The 99th Divorce

Shen Luo’an hugged her tightly.

Shen Manting wasn’t sure if her mind was playing tricks on her, but she sensed… fear in him.

But wasn’t he a man?

Why would a man be fearful of anything at all?

Shen Manting was perplexed.

She wrapped her arms around him and whispered, “Honey…”

Silence filled the room.

Only the sound of running water could be heard in the bathroom.

Shen Luo’an held her tightly and whispered, “Manting, I love you.”

His low, deep voice was trembling along with him.

Shen Manting froze when she heard his declaration.

She should be elated.

Yet, for some odd reason, she couldn’t help feeling sad.

Shen Manting felt him hugging her even tighter. She groaned in discomfort and whispered, “You’re holding me too tight, honey. It hurts.”

Shen Luo’an released her gently.

Shen Manting noticed that Shen Luo’an’s eyes were reddening.

Her heart ached for him and she felt the sorrow in her grow.

Shen Manting pouted her lips and glanced at Shen Luo’an. “What’s the matter with you today, honey?” she asked, concerned.

“I’m fine.” Shen Luo’an tucked her hair behind her ears and said softly, “I’m very happy.”

Shen Manting saw his smile and her mood instantly improved.

“I’m glad to see you happy. I’ll do this for you every day,” Shen Manting said with a smile. She laid her hands on her shoulders and stood on tiptoe to kiss him. “I love you, too.”

She felt her heart flutter with happiness after declaring her love for him.

She rushed out of the room with a smile on her face.

As she was about to turn the doorknob to close the door, she gazed affectionately at him. Then, she turned around, her heart racing.

“I’m in love,” Shen Manting muttered to herself, her face blushing. She felt as though she was floating on air.

Shen Luo’an stood in the bathroom for a long time before turning around to face the bathtub.

The water was filling the bathtub fast. It was nearly full.

“I… I hope to be a loving wife.”

Shen Luo’an’s heart skipped a beat when he recalled Shen Manting coyly declaring her innocent wish.

All was well.

–

When he came out of the bath, Shen Manting had already fallen asleep.

He climbed into bed softly and lifted the blanket, circling his arm around her waist.

Shen Manting felt his presence. She snuggled up to him and inhaled deeply, taking in his scent.

Shen Luo’an smiled and soon closed his eyes.

The child woke up early the next morning.

“Daddy!” he cried in a chirpy voice.

Shen Luo’an was jolted awake by the toddler’s cry.

Shen Yuexiao was standing on the edge of his child-sized bed, leaning on the railing. He looked at Shen Luo’an with pleading eyes and uttered, “I want to pee.”

Shen Luo’an turned to glance at Shen Manting. She was still sleeping, yet a smile was playing on her lips. She must be having a pleasant dream.

Shen Luo’an got up from the bed quietly. He picked up his son and walked into the bathroom.

After the child had finished relieving himself, Shen Luo’an helped him to brush his teeth, wash his face, and change into a fresh set of clothes. Shen Manting woke up just as he had groomed his son for the day.

When she got up, she was shocked to see that both father and son were already dressed up.

She checked the time. It was already half past seven.

She climbed out of bed hurriedly and said, “I overslept, honey. Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“There isn’t much to do anyway. Go back to sleep if you’re still tired.” Shen Luo’an walked over to her with the toddler in his arms. “Greet Mommy.”

“Mommy!” The young tot approached Shen Manting with outstretched arms. “I want a hug!”

Shen Manting carried the child in her arms. She said apologetically, “I thought of helping you shave and fasten your tie, but now I won’t be able to do it today.”

Shen Luo’an looked at her tenderly. He tilted her face to him and kissed her.

Shen Manting was startled and immediately clasped her hand over her mouth covered her mouth. She looked at Shen Luo’an in surprise, blushing. Then, she murmured, “I haven’t brushed my teeth…”