The Substitute Bride - Yizhan

Chapter Twenty-One 💐

Zhan turned away from the railing in a hurry and stepped back into the room. He froze in place when he noticed Yibo by the edge of the bed, in total nudity.

Yibo was drying his hair. Zhan almost held his breath as he stared at his husband, unable to spot even the slightest hint of unwanted fat on his body. All hard muscles.

But hadn't he already seen his husband's bare body on two previous occasions? He could even sketch every part of it in his mind. So why did he still find himself captivated by his husband's beauty?

"Why do you look like you've been bitten by a snake, sweetheart? It's like you've just seen me naked for the first time." Yibo chuckled, echoing exactly his thoughts.

Yibo opened his luggage, took out a maroon silk robe, and put it on.

Zhan quickly grabbed his pajamas from the bed and hurried into the bathroom. He gently pressed the lock on the door. For a second, he paused to take a deep breath, enjoying the lavishness of the hotel bathroom.

For the first time, he would be able to use a bathtub. After filling the tub with warm water and adding a sprinkle of bath salts, he stripped down and settled into the soothing water.

As he played with the water, he tried to push aside the nerves about what was in store for that night. He had his doubts about whether he could actually execute the plan he'd been thinking about all evening. On top of that, he was really uncertain about how Yibo would feel about it.

If only he could stay in the water forever, he would have. Once he dried off, he changed into his pajamas. Then, a little nervous, he walked out of the bathroom.

Zhan let out a soft gasp as the dim light in the room welcomed him.

"I thought you weren't coming out of the bathroom," Yibo teased from the bed, looking at him with an amused expression. He was leaning on his arms, the blanket covering the lower half of his body.

Zhan didn't say a word and walked over to the vanity. He took the brush from his bag and began brushing his hair, gently, as if counting one hundred strokes.

Impatiently, Yibo got up and walked over to him. He softly put his hands on Zhan's shoulders and helped him stand up.

"You may not be aware how lovely you are, Zhan," Yibo said huskily.

A silent moan came out of Zhan's throat as Yibo's lips softly brushed his nape.

"Ever since you became mine, I've longed for these moments... to claim you again." Zhan fought against the feelings Yibo's actions stirred in him. He gulped a few times before managing to say something.

"Zhou Fei is more beautiful, Yibo," Zhan said softly, trying to hide the turmoil inside him. "A well-known personality. Sophisticated and classy."

Stop thinking about her!" Yibo's voice was steady and serious. "I am your husband now. I don't want us talking about other people on the first night of our marriage, or any night for that matter. Zhou Fei is history, Zhan. You need to forget about her." He then wrapped his arms around Zhan.

Zhan wanted to kick himself for the reaction of his own body to that simple embrace. He could feel the gradual rise of heat spreading through every inch of his being.

Suddenly, he remembered his plan. Zhan pushed Yibo abruptly. "I-I am tired, Yibo. "I want to rest." Zhan struggled to break free from Yibo's embrace, trying to use his brain to counter the instincts his body was throwing at him.