A Debt of Gratitude, a Love Long Hidden

After my father went bankrupt, he leveraged his past kindness to force a former scholarship student to marry me. We had a marriage of pure resentment, no love, just… technique. One evening, as I imperiously demanded he warm my feet again, a barrage of comments flashed before my eyes: [Seriously, this side character needs a reality check. Treating the male lead like a dog every single day.] [Useless rich girl, can’t do anything but blow the male lead’s money. When will he divorce her already?] [Just wait until the cool-headed, ambitious childhood friend heroine appears. This side character will throw such tantrums, and the male lead will finally be fed up.] [Later, the side character constantly targeted the heroine, was thrown out of the mansion by the male lead, ended up scavenging for food, and was eventually run over by a car. What a satisfying ending!] My outstretched foot snapped back instantly. I stared at David, who looked thoroughly annoyed. I swallowed hard. "I, I suddenly don't feel cold anymore." 1 David’s eyes were half-lidded, and he gave a slight, cynical tug at the corner of his mouth. "What is it now, princess? Is this your latest trick to torment me?" Heaven help me, was not making him warm my feet also a mistake? Normally, I would have already flown into a rage. But picturing my own miserable fate, I bit back the words that were desperate to escape. "No," I managed. "I just… don't feel well. I want to sleep." David slowly opened his eyes, a flicker of surprise in their depths. He probably hadn’t expected me to be so agreeable, so considerate. His gaze lingered on my face. After a long moment, I thought he would simply lie down and go to sleep. Instead, he reached out and took my ankle, pulling me a little closer. His warm hand touched my skin, and I could feel the dampness of his palm. "Alright, enough games," he murmured. "Next time, I'll be gentler, okay?" What? With that, he placed my foot on his bare abdomen. The bedside lamp clicked off, but the comments above my head continued to blaze. [This drama queen has given the male lead PTSD.] [Honestly, if it weren't for the side character's dad leveraging his past favor, the male lead wouldn't have to serve her like a dog.] [But it's fine. Once the male lead sees through the side character, he'll bring down her father's new startup.] [And finally, her father will be hit by a car and die trying to save her. What a poetic ending!] My body gave an involuntary shiver, and I quickly rolled over, muttering an explanation. "It’s too… it’s uncomfortable to sleep like that." David’s voice was unreadable. "You used to love it that way." I pressed my lips together. "Not anymore. David, I won't ever ask you to warm my feet again." A moment of silence stretched between us. Then, I thought I heard a faint, dismissive chuckle. "Suit yourself." 2 That night, sleep eluded me. David had been a scholarship student sponsored by my family since middle school. He was aloof, reserved, and quiet, yet incredibly brilliant. After high school, he moved into our house. He kept everyone at arm’s length, but with me, he was always compliant. Even when my father leveraged his past kindness to demand he marry me, David didn't hesitate. I’d always believed I was special to him. But on the second day of our marriage, I overheard him confessing that he already had someone he liked, someone he’d planned to propose to, but now the opportunity was gone. Hearing that, my world crumbled. It turned out he didn't love me at all; he was just repaying a debt. An inexplicable hatred welled up within me. I hated him for not telling me the truth. I hated him for being so obedient to my father. As I nursed my resentment, a startling realization hit me: I think I might have fallen for him first. But why should he not like me? Proud as I was, I channeled all my frustration into him. I ordered him around relentlessly. I wouldn’t eat unless he cooked for me. I spent his money extravagantly, even making him pay when I went shopping. And in bed, I ruthlessly drained him, refusing to leave a single drop for the woman he supposedly loved. After we were intimate, I'd make him carry me to the bathroom, and he’d have to wash me before I'd finally sleep. I thought this arrangement was perfectly fine. His body and his money were mine; I wasn't losing anything. But now, I knew. I was just the villainous, demanding side character. I would push the male lead away, then oppose the heroine, only to face a tragic end. Even my father would be dragged down with me. But what had he done wrong? After my mother passed, he raised me alone, and forcing David to marry me was just his desperate hope that I'd be well cared for. Thinking of this, I made a decision: I would turn over a new leaf before the heroine appeared, securing a better ending for myself and my dear father. 