****Copyrighted**** 'Tell me you don't feel it.' He whispered against my lips, and the trembling that had ceased at the feel of his lips against mine began again with renewed vigor. 'Tell me it's not what you want, and I'll go. You'll never have to see me again.' Swallowing, I looked up at the eyes that had entranced me from the start. I took in his every feature, slowly and deliberately. I thrilled at the feeling of his arms enfolding me, and I inhaled his familiar scent with a trembling breath. And then, then I did the most foolish thing imaginable: I flung my arms about his neck and kissed him with all that I had, almost losing myself in the safety and security I felt. But more than that, I ran. I took his moment of shock, the slight loosing of his arms about me, and tore myself away from him, shoving out the door and into the rain. I suppose I'll never know why he didn't follow me. It was the thing I feared most. I knew that if he came for me a second time, I wouldn't be able to say 'no'. I wouldn't be able to run. But I had to. I had to go. I couldn't let him be hurt because of me. He would live on now, and I would marry another. I had leased my last bit of passion in that one moment in his arms, and as I made my way through the dark streets, I felt myself become dull and lost like the creatures bound in the menagerie. **Much of this was written when I was younger and then I came back later and finished it. There will likely be mistakes. Lots of them.

[Chen Ju Fen] The chrysanthemum fragrant blooms at dawn. At the age of 22, she died by the hands of her so-called husband and at the feet of her 'sworn' sister. Dying regretfully for wasting her life on a man who had thrown her away so easily like an used tissue, she opens her eyes to the familiar sight of her bedroom at the age of 16; it was exactly one year before she married him. Now she makes a choice: follow with the original story or take another route. NOT A TRANSLATION: this is my own humble story. All rights reserved. Do not plagiarize. Cover picture belongs to me while other photos used throughout the chapters do not, and I don't claim them. They belong to their rightful owners. Viewer's discretion is advised. Story contains usage of strong language, violence, and heavy sexual contents. Read at your own risk! Highest Rankings reached: #1 Novel #1 Revenge #1 Short story #1 Mature