"He Hanchuan, I never deliberately hurt Jiang Qingran. Why won't you believe me? For two years, every single day has been a living hell. After the Lunar New Year, you destroyed my hope all over again. Is Jiang Qingran's life a life, but my life, Xiang Wan's life, is nothing at all?" It was the first time she had cried since her release from prison—not with great, heaving sobs, but with silent tears that streamed endlessly down her face. He Hanchuan watched her, his brow furrowed. Two years ago, when Xiang Wan had cried and pleaded with him, he’d felt not a flicker of emotion. But now, watching these same tears, an unbearable frustration churned inside him. This wave of emotion made his lips tighten into a thin line. He stared at her red, swollen eyes and scowled. "Xiang Wan, stop thinking about ending it all day and night. Someone like you would end up in hell anyway. Heaven was never an option." "But a hell without you and Jiang Qingran would be my heaven. This world, right now, *is* hell—because of you!" Just then, the elevator doors chimed open. "Fine. Very fine." A humorless, angry laugh escaped He Hanchuan's lips. Seizing her arm, he dragged her out of the elevator. The head of the cleaning department, who had been waiting by the doors, lit up at the sight of He Hanchuan. But when his gaze fell on the person being dragged, the color drained from his face. He hurried forward. "Mr. He, what's going on? Did she do something to upset you?" "Get out!" The supervisor froze, pinned by the chilling look in He Hanchuan's eyes, and didn't dare take another step. Xiang Wan's leg throbbed with pain, and a wave of nausea rose from her stomach. His long legs took wide strides, and she was practically dragged along behind him until he hauled her into a room. Then, he threw her off. But an instant later, he had her pinned against the wall, just like two years ago. He Hanchuan’s devastatingly handsome face was an inch from hers, their breaths mingling in the charged air. "Xiang Wan," his icy voice began, and her body trembled involuntarily. "Am I your hell? Hmm?" Her face flushed from the lack of air, tear tracks still wet on her cheeks, making her look utterly pathetic. She didn't struggle. She even hoped he would just destroy her then and there. But He Hanchuan denied her that wish. He neither released her nor hurt her further. The skin beneath his hand was warm, and he could even feel the frantic pulse beating in her throat. Staring into her hopeless, vacant eyes, he suddenly bent his head and bit her lip—hard. Xiang Wan’s eyes widened slightly as a sharp pain shot through her, followed by the coppery tang of blood spreading across their mouths. Her lips were dry and chapped, yet they were like a poppy, pulling him under. He Hanchuan was lost in it. "Xiang Wan," he rasped, "if I am your hell, then you'd better remember this: you will never escape." Two years ago, when she had presented herself to him, dressed to perfection, he wouldn't even give her a second glance. But now, here she was in a filthy cleaner's uniform, crude and unkempt, and he was kissing her. She tried to push him away, but she had no strength. A shiver ran through her. Xiang Wan gritted her teeth. "He Hanchuan, don't do this to me. Please, I'm begging you…" The body beneath him went still. He Hanchuan’s hand was still cupping her neck. He looked down at her; her features, usually so vivid, were now ashen and lifeless. The spell broke. He abruptly let her go. His gaze fell to her exposed shoulder, where two old, unsightly scars marred the fine, porcelain-white skin. A chill rose in his eyes. He grabbed a nearby jacket and tossed it onto her. "Get out," he ordered, his voice cold. Xiang Wan clutched the jacket, biting her lip as she slowly sat up. And at that moment, a knock came from behind them. A familiar yet distant voice called out from the doorway. "Hanchuan? Are you in there?" Even if she were reduced to ashes, Xiang Wan would recognize that voice. She looked up at He Hanchuan and saw his expression was unchanged as he started toward the door. She froze, then reached out and grabbed the cuff of his pants. "I don't want to see her…" He Hanchuan frowned. Seeing her pale face, he assumed it was cowardice. He was about to speak when the door was pushed open from the outside.