Rage

Ch-4Confusion

Seated comfortably on the couch, she found herself captivated by the breathtaking display of colours as the sunrise unfolded in splendid detail. The vibrant hues painted her face with delicate rainbow rays, highlighting the distinct features that made her appearance truly striking. Plush, wide lips added a touch of allure, complemented by long eyelashes that gracefully adorned her eyes, resembling a galaxy within themselves. A button nose nestled among her features, contributing a subtle yet charming element, while a broad forehead remained subtly concealed beneath a cascade of bangs. A sharp, thin jawline completed the portrait of her unique beauty.

As the morning unfolded, she realised the unexpected circumstances she now found herself in. Initially seeking freedom, her escape had led her to an unforeseen sinkhole, a twist of fate that left her contemplating legal action. The frustration and disappointment in the situation became apparent, with the mention of suing reflecting a desire for recompense.

Amidst Fang's continuous chatter, Kim stood in silence, positioned behind her, his presence unnoticed. Her perspective portrayed him as lacking in certain social skills, suggesting a need for him to revisit the basics by returning to kindergarten. The sentiment extended to a broader spectrum, indicating that Kim had yet to grasp various aspects, including proper etiquette and the appropriate way to address a female.

"What would you do, then?" Kim questioned his actions, seemingly sacrificing any semblance of politeness. "Yah, you frightened me," he continued, his inquiry carrying a hint of innocence. "You are foolish, Mr. Good-looking," she remarked, addressing his lack of consideration. "Before coming inside anyone's room, you should knock on the door. This is my palace, and I am free to come and go as I please." The exchange revealed a clash of perspectives on personal space and manners, with Kim's actions prompting a direct response regarding the boundaries within the shared space.

"You must have had something to say," he commented, noting a tendency for the speaker to be critical while avoiding self-reflection. "It appears you have a lengthy tongue, preferring to point out the faults of others rather than your own. Otherwise, why would you have made such flattering remarks?" His response suggested a desire for more sincerity in communication.

"And for my child, not for myself, I would like to return to kindergarten so that he might have a higher education rather than developing a mind as shallow as yours," he added, emphasising the importance of education for his child and subtly criticising the perceived shallowness of the other person's mindset. This statement carried an undertone of dismissal, suggesting that the speaker considered the conversation unproductive.

"All the while dismissing," he continued, alluding to the continuous disregard for her concerns. "I came here with a certain goal in mind." then presented a contract in the form of a stack of papers, approximately fifty in total. Fang, upon glancing up, realised that the rules outlined in the contract were overwhelming, causing her head to spin—a revelation that surprised her. The passage hints at a complex exchange, revealing tensions, a desire for sincerity, and the introduction of a significant contract that may impact the unfolding narrative.

"What the heck are all these questions?" Fang exclaimed, a look of perplexity on her face. Kim responded, "This is a contract between us for six months. Why isn't this enough? Should I tack on more points?" Kim, devoid of any visible fangs, continued, "Are you a nutcase? Do you even qualify as a person? What makes you think I can remember all these rules? This must completely deplete my brain. Who is telling you that you have to recall all of those lines?" The barrage of questions revealed Kim's frustration and disbelief at the complexity of the contract.

"I've already printed ten. I have a copy of the original paperwork. All you have to do is read it and sign it," Kim concluded, emphasising the simplicity of the process despite Fang's apparent reservations. The dialogue captures the tension and confusion surrounding the contract, setting the stage for potential conflicts or negotiations between the characters.

"I assumed you were a grouchy old man who worked all day, and your demeanour has reinforced my suspicions," Fang remarked, voicing her preconceived notions. Kim responded with a touch of acknowledgement, "Oh, I see; you're correct!" However, instead of acquiescing, he declared, "I'm going to make your life a living nightmare starting now."

With a firm grip, Kim drew Fang close and whispered in a deep, low-octave voice, "Get ready." The ominous tone hinted at impending challenges or changes. He then disclosed, "I've said maids to get you ready for our wedding," introducing an unexpected element that added complexity to their relationship.

"What?"

"Wedding?"

"I need some time to sort things out, to reflect on my life, actually. Allow me one more day. You have thirty minutes, my love; take your time," Fang requested, seeking a moment for contemplation. She watched in disbelief as Kim retreated, regretting her decision to relocate permanently. "Why am I at fault? Is that true?" she pondered, feeling punished without proper justification. The situation had changed everything, even though she had asserted her innocence. "Please protect me here. Moreover, I've zero faith in him. He has no right to touch me. He forced me, so I could still go after him. Be prepared. I said maid to prepare you for our wedding," she expressed, revealing her concerns and unease.

