Rebirth: The New Bride Wants A Divorce-Chapter 347: I won’t hold back

[Later that afternoon]

Betty stepped out through the academy gates, the late afternoon air brushing against her skin as she adjusted the strap of her bag. She was already mentally ticking off the rest of her day when her steps suddenly slowed.

No.

They stopped.

Standing just a few feet away was Shawn.

For a second, she simply stared, as if her mind needed time to catch up with what her eyes were seeing. Then a smile bloomed across her face, bright and uncontrollable. She quickened her pace, almost breaking into a jog as she headed straight for him.

"Are you planning on giving me surprises like this now?" Betty asked, laughter lacing her voice as she came to a stop in front of him.

Shawn smiled back, that familiar, easy smile that always made her heart do unnecessary flips. "Is that a complaint?"

"Never," she replied instantly.

After spending the entire night and the following morning with him, Betty had been certain she’d already reached the peak of happiness. She’d replayed those moments in her head all day, carrying them with her through lectures and notes.

But seeing him here, waiting for her, completely unannounced, made her feel even lighter.

"I thought you’d be busy," she admitted, tilting her head. "You didn’t say you were coming."

"I wanted to see your face when you walked out," Shawn said simply.

Betty laughed, shaking her head. "That’s unfair."

"Worth it though," he replied.

She slipped her hand into his without thinking, her fingers fitting perfectly with his. In that moment, surrounded by students and noise and the fading daylight, Betty realized something quietly beautiful.

Unexpected moments like this were quickly becoming her favorite kind.

Shawn tilted his head toward the parking area and nodded. "Come on," he said lightly. "Let’s go."

Betty followed his gaze and her eyes widened slightly when she spotted his motorcycle waiting by the curb. Excitement flickered across her face as she turned back to him.

"You came prepared," she teased.

Shawn only smiled, but his eyes briefly swept over the surroundings. The academy gate was busy with students leaving, cars passing by, laughter filling the air. Still, his posture remained subtly alert, instincts kicking in as he took in every detail before moving.

Only when he was satisfied did he guide Betty toward the bike.

"Helmet," he said, handing it to her.

She slipped it on obediently, still smiling, completely unaware of the way his attention remained sharp even as he helped adjust the strap for her.

"Comfortable?" he asked.

Betty nodded. "Very."

She climbed on, settling behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist. Shawn paused for just a second, feeling her presence, then swung onto the bike himself.

With one last glance around, he started the engine. The low rumble cut through the evening noise, and moments later, they pulled away from the curb, disappearing into the fading light as the academy gates grew smaller behind them.

***

[Evening]

Daniel stepped out of the bathroom, towel slung low around his waist, steam still clinging to his skin. He ran a hand through his damp hair, already preparing himself for the familiar sight of his wife curled up on their bed.

What he wasn’t prepared for was... this.

Anna was sprawled right in the middle, arms stretched out like she was guarding territory, pillows stacked strategically, blanket pulled snugly around her like a fortress.

Daniel stopped short and arched a brow.

"Are you serious, wifey?" he asked, eyeing the very obvious lack of space left for him.

Anna didn’t even look at him. She simply tugged the blanket higher and rolled slightly to the side, clearly claiming more area in the process.

"I wasn’t joking," she shrugged casually. "Punishment is punishment."

Daniel scoffed and tossed the towel onto the chair. "You cannot possibly be this petty."

"Oh, I absolutely can," she replied sweetly, fluffing her pillow. "And I am."

He climbed onto the bed anyway, attempting to sit on the edge, only for Anna’s foot to immediately press into his side and push him away.

"Hey," he protested. "This is my bed too."

"Correction," Anna said, finally turning to look at him. "This is our bed. And currently, it’s occupied."

Daniel leaned closer, trying to steal a corner of the blanket. "You’re enjoying this far too much."

"Yes," she said simply. Then added, "You lied to me."

"And I already agreed on paying," Daniel countered smoothly.

Anna’s lips twitched despite herself. "With your body."

The corner of Daniel’s mouth curled into a slow, dangerous smile as he rose to his feet. He straightened to his full height, the towel long forgotten, one hand settling lazily on his waist as if he had all the time in the world.

"Yes," he said simply.

The way he said it made Anna’s breath hitch.

He didn’t rush her. Daniel never did when he knew he had the upper hand. Instead, he took one unhurried step toward the bed, then another, his gaze never leaving her face. Not her lips. Not her body. Her eyes. As if he were daring her to look away first.

Anna swallowed and rolled her eyes. "You’re shameless," she muttered. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Daniel hummed in agreement. "Only with you."

She shifted on the bed, crossing her arms. "You think agreeing makes you innocent?"

"No," he replied, stopping right in front of her. "I think it makes me intentional."

He leaned down, bracing his hands on either side of her, close enough that she could feel his warmth without him actually touching her. Close enough to be unfair.

"You said I had to pay," he continued softly. "You never said how."

Anna tilted her chin up defiantly. "Don’t twist my words."

"I don’t twist," Daniel murmured. "I interpret."

His thumb lifted, hovering just short of her jaw, as if asking permission without actually asking. Anna’s heart betrayed her, racing despite her resolve.

"This is manipulation," she said, though her voice lacked conviction.

"This," Daniel corrected gently, "is me reminding you why you married me."

Her eyes flickered. "Arrogant."

"Confident."

He finally touched her then, not her lips, not her waist, but her wrist, fingers wrapping around it with a warmth that grounded her instantly. He pressed her hand to his chest, right over his heart.

"Feel that?" he asked quietly. "That’s what I’m paying with."

Anna’s anger wavered, clashing violently with the way her pulse synced with his beneath her palm.

She pulled her hand back abruptly. "You think that fixes everything?"

"No," Daniel said, straightening. "But it’s a start."

He turned away, just enough to break the spell, and picked up his shirt from the chair. Slowly. Deliberately. As if he knew she was watching.

"I’ll sleep wherever you tell me tonight," he added calmly. "Couch. Guest room. Floor."

Anna frowned. That wasn’t what she expected.

"But remember this," he said, glancing back over his shoulder, eyes dark and unreadable. "When you finally decide my punishment is over..."

He stepped closer again, stopping just inches away.

"...I won’t hold back."

"..."