3 I contacted a divorce lawyer. Since David was eventually going to divorce me anyway, I figured if I initiated it first, I might at least salvage a reputation for being understanding. Then, I hired an agency to find a housekeeper to cook dinner. My job wasn't particularly demanding to begin with. In the past, I would text David constantly, even sending him photos of dogs fighting cats on the street. If he didn't reply, or replied late, I’d throw a fit. But today, I held back. Even when I landed a huge custom jewelry order, so excited I wanted to jump for joy, I didn't call him. The comments section was baffled. [Is the side character’s brain finally working? Not going to brag to the male lead?] [What? The evil rich girl is suddenly acting nice? What does this mean?] [This side character is cunning. She’s trying a reverse psychology trick to get the male lead’s attention, little does she know the male lead and heroine are about to reunite in a few days!] My finger paused. I exited David’s chat and sent a message to my dad. [Dad, I've booked the restaurant for tomorrow! Birthday boy, get my present ready!] Then I put my phone on silent and continued working on my designs. When I finally stretched and looked up, it was almost 8 PM. I packed up my things, ready to leave. My phone showed one missed call from David. He was like that; if I didn't answer, he wouldn't call again. There was also a single text message. [Is your phone broken?] What did that mean? Downstairs, David leaned against his car, smoking. Tall, with long legs, and an undeniable aura. I wondered how long he’d been waiting. The comments resurfaced. [See? The side character’s tricks are working! The male lead is here to serve her again.] [Just you wait, the male lead will definitely destroy her later!] I panicked. I rushed over. "Why are you here?" He extinguished his cigarette, glancing at me. "To pick you up." He then opened the car door for me. As I leaned in, I saw a bouquet of flowers and the latest smartphone on the passenger seat. I looked at him. David said, casually, "Don't you love these little everyday gestures?" In the past, I would have been thrilled, and then feigned indifference, saying, "About time you showed some sense." But today, I just held the gifts in my arms and quietly said, "Thank you." David froze for a moment. He pressed his lips together, saying nothing. I let out a silent sigh of relief. But in the car, he finally spoke. "What, you don't like them?" My alarm bells rang. "I love them! Absolutely! Anything you give me, I love." Which wasn’t true at all. I used to be so picky. But now, I dared not find fault. He stared at me intently for a while, then finally turned to start the engine. 4 After changing shoes in the entryway, David took off his jacket, then instinctively rolled up his shirt sleeves. He turned and asked casually, "What do you want for dinner tonight? And just so you know, no more Kung Pao Chicken." He made that dish too well; I’d ordered it for a week straight. David was heading towards the kitchen, rattling off suggestions: "Your favorite shrimp pasta? Or red wine steak?" Before he could finish, the housekeeper, already in the kitchen, emerged with several dishes. He stopped dead. I quickly hurried to the housekeeper's side and explained to him. "This is the new housekeeper I hired to cook dinner. You won't need to cook for me anymore." I fully expected David to be pleased. Instead, his gaze settled on me, his eyes unreadable. After a long moment, he coolly dropped a single word. "Oh." Then, without another sound, he retreated to the bedroom. Before he disappeared, he said, "I'm not hungry. I’m quite full." Naturally, I didn't dare disturb him. That night, I consciously slept in the guest room. 5 Half-asleep in the middle of the night, I suddenly felt an intense heat behind me. When I finally registered what was happening, David’s gritted voice whispered in my ear. "Princess, do you no longer need my service?" My mind was still hazy, but the barrage of comments snapped me wide awake. [Is this my late-night reward?!] [People say they're celibate online, but in reality, who wouldn't be ripping their pants off right now?] [Wait, what is the male lead doing? Why is he looking for the side character?] [It’s just spring, don't overthink it, side character. It’s just primal instinct.] A strange sensation bloomed at my waist. I instantly pushed David away. In the moonlight, his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. If