The Villains All Fell in Love with Me After Rebirth : Chapter 52 - Escape from Marriage
Chapter 52: Escape from Marriage
Carlos returned from outside and pushed open the door, only to see Ji Ling sitting on the edge of the bed, hugging his knees with his head lowered, as though he had fallen asleep.
He walked over and sat beside the boy, gently pulling him into his arms. He kissed his hair softly and said in a gentle voice, “I heard you didn’t eat dinner tonight?”
Ji Ling remained motionless.
Carlos sighed quietly. He cupped Ji Ling's face and noticed the redness in his eyes, along with traces of tears.
Lowering his head, he kissed Ji Ling tenderly. The boy’s body stiffened slightly, seemingly reluctant, but surprisingly, he didn’t avoid it. Instead, he submissively parted his lips, his eyelashes trembling lightly as he lowered his gaze.
For the first time in so many days, Ji Ling showed such compliance. The deep, dark emotion in Carlos's eyes grew even stronger as he pressed Ji Ling beneath him, trailing kisses along his neck.
The boy instinctively trembled. Despite having been kissed by Carlos countless times, he was still incredibly sensitive. This fresh, unpracticed reaction filled Carlos with even more tenderness.
After a while, Carlos stopped and held Ji Ling in his arms. “I’ll let it slide this time,” he said softly, “but if you skip a meal again, you know what will happen, don’t you?”
Ji Ling was silent for a moment, his lashes still glistening with tears. Suddenly, he moved his lips and said, “There’s no sunlight here. It’s stifling. I want to go outside for some fresh air.”
Carlos froze momentarily, his sharp gaze falling on Ji Ling’s face.
After a long pause, he smiled faintly. “Alright.”
He knew exactly what the boy was thinking—he wanted to leave this place. But such a notion was naive and futile. Even so, this was the first time Ji Ling had ever made a request of him, and Carlos couldn’t bring himself to refuse.
Carlos scooped Ji Ling into his arms and took him out, riding the elevator up to the surface.
Ji Ling had been living underground for so long that he had lost all sense of time. Stepping outside, he realized it was afternoon. The sunlight was dazzling. He raised his hand to shield his eyes, gazing at the long-missed light and was so moved that he nearly cried.
If he had known it would be this easy to go outside, he would have asked earlier!
He felt foolish, truly foolish.
Carlos watched as Ji Ling’s tearful eyes glistened in the sunlight, a faint pang of regret flashing through his heart. But he ultimately steeled himself, guiding Ji Ling to sit at a table in the garden and ordering the servants to bring an assortment of exquisite pastries.
Ji Ling, starving after skipping a meal, almost drooled at the sight of the delicious spread. But he hadn’t forgotten his plan with Wen Yan. He would never be won over by Carlos’s petty favors!
Suppressing his hunger, Ji Ling ignored the food before him. He raised his eyes and looked at Carlos with an icy gaze. “Why would you go to such lengths—stooping so low as to marry someone like me, a useless dandy—just to oppose His Majesty? What value do I have that makes it worth your effort?”
Carlos’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous and fearsome glint flashing within them. His chest rose and fell slightly.
This child… he had no idea what he was saying.
Why?
What answer did Ji Ling want from him?
Don’t ask me questions like this. Don’t force me to tell the truth, because even if I do, you won’t believe me.
So, I won’t say I love you. That will only push you further away.
Carlos’s thin lips curved faintly. “Don’t underestimate your value,” he said calmly. “And don’t try to guess my intentions.”
Ji Ling looked at him and suddenly let out a bitter laugh. The once-bright blue of his eyes was now filled with dark sarcasm. “Of course. After all, it’s not like you love me. None of you ever do…”
“You’re no different from His Majesty. In my previous life, I loved him so deeply, yet he exiled me without hesitation. In this life, when the rebels captured me, he still let the true culprit go for the sake of his goals. He never cared about what I went through…”
Carlos’s expression darkened. He closed his eyes briefly and said, “Even so, you refused to go against his wishes. You bore everything alone and never revealed the truth. If it were me, I wouldn’t have let anyone who hurt you go.”
Tears suddenly streamed down Ji Ling’s face. He broke down, crying, “Enough! Don’t talk as if you actually love me!”
Carlos froze, the cold pain in his chest spreading again.
Ji Ling wiped his eyes and said firmly, “I will never reveal the truth. Don’t bother trying!”
Carlos gazed at him silently, wanting to comfort him, but in the end, he didn’t move. His hands tightened at his sides… In truth, Carlos had never intended for Ji Ling to speak the truth. That so-called condition was just an excuse to confuse him. He knew Ji Ling would never agree.
