I didn’t know why, but my eyes landed on the ring on the table. With a hint of self-mockery, I said, “Even knowing full well I’m just a mad dog?”

He smiled, his hand caressing my face, with a trace of shyness in his eyes. “I like mad dogs—the crazier, the better. It means you need me too.”

A lump suddenly formed in my throat.

He grabbed my collar and pulled me closer. “One end of the chain is tied to you, so how do you know the other end isn’t handcuffs?”

I braced myself on the headboard, staring down at him. “So, did you willingly put on the handcuffs?”

Shen Jinzhou let out a long sigh and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “I need you more than you think.”

It turns out, there really is someone in this world willing to accept the real me, even the part of myself I despise.

All the pent-up emotions in my heart dissipated.

I completely relaxed, unable to hide my choked voice. “I thought you were really going to die. I had even figured out how I would deal with the culprit.”

---

I returned to the Shen household.

This time, my role had changed—not as Shen Jinzhou’s bodyguard, but as his assistant.

Xu Fangtong’s evidence was solid. She turned in her father and the culprit, sending them to prison and, as expected, became the head of the company. As promised, she helped Shen Jinzhou break free from his wife’s control.

Along with the previous rumors of their arranged marriage, many speculated about the future dynamics between the two companies.

While I was reading the news, Shen Jinzhou suddenly snatched my phone. “Don’t read that! It’s all nonsense! I told you, I’m not going to marry her!”

I responded calmly, “I know.”

But deep down, I felt a sense of bitterness.

Xu Fangtong could stand by his side openly and with dignity.

While I could only remain a shadow.

He bent down, wrapping his arms around my neck, gently rubbing my fingers. With a suggestive tone, he said, “Your hand feels a bit empty. How about we add something to it?”

I felt something cold slip onto my finger.

A ring.

I stared at him in shock. “What are you doing?”

“Keeping my promise,” he smiled, brushing his cheek against mine. “Didn’t I tell you before? I’d pick out a beautiful one just for you.”

He stretched out his own hand, showing an identical ring. “See? This is my handcuff and your chain.”

I silently gazed at the shining piece of jewelry, a strange emotion welling up inside me.

Meeting him, I realized that I am capable of love, and that I am worthy of being loved.

Even when bound in chains, I felt a sweet satisfaction.

The ring on my hand marked me as belonging to Shen Jinzhou.

From now on, it would never come off.

Shen Jinzhou softly asked, “What should you say?”

I turned to look at him. “I do.”

• The End –

Author: Wuyuechan