"The Forced Bond" (Yizhan) Mpreg.

8

The next morning, Zhan spent the day locked in his room, refusing to come out. He had realized that Yibo was having his meals in the sitting room with Granny almost everyday, and the thought of encountering him there made Zhan stay put. What he really didn't know was that Yibo didn't usually come out for lunch. His meals were brought to him because he avoided the sun, stepping out only at night for dinner. This habit contributed to his perpetually fresh skin.

Granny, fully aware of why Zhan was avoiding coming out, didn't press him. She believed in patience and preferred to handle him gently. As evening fell, Zhan finally emerged, dressed in a silky white pajama set and a small cap that barely concealed his hair. Holding his phone in one hand and exuding a subtle, fresh fragrance, he walked to the kitchen to grab a glass of slightly warm fresh milk before heading to the dining room.

As he entered, his eyes landed on Yibo, seated at the table in simple white clothes, holding a cup of water and sipping slowly. Zhan quickly averted his gaze, intending to leave, but Granny, who was seated with Yibo, called out, "Come, have a seat."

Zhan stopped in his tracks, closing his eyes briefly before turning around. Maintaining his calm expression, he looked at Granny and, in a composed voice, said, "I'm not hungry. The milk is enough for me. I'll head to bed now since I need to get up early for work tomorrow."

Granny glanced at Yibo, but he neither looked up nor acknowledged Zhan's presence. Yet, Granny knew he could hear everything. She turned back to Zhan with a soft yet firm tone. "What work? You haven't even rested properly from the wedding. And before you go back, you need to sit with your husband and discuss it."

At her words, Zhan's eyes hardened immediately. He stared at Granny but found himself unable to respond. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he closed his eyes momentarily and replied in a quiet tone, "I have a headache. I'll sleep now. Goodnight, Granny."

As he turned to leave, Granny called again, "Come back, Zhan. Sit down."

Zhan paused, taking a deep breath before returning and pulling out a chair to sit. He didn't say a word, and his breathing was heavy with suppressed emotions. He could feel the weight of his situation-sitting at the same table as someone who hadn't even acknowledged his presence. It felt like a direct blow to his dignity.

After a while, Yibo picked up a tissue and calmly wiped his mouth, signaling he had finished eating. For the first time that evening, he looked at Zhan briefly before turning to Granny. "Goodnight, Granny," he said curtly and left the dinning table, his hands in his pockets.

Zhan didn't lift his gaze as Yibo walked out. Once he was gone, Granny watched Zhan with a mix of pity and affection, her heart heavy at the sight of the clear resentment in Zhan's eyes. She could see how deeply Zhan despised this marriage... one forced upon him without warning or consent. It was evident that Zhan saw this union as a setback, particularly since Yibo was not only younger than him but also the younger brother of his best friend. Zhan couldn't imagine submitting to the kind of control husbands often exerted in marriages.

Granny quietly served Zhan a small portion of food and pushed the plate toward him. "Eat something before you go to bed. Don't sleep on an empty stomach, alright?"

Zhan didn't argue, especially now when his emotions were in turmoil. Slowly, he picked up a spoon and began eating as Granny gently encouraged him not to worry and assured him no one would pressure him into anything.

After barely managing six spoonfuls, Zhan drank some water and set the spoon down. "I'm full. I'll head to my room now."

Granny stood up with him and walked him to his room. She tidied his bed, bid him goodnight, and left.