Fang then made a silly imitation of Kim, seemingly checking if anyone noticed, and sighed with relief when no one did. Despite being in a difficult situation, she acknowledged her choice to marry him, seeing it as the only option. Her familiarity with Mini and Kim played a role in this decision, as they were the ones who provided her with assistance when she needed it. Reflecting on the accident she caused that left him incapacitated, she rationalised the marriage as a way to express gratitude for his assistance, even if it meant giving up on herself. "I'm not giving up," she affirmed, conveying a resolve to navigate the complexities of her situation.

Just as Kim had mentioned, exactly thirty minutes later, they made their appearance. Not a second too soon. Among them, a senior woman approached Fang, grinning with apparent knowledge.

It took Fang a few more minutes before she finally grasped what was happening at that moment. The arrival of these individuals seemed to mark a significant development in the unfolding situation.

"Do not be timid! Relax, start working, and follow the chief commands," the elderly woman encouraged Fang. In an attempt to open her dress, she remarked, "It's your big day." Fang halted her, questioning her actions. The elderly woman simply grinned and reassured Fang, mentioning that this experience was common for every madam. "We'll help you take off your clothing, and after that, a royal-scented bath is awaiting you," she explained. Fang listened in disbelief as they began their work.

As the situation unfolded, Fang couldn't help but wonder, 'Is it possible for me to complete it on my own?' The internal question hinted at her uncertainty and discomfort with the unexpected turn of events, adding a layer of complexity to the scene.

"I've never encountered anything like this," Fang pleaded. "How is it going, Laiba? All my tactics go in vain when the big madam comes." The response was, "We are educating the brand-new madame." Fang expressed relief, "That's good!"

"Fortunately, I came here to see my future daughter-in-law. My son loves you very much. I haven't planned any gifts; poor my heart," the senior woman continued. Fang, still fixated on the bubbling water, received an unexpected gesture. "However, you can accept this royal brooch as your mother-in-law's wedding gift," she offered. Fang expressed her gratitude: "My Highness, it would be my delight to preserve the brooch."

"Oh, my lovely daughter-in-law. That's so sweet of you! Enjoy your bath; we'll be meeting in an hour soon. I'll be going now," the senior woman bid farewell, leaving Fang to navigate the unusual situation, armed with a royal brooch as a symbol of acceptance into her new family. The scene conveyed a blend of cultural traditions, unexpected kindness, and Fang's internal reflections as she faced unfamiliar rituals.

Fang flicked the water a couple more times, absorbed in her thoughts, before the realisation struck her—she had just met Kim's mother. Therefore, Her Royal Highness was now her mother-in-law. The weight of the unexpected connection prompted her to question her choices.

"Why on earth would I ever fall in love with a dimwitted elderly man?" she wondered aloud. The gravity of the situation hit her. She recalled reading the agreement that mandated her to behave as though she was deeply in love with him and that their love was strong. A sense of regret and longing overwhelmed her.

"Why, oh why, didn't I pass away with Mom?" Fang lamented, expressing a desire to escape the complexities and challenges that came with her current situation. The passage captures the inner turmoil and conflict Fang experiences as she grapples with the consequences of the choices she made and the unexpected turn her life has taken.

"Madam, did you say anything? I didn't—I promise!" The interruption caught Fang's attention. "The jewellery had me in awe. They seem expensive," remarked the speaker. Laiba, the maid, responded, "I agree, madame! Their value isn't attributed to costs but rather because they represent the crown jewel of the family."

Intrigued by Kim's background, Fang inquired, "I've heard that Kim comes from a low-income family, so how did he end up in the royal family? That eluded me!" The explanation unveiled Kim's past. "Master, once held by royalty and later living in the woods, is the son of Madam's older sister. He led a perfectly normal existence after that. However, an accident changed everything, and both the big madame and the big master perished. Thanks to their protective coverings, they managed to save the young master, who, at the tender age of ten, was left scarred beyond measure. Upon learning of the tragedy, the King ordered our young lady to adopt him, especially since he has another son." In addition, every official held a proper funeral when the king learned of this.