this were before, I might have slapped him. I was the spoiled princess, after all, incapable of enduring the slightest grievance. But now, it was different. David was the male lead, and according to the comments, he might hold my future life and death in his hands. Until the divorce, I should probably avoid offending him. I poked his shoulder, feigning annoyance. "I thought I was dreaming." His expression softened slightly, then immediately tensed again. "So, in your dreams, who would ever treat you like this?" What? That’s a bit unreasonable, isn’t it? I couldn’t immediately find an excuse, so I changed the subject. I yawned. "I don't know. I'm so sleepy." Then, "Go to sleep. We have to work tomorrow." I lay back down. David remained in his previous position. "Summer," he said, "you're acting strange." My heart constricted. After learning he didn't love me, I had laid down a rule for David. "No sleeping in separate rooms." Even if I couldn't have his heart, I would possess his body. In the beginning, we were both a little awkward. He was always in a hurry, entering me without warning, which made me so furious I'd kick him out of bed. "David, a man needs to have 'service awareness' in bed, do you understand?" Later, he changed, little by little. His foreplay became gentler, his technique more refined, and he learned to consider my feelings. Except during my period, we were almost always intimate. But tonight, I not only slept separately but also rejected his advances. In the darkness, I could still feel David’s gaze fixed on me. I nervously lowered my eyes. "I'm a bit tired tonight, not really in the mood." "Because of work?" Yes and no. But for now, it had to be "yes." "Mmm," I hummed. "And I'm worried you'll be tired too, David." I added, "How about we just sleep here together tonight?" I suggested, speaking reasonably, without my usual spoiled demeanor, my tone softer than ever before. After a long pause, he lay down and pulled me into an embrace from behind. "If you encounter any difficulties with work, you can always come to me for help." Before I could answer, the comments popped up. [The docile side character still depends on the male lead for everything.] [Without the male lead, Summer is truly nothing.] [Just wait, the heroine and male lead are childhood sweethearts, hardworking, resilient, and ambitious. Their story is so much better.] [The male lead's gaze is destined to be drawn to the heroine. Thanks to the drama queen side character for planting the trees, the heroine gets to enjoy the shade.] For some reason, my heart felt like it had been pricked by a tiny needle, a faint ache spreading through me. David’s breath warmed my ear. I gently patted his hand. "Okay." But then I subtly disentangled myself from his embrace. "I need to catch up on work tomorrow. I’m going to sleep now." Behind me, his breathing hitched. 6 After a busy day, before leaving work, I remembered seeing Dad on a video call at lunch, still wearing his old tie. Although I’d already prepared his main birthday gift, I quickly rushed to the nearby mall to buy him an extra tie. Habitually, I reached for David’s card, then pulled my hand back, opening my own payment app. "Scan this, please." As I came out, I unexpectedly bumped into someone. "Summer?" I turned, and Jayden was standing before me. He was as sunny and cheerful as ever, leaning in close. "Who’s the gift for?" "My dad’s birthday today." "What a coincidence! I was just talking to your dad about a partnership a few days ago. Where are you celebrating tonight? Let me join you." Jayden was sort of my childhood friend. His family had moved to another city due to his parents' company project, so I hadn't expected to see him again. He took my arm, and the conversation flowed easily. I had no reason to refuse, especially since our families might be collaborating in the future. After a few minutes of chatting, my phone buzzed with a message. [I’m off work.] [Where are you?] [I was about to come to your studio to pick you up.] [Want some boba? Room temp, no sugar? Any desserts? There’s a new trendy shop.] [If yes, just give a shout, I’ll go buy it.] The comments section was not pleased. [Enough, I said enough! Is the male lead addicted to being a dog?] [Don't you think the male lead’s tone is really cold? That’s a sign of annoyance! Spending all day providing emotional support for the side character, he must be sick of it.] [So urgent, I am the King of Urgency. When will the male lead finally get rid of the drama queen side character?] [Let the side character keep ordering the male lead around. Anyway, it’s not my tragic ending.] My mind immediately jumped to my father. He was working