Trial Of The Senses

In the maternity ward of the hospital.

The strong smell of blood and disinfectant densely filled the air.

Ashley Fang laid on the hospital bed, sweat matting her hair on her forehead.

She was so weak that she could hardly breathe. "Baby, my baby..." She stroked her flat stomach and whispered, her eyes red and swollen with tears.

The doctor's voice echoed in her thoughts countless times. 'I'm sorry. We did everything we possibly could...' It had been nearly 24 hours since she was wheeled out of the operating room. And yet, those words were like a magic spell, constantly ringing in her ears and stabbing her heart over and over again.

Just then, the door opened.

Ashley Fang turned around and saw a familiar figure.

Sorrow and grievance welled up. "Francis, what took you so long?" she said, voice trembling.

After receiving the phone call from her husband Francis Xue, Ashley Fang went to the supermarket for shopping as per his request. When she went out, she was knocked down unexpectedly by a man in a black jacket, and rolled down the steps outside the supermarket.

She phoned Francis Xue, but it just kept ringing until it went to voicemail. She called another four or five times, but no one answered. With much determination, Ashley Fang endured the pain and took a taxi to the hospital by herself.

There was a severe pain on her bulging stomach. When she was almost at the hospital, she passed out from the amount of pain she was feeling. What was waiting for her when she woke up was the heartbreaking news that her unborn son's life was taken by the fall she had.

"Francis, you have to trust me. I am sure I was hit on purpose by some bastard! We have to find him!" Much to Ashley Fang's surprise, Francis Xue didn't say a thing. As he walked closer to her with a cold look on his face, Ashley Fang's eyes were filled with tears again.

Ashley Fang was emotionally broken down. Seeing her pallid face, Francis Xue leaned against the wall and stared at her apathetically.

He was well dressed in an exquisite suit paired with gleaming leather shoes. As he stood there beside Ashley Fang, who looked utterly distraught and unkempt, he looked like a person from a completely different world.

His calmness made Ashley Fang feel even worse, and she thoroughly understood that the death of their baby meant nothing to him. 'Why doesn't he even seem to care!?' Ashley Fang screamed in her heart.

Ashley Fang wiped her tears carelessly on her face. As soon as she came to herself, she grabbed his clothes and asked in a trembling voice, "Where were you?! Why aren't you doing anything? !"

The past 24 hours had been the most painful and the most miserable time in Ashley Fang's life. As she laid there in bed, she felt as if her heart was breaking into two. What's worse, it seemed like nobody cared.

Her mother, her husband... No one was there for her.

"The man who pushed you..." Francis Xue said in a soft, and sweet voice, "...was me."

Before Ashley Fang could react, a woman who was just about her age came through the door. As soon as she saw Francis Xue, she beamed from ear to ear. The woman then walked over and put her arms around Francis's body.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Ashley Fang asked, completely bewildered.

Sheila Fang smiled and turned around to look at Ashley, her black miniskirt flaunting her slender and radiant skin. "Isn't it obvious? I'm here to say farewell to your poor son. Look, the clothes I chose to wear are perfectly matched with today's occasion. Didn't you notice?"

Ashley gritted her teeth as she glowered at Sheila Fang.

"Get out! You are not welcome here!" Ashley thundered. "You are banned from the Fang's house! Don't even think about coming to my son's funeral!"

"Did you really think that we're going to hold a funeral for your dead fetus? Tell you what, we have already thrown him in a dustbin. Now he might have been gnawed to unrecognizable bits by wild dogs and cats," Sheila Fang sneered.

Ashley's eyes widened. It was not until now that she realized something strange.

With a somber face, she turned to look at Francis Xue. "Why does Sheila know that I had a stillbirth?" she asked, her voice shaking. "And why does she keep saying 'we'? What does she mean by that, Francis? Tell me, what's your relationship with her?"

Ashley looked intently at Francis, but he said nothing to any of her questions.

There wasn't any sign of love and care to his wife on his face -- only indifference and coldness.

It was at that moment that Ashley felt an unbearable wave of despair.

The answer was obvious.

"That's complete nonsense! Do you think everyone is as malicious as you are?" Sheila retorted with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. Her face was a look of disgust as she still tightly and provocatively held onto Francis's arm like a well-tamed snake.

A million different things began to rush into Ashley's thoughts. But, just when she thought she couldn't feel any more miserable, Francis said something that made Ashley feel even more devastated.

"I want a divorce," Francis announced, his face as blank as a slate. It was like a knife stabbed her in the heart!

Ashley blinked and shook her head, thinking that maybe she just misheard. For nine whole months, she carried his child with great care and effort, only to have it lost to the hands of death. Instead supporting her like a good husband, he'd been fooling around with the woman she hated most in her life. Now he even wanted to divorce and desert her altogether!

Ashley's face was twisted with pain as tears steadily rolled down her eyes. "Francis..." she cried, her voice breaking, "we had just lost our child--"

"Stop lying. The child was not mine," Francis coldly interrupted her. "I've never slept with you. You make me sick."

On hearing this, Ashley stared at him in bewilderment. Furrowing her brows, she shook her head. "Francis, what the hell are you talking about?"

However, Francis was getting impatient with Ashley's questions.

He didn't care how clueless Ashley was. He directly took out the prepared divorce agreement and stuffed a pen into Ashley's right hand, forcing her to write down her name.

At this point, Ashley realized that talk was cheap. "I'll do it myself!" she yelled as she shook off his hand.

Since the marriage was hopeless, then let it go!

Quickly reading over the contents of the agreement, anger surged up from Ashley's heart. How could Francis ask her to relinquish all the marital property!

How could those years of their love turned out to be nothing! Ashley looked at the man standing beside her sickbed. The man was the same handsome man she had gotten to know and fallen in love with before.