"All set, madam. You look lovely, similar to an angel. Isn't it so?" complimented someone, acknowledging Fang's undeniable beauty. The bridesmaids unanimously agreed that the young master had made an excellent choice in selecting such a stunning bride. As these remarks were made, Fang felt her cheeks warm up, uncertain of the cause of her blushing. After all, it's not as if she's actually getting married to him.

The room was abruptly stirred as a maid rushed to open the door, jolting everyone, including Fang, who was lost in thought. "Is the young madame prepared?" asked the king. The response was, "Madame is indeed prepared." The king urged, "Then hurry up; the hour has come." With that, every royal guest took their seats, and the door opened to unveil the most-awaited moment.

Fang entered with grace, appearing elegant in the aisle as the music played, and a group of musicians added to the enchantment by tossing gorgeous flower petals and meeting the sun. The crowd acknowledged the heavenly match of the bride and groom. Cameras flashed, and reporters captured the moment as white dandelion flowers rained down and Fang slowly approached.

Simultaneously, the monarch himself appeared and cradled her hand in his arms like a real father. Overwhelmed, Fang couldn't hold back tears, experiencing an emotion she had never felt before. The king advised her to follow the flow to avoid any negative outcomes. When they reached the location where Kim awaited with warm eyes, the king extended Fang's hands in the hope that Kim would take wonderful care of his daughter-in-law.

As Fang stood face-to-face with the groom, she noticed a sparkly impact and, for a fleeting moment, believed everything to be real. However, the reality was different—she was only a substitute bride, staying for a brief amount of time. As Kim grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly, Fang confronted the harsh reality of the situation.

"What do you have in mind?" Kim's voice reached her ears just as the priest had called her name four times. At that moment, Fang admitted to herself that she had nothing specific in mind; she was only anxious, caught up in the whirlwind of the ceremony. Kim, noticing her distraction, whispered in her ear, creating the illusion of a playful discussion for everyone else. Despite the formality of the occasion, his intimate words drew her attention, and she struggled to refocus on the present moment.

"Do you consent to having Xiao Fang serve as your wedded wife and the palace's future madame?" The priest inquired, directing the question to Kim.

"I, Kesong-li, take thee, Xiao Fang, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, richer or poorer, sick or well, to love and cherish, until death does us apart," Kim solemnly declared, affirming his commitment.

The priest then turned to Fang and asked, "Do you consent to have Kesong-li serve as both your husband and the palace's new master?"

"I, Xiao Fang, take thee, Kesong-li, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, richer or poorer, sick or in well, to love and to cherish, till death does us apart," Fang responded, expressing her commitment to the vows.

"Now, you two may kiss," the priest concluded, granting permission for the newlywed couple to seal their vows with a kiss.

Fang hesitated for a moment, uncertainty evident in her demeanour, but Kim handled it with expertise. As he encircled her waist and pulled her in, Fang found herself heaving and breathing erratically. In defiance, Fang vowed, "I'm not going to kiss you."

Kim, unfazed, responded, "Who wants to kiss you? Do what I say, but just in appearance. It is better for us." With that, Kim pressed his lips tightly against Fang's, creating the illusion of a passionate kiss in full view as she closed her eyes, maintaining the appearance required for the ceremony.

Immediately after the newlyweds shared their first kiss, a wave of cheers erupted from the onlookers, congratulating the couple on embarking on a new journey in life. At the reception, all the royal visitors extended their congratulations to Fang and Kim. Madame, representing her older sister and brother-in-law, warmly greeted the newlyweds as they arrived. With each congratulatory message, Fang felt a growing sense of gratitude, despite her exhaustion from the heavy gown, thick kimono, and the overwhelming events of the day.

As the bridesmaids guided her, Fang waited for hours to be taken to the chamber. By the time they found a spot and ushered her inside, sealing the door from the outside, Fang was so tired that the words exchanged around her became a distant murmur. It was only when she realised it was their wedding night that panic set in.

Questions raced through her mind: "How will he act?" "Will he use our wedding night as justification once more?" "Why did I consent to the marriage's conditions?" "Why am I such a fool?" Consumed by a mental conflict, she was startled when the lights suddenly went out, and she thought someone had turned the doorknob. Ready to defend herself, Fang even grabbed a flower vase for protection. But before she could react, someone caught her from behind, tackling her. Her heart raced, and for a split second, she forgot to breathe.

