I don't want to be dependent anymore

As we left the cafe, Sheng Xing saw a little granny sitting near the entrance, selling handmade lucky bracelets. He smiled at me and told me he was going to buy some, leaving me alone for a few moments. I looked around me, enjoying the calm of the morning and the simple beauty of the scene.

That's when an alpha male approached me. I immediately felt his pheromones converge on me, a dominant and intrusive presence. I frowned, uncomfortable.

-Hi, he said, his smile full of confidence. "Can I get your number ?"

I looked at him coldly.

-This is out of the question

He insisted, taking another step forward. "Come on, why not?"

-I'm already taken, I replied firmly hoping that he would understand and leave.

He raised his eyebrows, an incredulous smile on his lips.

-I don't believe you, he said to me

-What do I care if you believe me or not?!, I got irritated by smelling his disgusting pheromones

- Calm down, my beauty, he said to me, peeping

At this time, I saw Sheng Xing coming back with several colorful bracelets in hand. His eyes immediately fell on the man in front of me, and he understood the situation in an instant. His face scowled and his pheromones bubbled, clearly expressing his displeasure and protectiveness.

Sheng Xing moved to my side, his dark, angry gaze and dominant pheromones creating a cold aura.

-I am her husband, he said in an icy voice.

The man backed away instinctively, sensing the threat in Sheng Xing's attitude.

-S-Sorry, I didn't know, he stammered

-Get out, Sheng Xing growled furiously

The man hurried away.

I sighed in relief and turned to Sheng Xing, who handed me one of the bracelets.

"Is everything okay?" he asked softly, his features relaxing.

-Yes, thank you, I replied, taking the bracelet. "He was way too pushy."

Sheng Xing nodded, his expression becoming gentle again. "I'm sorry I left you alone."

I shook my head and smiled. "It's not your fault. Luckily you came back in time otherwise I think I would have hit him by now."

He put a protective arm around my shoulders, and we continued our walk, enjoying the morning. The charm bracelets were a symbol of our day together, and I felt their reassuring presence on my wrist.

With Sheng Xing by my side, I knew I could handle any situation. His protection and tenderness gave me the strength to overcome every obstacle.

We talked about everything and nothing, our plans for the day, fun memories, and future plans. But a question burned in the back of my mind, a worry that I couldn't ignore any longer.

I took a deep breath before staring at Sheng Xing out of the corner of my eye.

-Sheng Xing, the mark... it wasn't part of the plan, I said suddenly, searching his eyes. "Did this cause anything unexpected?"

Sheng Xing placed his hand on mine, his golden eyes fixed on mine with infinite gentleness.

-No, this did not cause anything unexpected, he replied calmly. "On the contrary, I love the fact that you depend on me. It makes me incredibly happy."

I inhaled deeply, a mixture of frustration and amusement rising within me.

-Sheng Xing this is the last time I will depend on you like this," I said firmly. "I hate being dependent on anything and a doctor can't have that kind of relationship with his patient."

He looked at me in silence for a moment, his eyes searching mine.

-Aïko, I understand how you feel," he finally replied. "And I respect your wishes. But know that this relationship has nothing to do with a toxic addiction. We help each other, that's all

I nodded, touched by his words.

-I know, and I love you for it. But it's important for me to find my own balance.

Sheng Xing smiled gently, stroking my hand with his thumb.

-That night you told me it was the best night you had ever spent in your entire life. So I know you'd be interested if we started again but I don't like sharing. So if you want to start again let law mark you

-You're really confident, I told him with a smirk.

-Always, he said to me in a deep voice.

-Honestly I don't want to bother with all these questions. We'll discuss it later, I told him

We continued talking, the conversation becoming lighter and more pleasant.