so hard to give me a good life, and I didn't want his efforts to be easily ruined. As long as I stopped acting out and making David angry, then if we broke up amicably later, he probably wouldn’t target my dad, right? So, I quickly replied: "I don't need anything. You've worked hard, so no need to pick me up. Let's just meet at the restaurant." [Oh.] The tone was indeed cold. Just as the comments said, he was truly annoyed with me. When I pushed open the restaurant door with Jayden, David, who had been smiling and chatting with my dad, instantly sobered up. "Jayden's here too?" "Yes, Mr. Davies! You didn't even call me." He handed over a gift. "Time was short, I hope you don't mind." It was a watch from the same brand as my tie. The clink of a spoon against a porcelain bowl echoed. My gaze flickered to David. His brows were furrowed, his emotions unreadable. "Apologies, I didn’t hold it steady." The dinner passed relatively harmoniously. As we parted, Jayden smiled at me, his lips curving. "Your jewelry designs are quite unique, Summer. I'll ask you to custom-order a ring for me sometime." A business opportunity handed on a silver platter; I wouldn't say no. I smiled back. "Sure." Only David beside me remained with a dark expression. 7 Back home, the moment the door closed, he asked, "Did you buy the gift at the mall?" "Yeah." I took off my jacket, and he took it from me, hanging it neatly. "My phone didn't get a notification." I paused, then realized what he meant. He was referring to why I hadn't used his card. I waved my hand. "It's just a small thing, no need to use your money for it." "Oh. Is that so?" he replied. "You used to make me pay even for a hot dog from a street vendor." That was then. I was a changed woman now. "Dad's present," I explained, "it means more if I buy it with my own hard-earned money." I quickly added, "Ugh, I’m all sweaty, I need a shower." David pressed his lips together, then turned and walked towards the walk-in closet, preparing my clothes. I saw the white lace underwear set on top and snatched it away, my face flushing. "I'll do these things myself from now on." In the steamy bathroom, I thought about the divorce lawyer I was meeting tomorrow. Thankfully, David and I had no children, so there'd be no lasting complications. Just as I was thinking this, the bathroom door opened. David stood there, clad only in a towel, revealing his taut abs, incredibly alluring in the soft light. He walked towards me, step by step, then raised his phone. The screen displayed an incoming call from Jayden. Before I could say anything, David scoffed. "He's calling you this late?" His voice was cold. "Doesn't he realize that at this hour, we'd be, you know, having couple time?" What? My eyes widened. The next second, he ended the call, then pinned me against the bathroom door, grabbing my chin and kissing me fiercely. David was different tonight. He was raw, untamed. The kiss was so intense I felt like I was suffocating, unable to resist. I instinctively tried to push him away, but he grabbed my hands and pinned them above my head. His lips moved sensuously against mine, his voice hoarse. "Does the princess no longer wish to fulfill her marital duties with me?" What in the world was he talking about? Before I could speak, my mouth was covered again. Later, the bathroom was a wreck. I was so exhausted I didn’t even have the energy to wash myself. I vaguely remembered David carrying me back to bed. 8 The next day, when I woke up, David had already left for work. He had, as usual, prepared breakfast. Although I sensed he wasn't entirely pleased about me hiring a housekeeper, he hadn’t fired her. Still, he started coming home earlier and earlier. When the housekeeper cooked, he'd still present a few dishes of his own, then sit across from me, watching. I’d try a bit of everything and gently advise him not to work so hard, that the professionals had it covered. I tried not to bother him with anything. But even with me being so considerate, his face grew darker by the day. "So, you don't need me for anything anymore?" he’d grumble. So, I became even more cautious. That day, the client from my last commission asked to meet to discuss details. I set off with my sketches, not telling David. The meeting was at a private club. As soon as I sat down, the comments began to flash. [The heroine is being bullied in the private room next door, why isn't the male lead here to save her yet?] [It’s weird, the male lead has already reunited with the heroine, but why isn’t their relationship progressing?] [Progress? That would be marital infidelity.] [Shut up, upstairs! The male lead was forced to marry the side character