Even if Ji Ling did agree, Carlos wouldn’t allow it. The truth would expose everything Ji Ling had suffered, leaving him vulnerable to gossip and slander for the rest of his life. This was why Carlos had never defended himself against Jing Sui’s accusations. It wasn’t because he couldn’t; it was because he couldn’t bear to use Ji Ling as a pawn in their power struggle.
No matter how intense their conflict, neither Carlos nor Jing Sui wanted the truth to come to light.
Even though this was highly disadvantageous to him and left him in a passive position, he would never expose the boy's wounds to the world just to gain some advantage for himself... Even without revealing the truth, he would not lose to Jing Sui!
Did he really think he could deal with him using such tactics?
Carlos took a deep breath, gently pulling Ji Ling closer and soothing his trembling body. “If you don’t want to talk about it, then don’t. There’s no need to force yourself.”
He inhaled the boy’s scent, his gaze lingering on Ji Ling’s delicate neck. The word ‘love’ hovered on the tip of his tongue, almost slipping out. But in the end, he didn’t say it.
Ji Ling continued to cry silently, refusing to speak. Carlos sighed and prepared to carry him back inside. But just then, Ji Ling spoke.
His voice was calm, devoid of emotion, as he said, “Do you know how I left the palace?”
Carlos paused and looked down at him.
Ji Ling raised his eyes, their dull, lifeless gray meeting Carlos’s. A faint, mocking smile played on his lips. “I told His Majesty that the person who loved him is already dead, never to return in this life.”
Carlos’s expression finally shifted. He stared at Ji Ling with a mix of surprise and pity. Would he… actually say such things to Jing Sui?
So, in the end, he had been hurt and lost hope.
Ji Ling looked at Carlos, his smile bitter and tinged with despair. “If I really married you, even if you don’t love me and are just using me… would you treat me well?”
Carlos’s voice was low and steady as he replied, “I would treat you well.”
Ji Ling suddenly smiled, his eyes shimmering with tears, his expression filled with self-deprecation. “I see…”
……………
After that day, Ji Ling seemed to have let go of some of his inner turmoil. Though he remained cold and distant toward Carlos, he no longer resisted as much, appearing resigned to his fate.
Even when Carlos was intimate with him, Ji Ling lay still like a puppet, neither reciprocating nor resisting.
This broken version of Ji Ling made Carlos’s heart ache even more deeply.
Though Ji Ling was confined underground, Carlos filled the palace with treasures to make him happy. Regardless of whether Ji Ling cared for them, Carlos kept sending him rare jewels and priceless artifacts.
The floor was lined with thick carpets, the dining table was crafted from gold and encrusted with gems, and the room was filled with glittering treasures.
Ji Ling, feigning indifference, glanced around at the extravagant collection.
Ji Ling: [I think Uncle Carlos might have mistaken me for a dragon, hoarding shiny things here because he thinks I’ll like them.]
System: [A dragon’s heir?]
Ji Ling: […]
What was wrong with his system? Since when did it start making bad jokes?
Ji Ling found it unsettling.
At dinner, as usual, the table was adorned with exquisite delicacies.
While Ji Ling ate with relish, his expression remained indifferent, as though he weren’t impressed. In truth, life had become more comfortable since he stopped resisting. Carlos treated him with great care. His kisses were gentle and never made Ji Ling uncomfortable. Gradually, Ji Ling grew indifferent to it all.
That evening, Carlos, in good spirits, pulled Ji Ling onto his lap. He touched his nose playfully and offered him a sip of wine.
Sweet, fragrant wine passed from Carlos’s lips to Ji Ling’s. The boy’s cheeks flushed as a drop of wine trickled down his neck, intensifying Carlos’s dark gaze. He suddenly swept the crystal dinnerware off the table and laid Ji Ling upon it, lowering his head to kiss the spilled wine.
Ji Ling lay motionless, his body a tempting delicacy awaiting Carlos’s indulgence. The sight made Carlos’s desire almost unbearable. He leaned close to Ji Ling’s ear and murmured hoarsely, “Our wedding day is approaching…”
Ji Ling, eyes closed and seemingly expressionless, betrayed his awareness with the slight tremble of his lashes.
Carlos gazed at him, his heart swelling with love and anguish. He could sense Ji Ling’s gradual acceptance but knew it wasn’t born of love. Ji Ling had simply lost hope and grown weary of resisting.
Disappointment in Jing Sui… and in himself.
No matter what, at least now he was about to belong to him. Even if it took such despicable means, he had still obtained him.
