"Let go of me! You thief, let go of me right now!" Faye Knox struggled as she spoke, her hands pounding hard against Evan Chu's body, each blow landing with enough force to make him see stars.
Evan knew that dealing with a woman like her required a ruthless approach—otherwise, she’d never listen to him. But there were two ways to be ruthless: one was to overwhelm her with sheer power and dominance.
The other was to just take her on the spot, making her his woman instantly—just like he’d done with Princess Ivy. But for someone like Faye Knox, the first method definitely wouldn’t work. Evan knew her temper all too well: she’s not the type to yield to force or persuasion.
But the second option wasn’t viable either—not when she was this furious. And if he really did anything to her now, the Nether Monarch would never let it slide. So, while he couldn’t go that far, he could definitely make her stop struggling.
Evan suddenly pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard, pressing his lips directly onto hers. It wasn’t the first time he’d kissed Faye Knox, but she never expected him to pull something like this right now. She froze, stunned, and his tongue slipped easily into her mouth, entwining with her own.
For a moment, it was like she’d been struck by lightning—completely at a loss. This was the kiss she’d secretly longed for so long. She should’ve been happy to have it again, but now that he’d become another woman’s man, how could she accept it so easily? She shoved Evan away with all her strength.
Tears she couldn’t hold back spilled from her eyes. “How can you treat me like this? Even now, all you want to do is bully me? Evan, you’ve really let me down.” Faye choked out the words, her voice trembling.
Evan stepped forward and hugged Faye tightly again. “Faye, can you just listen to me? Please calm down and let me explain, okay?”
“No! I won’t listen! You’re a liar, a total liar!” Faye kept struggling, refusing to calm down.
Evan’s anger flared. He twisted her rear hard enough to leave a bruise, making Faye cry out in pain. “Let me go! If you don’t let go, I’ll fight you to the death!” she yelled, furious.
Faye, I know you love me—and how could I not love you? So many things are forced by circumstance. You know my situation: in this Netherworld, without enough strength, how could I protect myself? You have the Nether Yin Constitution, and Princess Ivy has the Pure Yin Constitution. The yin energy inside both of you is crucial for boosting my strength.
For you, it's love. For Princess Ivy, I really don't have those feelings. To increase my power, I have no choice. Give me a little time—once I'm strong enough, I'll take you away from the Netherworld. Believe me!
At this point, I can only say it shamelessly. As for whether I can take you to the Netherworld, that depends on the situation. I have to absorb your Nether Yin Qi—no matter what, I can't let things fall apart between us. Otherwise, it'll be far too hard to improve my strength.
Faye was a little moved after hearing this. She glanced at Evan and said, "But you’ve already married Princess Ivy, and I’m nothing. You know I spoke so many good words about you to my father, but it ended up like this. If I’d known, I would’ve given myself to you and made you my Royal Consort. But now, that’s basically impossible. How do you expect me to trust you?"
With what? With my love for you! Faye, I promise—when all this is over, I’ll make you my woman, and I’ll do it openly, with full honor. I keep my word.
Faye hesitated, unsure whether to trust him. But her love for him was already beyond control—every day since returning home, his shadow was in her mind, every gesture and smile impossible to forget.
Evan, why don’t you just take me now? I want to officially become your woman, so your strength can break through again. I really don’t want any more accidents.
Faye, I understand your feelings, but it’s not the right time. When I really need you, I’ll come to you. Trust me—one day, I’ll make you my woman.
I hope you won’t lie to me again. Otherwise, I’ll have my father kill you. Of course, if you die, I won’t keep living either.
Alright, let’s go back. Everyone must be anxious by now, and maybe your father is furious. After we return, don’t attend the wedding—just leave Nine-Shade City with your father. I don’t want any more accidents, especially here in Nine-Shade City, where you know the consequences.
Faye nodded, and Evan gently kissed her forehead. Then, holding her delicate hand, he instant-moved several times and brought her back to the City Lord’s Mansion.
Their sudden appearance shifted the atmosphere once again. Everyone looked at them curiously, and Evan announced, "There were some misunderstandings today—sorry to keep everyone waiting. My wedding with Princess Ivy will proceed as planned!"
"Boy, what did you do to my daughter? She actually agreed with you?" The Nether Monarch looked at Evan in shock.
"Father, let’s go home. I don’t want to drink wedding wine anymore—my feelings are a mess, I just want to return to the Netherworld as soon as possible. Let’s leave it at that. I love him; even if I can’t become his woman, I hope he can be happy. Please don’t hurt him again." Faye said.
Her sudden change of heart surprised everyone—they knew it must be connected to what happened when the two left together. But the Nether Monarch said, "Faye, I can ignore your personal affairs, but there’s one question I need him to answer directly."
Evan’s heart skipped a beat. Had the Nether Monarch discovered his true identity? If so, that would be trouble—no matter what, he couldn’t admit it.
"Boy, who are you, really? Why do I find you so familiar? I hope you’ll tell the truth, or don’t blame me for being merciless!" the Nether Monarch demanded.
I’m just a nobody, Nether Monarch. This is our first meeting—how could I be familiar? You must be mistaking me for someone else. If you want to stay and drink wedding wine, you’re welcome; if not, please leave with Faye. But that palm strike—I’ll remember it. One day, I’ll make you taste the same pain.
Maybe Evan was the first to ever speak to the Nether Monarch like that. Everyone thought the Nether Monarch would erupt with anger, but instead he laughed: "Good, you’re thinking of revenge. I’ll wait and hope you won’t disappoint me. Faye, let’s go!"
Faye and the Nether Monarch flew up into the sky. As she left, Faye glanced at Evan one last time before vanishing from sight.
The Shade Lord hadn’t said a word the whole time. Evan really was extraordinary—being able to send the Nether Monarch away so easily was a real surprise.