anyway. They have no feelings for each other.] [No feelings, yet they're getting intimate every day? Laughable.] The comments flickered relentlessly. I ignored the ones mocking me; only one thought occupied my mind: David was about to perform a hero's rescue. Even knowing this, my heart felt an inexplicable pang of sadness. I couldn't help but push open my door and walk towards the room next door. [Tsk tsk tsk, the side character is going to ruin things again.] [It doesn't matter. The male lead will ignore her completely, and even bump into her, focused only on saving the heroine.] [Then she'll see the male lead rescue the heroine and her face will be twisted with rage.] I froze. I considered turning back. If they were destined, why should I intrude? But as soon as my foot shifted, the sound of breaking glass erupted from inside. [Where’s the male lead? Your childhood friend is being bullied!] [Don’t worry, the male lead has psychic powers. He’ll rush down from upstairs any second now.] Fine. Let David save her. But time ticked by, second after second, and there was no sign of him in the hallway. Through the door crack, I saw the heroine, dressed in a server uniform, being harassed by some entitled rich kid, Todd. "You can't afford to pay for this outfit, you know." "How about you take off one item of clothing for every thousand dollars?" "Or maybe spend a night with me, how about that?" Laughter erupted from the group. The heroine clutched her clothes tightly, but still defiantly looked up. "I didn't knock over the drink. You can't bully me like this." "She said I'm bullying her, ha ha ha." Todd stood up and lifted her chin. "Do you even know what bullying is? Huh?" Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. I couldn't take it anymore! I kicked open the door. "Todd, what kind of strength is it to gang up on a girl?" The room fell silent for a moment. All eyes turned to me, including the heroine's. I saw her eyes suddenly light up. She looked familiar. Todd scoffed. "Summer Davies, what business is it of yours?" He added, "You think your family is still like it used to be? No one would give you the time of day if you hadn't married a rich husband." I used to hate him. In school, he often bothered David, and I beat him up many times. "What's 'my family' or 'your family' got to do with it? I, Summer Davies, do what I please." I slowly rolled up my sleeves. "What are you, a nobody, to dare shout at me like that? Have you forgotten how I used to pin you to the ground and beat you until you cried and begged me to stop?" The comments scrolled furiously: [Holy crap, the side character went full alpha?!] [Suddenly, the side character seems kinda cool.] I pointed at the heroine. "She's with me. Are you sure you want to mess with her?" Maybe it was my strong aura, but Todd instinctively took half a step back. "I… you f**king…" He dared not. "Coward." I walked over, took the heroine's hand, and led her to the door. The door closed, leaving only Todd in the room, raging impotently. The heroine looked at me, her face flushed. "Thank you, Summer." I raised an eyebrow. "You know me?" 9 In the lounge area, a gust of wind seemed to blow through. Before I could fully process it, David was standing before me, pulling me to and fro, checking me over. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice urgent. "Are you hurt?" I was completely bewildered. "I'm fine, why?" "Did Todd bully you?" I shook my head, pulling the heroine forward to face him. "He bullied her." David seemed to finally come to his senses, his gaze falling on the heroine. "Celeste?" Celeste didn't seem particularly eager to engage with him. She just gave a casual "Mmm." Then she turned back to me, her eyes curving into a smile. "I'm going back to work, Summer. I'll treat you to dinner next time, okay?" After she left, the comments finally reappeared: [Why do I feel like the heroine doesn't really like the male lead?] [That's exactly right, childhood sweethearts are always like that.] [And the less the heroine cares about the male lead, the more intrigued he'll be, right? He's staring at her back now, isn't he?] I glanced sideways. David was indeed looking at Celeste's retreating figure, lost in thought. Sure enough, his gaze would eventually be drawn to the heroine. I inwardly scoffed at myself. Summer, you really outdid yourself, saving your love rival even though you’re supposed to be the villainess. Trying to swallow the bitterness, I pulled my hand away. "David, you're hurting my hand." He came to, "What are you doing here?" "Working." Just then, the wealthy client I was meeting arrived. I didn't look at his expression, turning to greet her instead.