************
"You're being so kind… it hurts," she croaked.
Lu Aotian's brow furrowed in confusion. "Should I be less kind?" he began, his voice laced with concern. "I didn't mean to upset you–"
A choked laugh escaped Mei Xing's lips. "No, silly. It's just… I haven't had someone care for me in a while and I just," she exhaled, her voice shaking slightly, "I just got emotional. Must be because I bumped my head pretty hard during that accident."
Lu Aotian's gaze softened as he studied her, his mind racing. What did she mean she hadn't had someone care for her? What kind of childhood did she have?
What kind of life did she live with the man she married? A surge of protectiveness washed over him, a fierce emotion that surprised even him.
He gently stroked her head with his thumb, the brush of his calloused finger sending shivers down her spine.