Soon, the whole world would know that he would be his lover. They would share the closest bond in name, and even if you don't love me, don't even think about escaping from my side again.
Carlos gripped the boy's wrist, gently lifted his clothing, and touched him tenderly with care and affection.
His movements were initially restrained, but his breathing gradually became heavier.
Ji Ling trembled under the kisses. He had grown accustomed to Carlos's daily kisses—after all, Carlos always stopped short. He was a highly self-controlled person; if he decided not to act, he wouldn’t. But at this moment... Ji Ling suddenly realized something was slipping out of control.
Carlos was unusually forceful today.
Ji Ling began to panic. Had his recent performance of hopeless compliance been overdone, leading Carlos to think he didn’t mind, and now he couldn’t hold back anymore?
No way!
Just as Ji Ling was anxiously thinking about how to stop Carlos, the man suddenly paused and whispered near his ear, “If you don't want this, I can stop.”
Ji Ling closed his eyes, his mind racing. Remembering his plan, outright rejection would undoubtedly arouse Carlos's suspicion and ruin everything he had worked for.
After a moment, he opened his eyes and gazed at Carlos with calm indifference. He said, “It doesn’t matter. You wouldn’t be the first to do something like this to me.”
Carlos froze as those cold, detached eyes stared back at him. A chill swept from the top of his head down to his entire body, freezing every boiling impulse and leaving only an unbearable cold.
To the boy, he was no different from those who had committed atrocities against him.
So, could he never get even a sliver closer to his heart?
Carlos almost lost control of his emotions. Ji Ling's words had hurt him deeply. After a brief silence, Carlos helped Ji Ling tidy his clothes, gave him a long, meaningful look, and left the room.
Ji Ling watched Carlos leave and finally let out a breath.
Honestly, when he said those words earlier, he had been extremely nervous! What if Carlos disregarded his feelings and really went through with it? Fortunately, he gambled correctly—Carlos couldn’t bring himself to continue.
Thinking about this, Ji Ling lowered his eyes with a complicated expression.
No matter what, he had to leave this place.
………………
Since that day, Carlos no longer made any inappropriate advances toward Ji Ling. At most, he would kiss his forehead or eyes. Even then, such gestures were cautious and devoid of any disrespect.
He buried all his desires deep within himself, unwilling to hurt the boy he loved or remind him of painful memories.
The wedding date was drawing closer.
Ji Ling grew increasingly tense. After days of preparation, the time for his plan with Wen Yan was approaching. He had only one chance—failure would mean he could never escape.
He paced the room, deep in thought, his gaze falling on the treasures piled up within the room.
Most of them were unrecognizable to Ji Ling, but among them, a blue gemstone encased in a transparent crystal box caught his eye. He remembered it vividly.
It was the sapphire from the depths of Lake Fraiser.
On the first day of his return, Carlos had given him this sapphire, along with the planet Blue Starfish, later confessing his feelings to him by the lake...
Ji Ling picked up the gemstone and studied it carefully. His eyes flickered with light, and after a moment, he clenched the gem tightly in his palm, taking a deep breath.
Ji Ling: [Do you think Carlos will agree to my request?]
System: [He probably... will?]
Ji Ling: [That tone isn’t reassuring at all…]
System: [......]
Though nervous, Ji Ling resolved to rely on his acting skills for the plan he had prepared for so long!
Carlos returned late that day. Perhaps due to his prior conflict with Ji Ling, Jing Sui hadn’t been pestering him and thus didn’t notice Ji Ling's unusual behavior. To be cautious, Carlos had 'Ji Ling' feigned illness and stayed home, avoiding contact with others. For now, no one has discovered the problem.
The wedding day loomed closer.
Even in his most dangerous battles with Jing Sui in his past life, Carlos had never felt such apprehension. All this, just to secure a formal bond with his beloved.
Once he had this bond, even if Ji Ling didn’t love him, he would have a reason to keep Ji Ling by his side, slowly winning his heart.
Impatient to see Ji Ling, Carlos headed straight to him.
As he entered, he saw the boy sitting in a crimson velvet chair, staring dazedly at the gemstones on the table.
Hearing footsteps, Ji Ling turned his head. For a fleeting moment, the lifeless depths of his eyes revealed a hint of fragility and confusion.
Carlos's heart ached. He walked over and softly asked, “What’s wrong?”
Ji Ling seemed lost in thought. After a moment, he snapped out of it, looked away, and seemed to make up his mind. His voice was quiet as he said, “I want to visit Blue Starfish again…”
Carlos paused, a hint of hesitation in his heart.