"Who are you?" Fang asked breathlessly, trying to quiet her pounding heart. Familiar with the voice, she heard, "You don't want to know," as the person continued to restrain her. In reaction to her elbow force, the voice cried out, "Due to your extreme incompetence, do you also perform as a side gig?" It was Kim, and the unexpected encounter added another layer of complexity to Fang's already tumultuous wedding night.

Sitting on the bed with one leg folded over the other, Fang remarked, "A disabled person shouldn't be pulling such a trick on a grandmaster skilled in martial arts." Just as she made her point, Current entered the scene at precisely the appropriate time, prompting Kim to roll his eyes in disbelief. "Who is saying that?" Kim retorted, playfully making fun of Fang. "Just a moment ago, you were scared by my move." Fang responded with a pointed look, silently questioning Kim's remark with an expression that said, "What do you mean by that?" The exchange added a touch of humour and banter to the tense atmosphere, creating a moment of lightness between the newlyweds.

"I don't have time for foolish behaviour," Fang muttered, expressing her fatigue. Kim frowned at her statement. "Are you disdaining the arrangement we reached yesterday?" he questioned. Fang responded, "Okay, good. So, what must I do?"

"Make my bed, then fill the bathtub with warm water, set the temperature in the room to 18, help me select the ideal nightgown, and don't forget to put a glass of cold walnut milk nearby," Kim instructed. Perceiving Fang's puzzled look, he added, "Why are you giving me such a strange look? Follow my advice. Did you not read the agreement? Help me in the lounge for the time being."

"I'm tired," Kim stated after sharing his instructions. "What should I be doing at this point?" Fang retorted, "I'm trying as well to understand what type of human being you really are! And do I have to give a bath to a big baby?" she playfully remarked in the room where they were sharing a bed.

"What, are you bipolar?" Kim questioned her, leading Fang to express her agitation. "I'm not! Obey my commands! You have 15 minutes to complete everything, and your time is now," he declared. Rushing to fulfil her duties, Fang quickly filled the bathtub with warm water, cleaned the lavatory, made the bed, and set the temperature to 18 degrees.

In the kitchen, the head chef presented a tray of cold walnut milk. Fang took the tray, headed upstairs, and left it at the bedside after a respectful bow. Guiding Kim to the lounge, she displayed his night outfits one at a time, with Kim rejecting each one until he finally responded with an "okay." Fang then wheeled the wheelchair to the bathroom, assisting Kim in settling into the bathtub as he removed his wet upper clothing and pants. Turning her attention away for privacy, Fang addressed Kim, "There won't be a show to watch you in, so why are you waiting? You may now leave. After I finish my work, I'll give you a call before you leave to hang my clothes by the bathtub." Fang simply nodded in acknowledgement.

Exhausted, Fang collapsed on the couch after completing all the work, worn out from the wedding and her dual roles as a bride and a home nurse. She stood for hours. Kim's shout from the bathroom prompted her to quickly leave, exhaling a breath of relief. "Please assist me in dressing," he requested.

Guiding him to a chair, she helped him put on a shirt, feeling a bit uncomfortable with the closeness. Kim seemed to enjoy observing her discomfort. Once the task was done, Fang brought the wheelchair and inquired if there was anything else. "No. Take me; there is nothing else. Just put me to sleep. I need to give my client a call," Kim responded.

As she helped him settle into bed, carefully placing his legs to avoid any discomfort, Kim stated, "Okay, we're done. Today's job here is done!" Fang let out a sigh of relief. "None yet! Just a second, please. I want to have a few words with you first, after which you can go take a bath," Kim added.

Surprised, Fang listened as Kim informed her about the sizable wardrobe and sleeping arrangements. She smiled menacingly, but Kim, absorbed in a phone call, didn't notice. On the call, he outlined a schedule for Fang, emphasising the palace's strict rules and regulations. Fang acknowledged her understanding, promising not to let him down.

"That's great! Reduce your volume. I am voice-sensitive," Kim directed. Fang assured him, "As you suggest, I won't make any noise." In the complex situation she found herself in, Fang contemplated the unexpected ties that bound her to Kim.

"Destined for Kim by the whims of fate, she alone held the key to unravelling the intricacies of diverse beliefs. Through the silent communion of prayer, she sought the best outcomes in life's challenges, mastering the art of patience and waiting for the opportune moment to reveal the right path."