shen Jinzhao’s voice rang out: “Mom, why did you want to see me?”

His mother laughed lightly: “What do you think of Xu Fangtong? When do you plan to settle down with her?”

Shen Jinzhao paused: “Xu Fangtong? We’re well-matched, pretty good. She’s beautiful, has a good figure, and her personality is gentle.”

“What about your little lover, Lu Jingxuan?”

Shen Jinzhao was momentarily stunned, then laughed: “Mom, what are you talking about? I’m just playing with her.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. My mind buzzed, as if struck by lightning, or like being doused with a bucket of cold water, leaving me numb from head to toe.

Clearly just a door away, I felt as if I were standing right in front of Shen Jinzhao, seeing the mocking look in his passionate, focused eyes.

My fingers trembled uncontrollably, cold sweat breaking out all over my body.

I wanted to rush out and confront him, but my entire being was pinned in place, unable to move, my heart pounding violently.

All along, I had been deceiving myself.

I had seen the beautiful women surrounding him; only Xu Fangtong was different.

Shen Jinzhao regularly sent flowers and gifts to Xu Fangtong.

She was always his companion at important banquets.

Every haute couture dress, jewelry, bag, and pair of shoes she wore had been personally selected by Shen Jinzhao.

For the past five years, I was responsible for his schedule and knew his plans inside out.