As a matter of fact, I really don't have any idea on how to act infront of the male lead. I mean.. now the story has long changed its course, I was unsure if should I still act as a bully to him or what?

Looking at the male lead puppy appearance, I can't bear to. I feel like I'm executing an animal abuse. (*lol)

"Suxin? Is that you?"

"Your Highness—"

"No. Call my name. Call me by my name. Tell me, it's you. Please.."

'Li Han..' I bit my tongue, his name almost escape my lips.

"Prove it to me. Prove it to me that you're Bai Suxin. Please.."

"Though, this must be another dream; can you.. just let me deceive myself for once?"

'What is he saying?'

"Li Han, why are you crying? Stop. I said, stop."

I stretched out my hands. As my fingers touched the tears on his cheeks, I hardened my heart and scolded him: "Don't cry. Don't you dare cry for me."

I closed my eyes in frustration, unable to understand what's happening right now. But I was certain that he's cornering me. I know that there were a lot of things that the male lead's capable of and.. it scares me.

'But what can I do? This man..'

'He fell to the wrong person.. again?'

When the Li Han left for the Southern Border at our wedding night; I thought that in this second transmigration, it would be impossible for the male lead to fall inlove with this villainess.

'Why did this happen again?'

I was like the Iron Man without its suit or Captain America without the serum on his veins; so susceptible to attack; so weak; so vulnerable.

People often hides their emotions to protect themselves. This man made me feel so emotionally exposed. His words, his actions left me more baffled than before.

"Please.. Please.." He begged.

'Magic? Witchcraft?'

I don't know why or how did it happened. Five years ago, on my wedding day.. suddenly, a bite wound appeared on my hand. Now, a stubborn scar was on my skin— that same scar left by the male lead in my previous transmigration.

'His mark..'

The male lead wanted me to prove that.. I'm me. I glanced at my hand, a ridiculous idea came to my mind. 'So does it mean.. do I.. really need to mark him too?'

'Am I crazy?!'

His eyes watched me as I raised his hand to my lips. I bit him, sinking my delicate teeth to his flesh. 'A duck biting a dog.. Have you seen one? Wait, do duck bites?'

No blood. No wound. When I finally took back my mouth from his hand, only a hard dent of my teeth appeared on his skin. I glanced up.

"How can you.. not recognize me?" I patted his head.

With a hoarse voice, he said: "Bai Suxin."

Similar to every stubborn pets; once trained, they became very obedient. I smiled at the male lead. "Now, tell me. Do you need help?"

My question made him stiffened again. Like a slave, complying an order from its master; easily taught and handled— I pulled the tamed animal gently towards the bed. He sat down, his meek eyes never leaving my face.

"Someone! Servants!"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Summon the physician."

"Yes."

Still holding my hand, the male lead sat there like the most humble and obedient servant.

Shorty after, the physician came and immediately treated the the bleeding wounds on the male lead's chest. Before everyone evaquated the room, one servant passed me a sobering soup, asking me to give it to the prince.

My brows furrowed. Looking at the bowl in my hand, it reminds me of the poisoned tea in the last life.

'You.. want me dead.'

'Yes. So die for me.'

Recalling such scene, there was a shallow stabbing pain in my chest. Li Han must have noticed the complicated expression on my face. He voluntarily took the bowl from my hand, reached for the spoon and in no time, the male lead have already emptied the bowl infront of him.

I gaped at him, stuttering. "Are y-you not.."

"What if I.." put poison in it? Again?

"I'm willing." He stretched out his hand. I bit my lips. After placing my hand over his, a warm smile was plastered on his lips. He was like a maze and I was the person who's trapped inside; wanting to escape from him for years.

"Suxin, my life is yours; this life and even the next." Li Han is indeed my maze for he.. keeps confusing my heart.

"How can I.. atone for my sin?"

His Highness Nan King cupped my face and leaned down. "Be my wife."

My eyes widened. 'Should I feel offended? This dog..'

"Your Highness is jesting. Five years ago, this princess.. have already became His Highness's wife."

I almost laugh when I saw his mouth parted like a fish. Li Han looked so genuinely shocked to hear what I said.

"My.. wife?"

Before I could answer, darkness covered my vision. My body froze on the spot. The male lead pushed me onto the bed.

When he leaned closer, I panicked. I instinctively turned my head to the side; avoiding his lips.

"Y-your Highness.." I'm holding my breath, hoping that he can't hear the pounding of my heart.

My face started heating up. Li Han scares me so much. Because I know.. deep inside me, this man wants to possess me.. by tearing me down.

"Bai Suxin.."

Under his gaze, I asked uneasily. "What-what are you doing?"

"Suxin, please don't hate me."

My hands clutched the blanket."Your Highness, let's talk. You're hurt. We-we can't do this right now."

'Mother of— You're bleeding! Damn masochist!'

'I didn't slap him this time. So what's with all these sexual tension?'

"I waited. I've been waiting for you all my lives. I really.. don't want to wait anymore. But.. I don't want you to hate me."

I swallowed; his thumb stroking the pulse in my neck. "Suxin.. I'm afraid, you'll hate me."

'What.. the duck is happening?'

The male lead leaned again. His nose touching my clavicle; savoring my scent. His hot breath tickled me; making my soul cry.