Ji Ling looked at the sapphire on the table, nostalgia washing over his expression. His voice, low and hoarse, carried pain: “I want to see the sapphires of Lake Fraser one last time. They’re beautiful, and I didn’t get a good look last time... It was the place where you first said you loved me.”
As he spoke, his voice grew cold and detached: “Forget it. It’s all fake anyway.”
Carlos felt a pang in his chest.
He remembered that day vividly.
The first time he confessed his love to Ji Ling had ended in utter humiliation. Yet now, Ji Ling was bringing it up himself...
Why?
You don’t care about my feelings.
But as he looked at Ji Ling’s lifeless demeanor, recalling the fleeting vulnerability and genuine emotion he had glimpsed earlier... Was it possible that you weren’t entirely unmoved? Was it possible you cared whether I loved you?
Could you be starting to trust me?
Carlos took a deep breath. He knew that taking Ji Ling outside before the wedding was a risky decision. Logically, he should refuse without hesitation and wait until after the ceremony to grant his wish.
But as he gazed at Ji Ling’s face, he found himself unable to say no.
His emotions tore apart his reason bit by bit.
He couldn’t refuse this request.
Carlos said, “I’ll take you.”
Ji Ling was momentarily stunned, staring at Carlos in surprise. He hadn’t expected him to agree.
Carlos looked at him, his deep brown eyes filled with suppressed pain and tender warmth. He smiled, “Let’s go see it again.”
………………
Half an hour later, a small, well-camouflaged spaceship silently left Carlos’s estate.
Carlos carried Ji Ling aboard. Ji Ling closed his eyes and sighed faintly.
You’re using my kindness, and I’m using your love. In that case, we’re even.
He sat obediently in his chair, motionless, gazing at the stars outside the glass window.
Since the wedding hadn’t yet occurred, the 'Ji Ling' at the Ji family estate meant Carlos couldn’t openly take him away. To avoid drawing attention, he discreetly left with only a small elite force. Naturally, this meant limited defenses...
From the capital planet to Blue Starfish wasn’t too far, but it still required about five hours of travel.
After the final short warp jump, the black spacecraft appeared silently above Blue Starfish.
Carlos gazed at Ji Ling lovingly and said, “We’ve arrived.”
Ji Ling looked at the man’s elegant, profound face. His brown eyes held an ocean of indulgence and affection, as they always did... His gaze wavered slightly, but he pursed his lips and said nothing.
Just as the ship was about to land, a sudden violent shock rocked the vessel! They were under attack!
Carlos’s face darkened as his sharp gaze locked onto the starry sky ahead. His eyes narrowed dangerously as enemy ships uncloaked, blocking his path.
It was Brandon’s fleet!
They had been lying in ambush all along!
Under normal circumstances, Carlos wouldn’t fear Brandon in the slightest. But today, he was lightly equipped, while Brandon had come prepared. If Carlos was held back, his remaining men wouldn’t be able to fend off Brandon’s forces!
Carlos made a swift decision and ordered, “Retreat!”
But it was too late!
The ship was completely surrounded, and the battle erupted instantly.
Ji Ling steadied himself against the ship’s wall, coldly observing the unfolding chaos.
To protect Ji Ling from the crossfire, Carlos engaged Brandon personally. Meanwhile, the remaining servants and guards surrounded Ji Ling, forming a protective barrier.
Outside,
Brandon, consumed by fury, fought Carlos with the ferocity of a war god, their battle shaking the heavens and earth.
Ji Ling watched anxiously.
Minutes later, the ship shook violently once more. A tear appeared in the metal wall, and a silver-haired, black-eyed man stepped gracefully through. His handsome face was illuminated by the cold starlight, his hair rippling in the wind.
His sharp gaze swept over the crowd, his eyes locking onto Ji Ling. The laser weapons floating behind him unleashed a barrage of light, incapacitating all of Ji Ling’s guards.
Then, without hesitation, he strode toward Ji Ling, scooped him up roughly, and cast a challenging glance at the fallen guards. Smirking coldly, he said, “Tell Carlos, I’ve taken him.”
Amid their despairing and furious stares, he carried Ji Ling away and leaped into the waiting ship below.
The metallic hatch of the spaceship closed, and in a moment unnoticed by anyone, it shimmered faintly, tearing through space and leaving all the chaos and battle far behind.
Leaving Carlos and Brandon behind, it departed directly from the scene!
Only then did Wen Yan carefully set Ji Ling down. The icy sharpness on his face faded away, leaving only his usual reverence. He bowed devoutly, kissed the back of Ji Ling’s hand, and lifted his deep black eyes, his voice hoarse as he said, “Mission accomplished.”
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