Chapter 730   - Not His Place (1)

Li Meili felt that Zhang Jiren had changed and kept his distance from her these days. Was he still upset over their last argument? Didn't she already apologize for her actions? But why was he still giving her the cold shoulder now?

Just as when she thought they could be friends or be amicable towards each other during their two years of marriage, Zhang Jiren's cold treatment suddenly bothered her.

Her husband had never raised his voice towards her even when she was being unreasonable at times, which Li Meili appreciated the most. The only person who was able to be as patient as this towards her was her best friend, Tang Moyu, so she didn't quite expect that Zhang Jiren would give her the same treatment.

Whether it was because she was pregnant or because of Tang Beixuan, Li Meili wasn't sure. But Zhang Jiren never forced her to do something she didn't like, and most of their arguments were all because she wanted everything her way.

Even now, Zhang Jiren had converted one of the unused bedrooms in their villa to a workstation where she could finish the dress for the competition. He even asked Zhi Ruo to help him transport everything she might need to their home so she wouldn't have to worry about it.

As she looked at the almost finished black lace dress, Li Meili wondered what changed between her and her husband. She knew that it wasn't her place to question him and should accept or consider whatever he wanted from this marriage. She wondered if he finally grew tired of her.

After all, the baby in her w.o.m.b wasn't his in the first place. Was the pressure of pretending as her husband and lover finally taking a toll on him?

She decided she had enough work for the day and brought down her notebook. Yawning, she stretched her arms upwards before deciding to find something to eat. She was starting to feel fatigued these days although she slept over ten hours lately.

With her due date nearing, she and Zhang Jiren had started a new daily routine. He now spent more time at home than at his office. Their routine was leisurely and more like a normal life they would probably have if they were a real couple.

They got up around eight and had breakfast together in the morning before Zhang Jiren would disappear for at least three hours in his study to work on whatever required his attention while she spent her time on her dress.

Zhang Jiren also insisted that they should have lunch together on time— something Li Meili was sure that he never did regularly at work. He was probably doing this for her and her baby's sake. He had taken the responsibility to make sure that she was eating on time and was eating enough.

"Wash your hands first, Meili. No one's trying to take your food," he commented when he saw her glimmering eyes staring at the delicious dishes he made today.

Li Meili did what she was told before joining Zhang Jiren at the dining table and ate heartily. These days, she felt like she was being spoiled and doted on by him, but his unusual silence somewhat bothered her.

"Don't overwork. If you are feeling tired then there's no need for you to exert yourself. Is the dress ready for the finals?" he asked as he placed more vegetables in her bowl, making Li Meili scowl at him.

"You eat too much meat," he commented when he noticed her reaction.

Li Meili huffed and continued to eat, mumbling to herself.

"I only need to do the finishing touches. It should be done in three days," she answered his earlier question.

Zhang Jiren nodded and didn't say more. They continued to eat in silence before he invited her to take a stroll in their garden. Since the villa was far from the neighboring property, it gave them enough space to walk around.

Because Li Meili was pregnant, Zhang Jiren made sure to slow down and kept his strides short for her to be able to keep up with him. They walked until they reached the pergola where they could enjoy a warm afternoon together.

Their conversations mostly were about her travels abroad and the little buns' misadventure when they were still in New York. Zhang Jiren never asked her anything but he liked hearing her stories about his niece and nephew. He could see how much Li Meili loved them.

It didn't take long before Li Meili dozed off, her head leaning against his shoulder. His body stirred but she remained asleep. She was probably exhausted from working, trying to finish the dress on time before she gave birth. Zhang Jiren knew pregnant women needed extra rest and care that's why he didn't allow her to overwork.

He carried her back inside the villa and into the master bedroom. He stilled for a moment when Li Meili pressed the side of her face against his c.h.e.s.t and sighed in contentment. He then placed her gently on the bed before removing her sandals, and then hovering back to shift her so she's in a more comfortable position.

He intended to leave her on her own to get enough sleep originally. However, before he even get to lift himself up, Li Meili rolled on her side and refused to let him go by draping her arm around him, forbidding him to leave the bed. Zhang Jiren stared at her sleeping face and flopped down on the mattress next to her with a sigh.

It was getting hard to rein in his emotions towards her these days. She was so beautiful. Next to her, her long tresses spilled over his arms and hands and his eyes noted that her skin had regained its healthy complexion.

He gently traced her back with his fingers, and then rested his hand on her belly where her baby grew. Zhang Jiren froze when he realized what he was doing. It shouldn't be him who should be doing this. It wasn't his place.

What he felt for her was new to him. Holding her like this, Zhang Jiren closed his eyes, trying to savor the moment. It was quiet and tender, enough to unfurl the emotions in his heart.

Peace, Zhang Jiren realized with sudden clarity. Ever since he married Li Meili and spent time with her, he only felt at peace in her presence. The nightmares that usually haunted him at night had lessened. Nonetheless, he knew well that she only needed him for two years and would eventually leave him on his own again.