Late at night, Lin Wan-Ning had just finished her shower and was about to lie down when her phone suddenly vibrated.
[Incoming Call - Unknown Number]
She hesitated for a moment before picking up. "Hello?"
A sharp, unfamiliar female voice barked from the other end, "So you're Shen Si-Han's wife? Acting all high and mighty just because you have a powerful man behind you?"
Lin Wan-Ning frowned. "Who is this?"
"I'm Xu Yao's cousin," the woman snapped. "She's in the hospital right now. Your husband went way too far. This isn't over!"
Lin Wan-Ning's heart skipped a beat. "What did you just say? He hit her?"
"You didn't know?" The voice sneered. "Two hospitals in one night. Concussion, minor rib fractures."
A cold laugh followed. "The Shen family really thinks money can buy impunity, huh? Bullying people just because you can!"
"Wait," Lin Wan-Ning cut in, her voice chilling. "Did you just say... two hospitals?"
"What? Shocked now?"
Lin Wan-Ning didn't respond. She hung up directly.
She sat on the edge of the bed, her mind flashing back to earlier that evening—when Shen Si-Han saw the red mark on her face. That flicker of cold, murderous intent in his eyes... so it hadn't been her imagination.
Did he really... lay hands on someone?
She quickly threw on a set of clothes, stepped out of her room, and opened the door across the hall.
Inside, the bedside lamp was the only source of light. Shen Si-Han was leaning against the headboard, calmly flipping through some documents, his expression as indifferent as always.
"You went to see Xu Yao?" she asked bluntly.
Without lifting his head, his voice was as casual as discussing the weather. "She insulted you. Got physical."
"How did you know that?"
"I looked into it," he said, closing the file and glancing up at her. "You're my wife in name. No one touches you."
A tremor ran through Lin Wan-Ning's chest. "But you hit her… she's in the hospital."
"I held back. She's not dead."
"Shen Si-Han!" she raised her voice, eyes wide with disbelief. "How could you do that? You're only making things worse!"
His voice remained calm. "You're worried about me?"
"I'm worried this will cause trouble for you." Her eyes lowered. "I don't want you getting dragged into a mess because of me."
He stood up, walked toward her slowly. His voice dropped, firm and inescapable.
"If you think this is a 'mess,' then you're wrong."
"I don't believe in reason. I only know allies and enemies. If someone lays a hand on you once, I'll make sure they feel pain once."
Lin Wan-Ning was speechless.
This man… he was never a gentle soul.
And yet, the words "You're my wife in name—no one touches you" struck something deep within her.
He wasn't protecting her out of affection—it was all because of her status.
Yes, she was protected—but it felt like being wrapped in flames. Smothering and dangerous.
"I don't need you to fight my battles," she said, suppressing her emotions. "This marriage is just a contract. There's no need to get so involved."
"But I'm already involved," his tone remained icy. "Is it too late for regrets now?"
Lin Wan-Ning froze.
Shen Si-Han reached out and gently tucked a damp strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture was unexpectedly tender, almost unsettling.
"You need to get used to this life. Since you married me, you'll have to accept the way I handle things."
"This isn't the life I wanted," she murmured.
"But it's the one you've got," he replied with a faint smile—cold and razor-sharp.
Lin Wan-Ning couldn't sleep that night.
—
The next morning, she dressed simply and planned to head out for job hunting.
But just as she reached the door, the butler stepped in front of her. "Madam, Mr. Shen instructed that you are not to leave."
"Why?"
"There are reporters outside. News of Mr. Shen's 'incident' last night has already leaked. Someone released photos of Xu Yao in the hospital, claiming she was hurt because you pressured Mr. Shen into violence."
Lin Wan-Ning's heart sank. "Is Xu Yao stirring up trouble?"
The butler hesitated, then nodded.
"Mr. Shen said he'll handle it and asked you to stay home and rest."
She said nothing, turning back to her room, though her mind was racing.
Being tied to Shen Si-Han—whether she liked it or not—meant being dragged into his storm.
But she couldn't rely on his protection forever. She needed to stand on her own. She needed power.
Only then would she avoid being discarded one day, with nothing left.
—
Around noon, Shen Si-Han returned.
He looked noticeably tired, and there was a middle-aged man following him.
"This is Attorney Lin. From today on, he'll handle all your legal affairs."
Lin Wan-Ning blinked. "Why would I need a lawyer?"
"For reputation protection. Asset transfers. Media control." His tone was calm, yet his words were explosive. "I've added you to the Shen family's spouse account. Five percent of the company's shares are now registered in your name."
She looked up, stunned. "Are you insane? I don't need any of that!"
"This is an amendment to our contract." His gaze was ice-cold, like a spring flowing through a crack in winter frost. "The wife of the Shen family shouldn't be someone with nothing to her name."
"This wasn't part of the rules," she said, eyes reddening. "You're crossing the line."
"I told you—I don't like rules."
He stepped closer, voice low and dangerous.
"Lin Wan-Ning, you need to understand. From now on… you belong to me."