But for some reason, it was like he was a different person, a stranger who vaguely induced a vague sense of nostalgia and nothing more. In fact, Francis had never laid a finger on Ashley ever since their wedding night. Since that day, this was the first time that Francis was physically close to Ashley. And it wasn't even for a good cause. He wanted a divorce and Ashley to give up all marital property!

'How... how could have it ended like this?' Ashley thought, her hands trembling. They had known each other since they were in college. She majored in acting while he studied directing. It seemed like a match made in heaven. For four years, the two loved each other unconditionally. Francis even promised to start a family with her after graduation so that she would no longer have to endure her stepmother's cruelty. Why did it end up like this?

She stared at the ward in a daze. It occurred to her that she had called her mother to see her before the delivery. 'Why isn't Mom here yet?' Ashley thought.

Suddenly, Ashley had a bad feeling and looked around in the ward for her cell phone. "Where is my phone?" she mumbled.

"There's no time for that now. Sign the papers. Stop delaying." Francis impatiently tapped his foot.

"I am going to call my Mom. Why hasn't she come yet?" Ashley replied.

Sheila's eyes were as vicious as a viper and she uttered a snorting laugh. "Your mother? She's dead! When she was driving to hospital last night, she lost control and drove right through the guardrail. The car sank along with her down the river. Neither you nor your Mom is a match for me. You just wait until I'm finished with your pathetic life! You will become a completely poor wretch who can do nothing but beg for mercy!"

Ashley's face turned pale. "No, it's impossible! You are lying..." It was like a thunderbolt hit her. Feeling short of breath, she coughed and gagged, spurts of blood coming out of her mouth.

Her whole body felt like it was going cold, as if the life was getting drained right out of her, just as her happiness was ruthlessly deprived by Sheila.

Even at the last moment before she lost consciousness, she heard Francis urging, "Hurry up and get everything done before she dies."

Huh, this was the man with whom she had planned to spend the rest of her life?!

It was at that moment that Ashley recalled her 25 years of existence. Was it all just to end like this?

However, she was unwilling to accept defeat. There was a lot of doubt in her heart as well.

Francis said he had never had sex with Ashley...

If that were really true, where did her son come from?

Four years later...

The Zhan Residence was situated right in the heart of the city. It was the most expensive and luxurious piece of real estate in the entire metropolis, and encompassed over 2000 sq. meters of land. In the study on the second floor... A woman was violently frog-marched by two black-clad bodyguards. "Sir, we've caught her!" One of them reported coldly.

The black-leather chair behind the desk slowly turned around. "Very good!" A low and seductive voice rang in the air.

The words sent a shiver down Ashley's spine. She knew that she was in trouble at the moment she stepped in the study.

Suddenly, she felt a shadow cast over her head.

Ashley looked up carefully, an extremely handsome face coming into her sight.

This man's features, appearance and figure were impeccable! But what was more impressive than his appearance was his imposing manner.

His eyes were as deep as the night. He didn't need to do anything deliberately, because a single glance at you would make you feel too stunned to move or to resist.

Ashley tried to keep her legs from trembling. Swallowing hard, she tried to muster up an apologetic smile. "Ja... Mr. Jasper, nice to meet you," she stammered.

The man raised his eyebrows slightly. "You know who I am" he asked.

"Yes, of course. Who in A City does not know of you?" Ashley answered with an obsequious smile.

The Zhan family, a top aristocratic family in A City, was one of the most powerful and influential tycoons in the film and television industry.

That was the man's family who was currently towering over Ashley.

"If you knew who I was, how did you have the guts to provoke me?" Jasper Zhan lifted Ashley's chin with his hand. His eyes slightly squinted, looking cold and cruel.

Ashley wussed out immediately, her heart felt like it was jumping out her chest. "No, no, Mr. Jasper. I know you but really this is the first time I've ever seen you! And I wasn't trying to provoke you, I promise. It's all just a big misunderstanding!"

Then, his gaze fell on Ashley's pink and tender lips. At that moment, Jasper Zhan had the sudden urge to kiss her right then and there. He raised his finger and gently rubbed it on her lips. It felt as smooth and soft as butter. "Do you know someone named Flora?" Jasper asked all of a sudden.

Hearing his question, Ashley stared wide-eyed at him, her forehead starting to bead with sweat. Of course she did. She was very familiar with her too.

Her mother's death was a great blow to her at that time. Meanwhile, she was divorced from Francis, and her father was biased in favor of her stepmother and stepsister. As a result, she had nowhere else to go.

Ashley didn't want to stay at home any longer. What she wanted to do the most was focus on her studies while she gave herself some time to heal emotionally. With a determined mindset, she got accepted into Columbia University to study Communication.

The different environment broadened her perspectives in life. It was also helpful that her classmates and her teachers were so kind and helpful towards her. Because of this, her wounds slowly healed. She got her master's degree three years later. Afterwards, she returned to work as a journalist for an entertainment weekly magazine.

As for the question on who Flora was... She was one of the hottest stars in the entertainment circle who had just been named the most popular top actress of the year. Coincidentally, Ashley was designated by her studio to write an article about her.

Day and night, Ashley almost always had her eyes on Flora, waiting for something news-worthy to happen. Her hard work paid off yesterday--she finally got some striking news. At around one o'clock at night, Flora sneaked into a five-star hotel with some strange man! What's more, Flora didn't even bother to draw the curtains even though the bed was right beside the window!

It was almost a walk in the park for Ashley to jot down all the details and get a lot of clear photos. What sensational news that was! It could provoke a howling tempest in the entertainment circle. The release of these photos would definitely make their meager studio into a sudden roaring success overnight.

But, as soon as Ashley had the photos developed, she was dragged here by Jasper Zhan's underlings.

Jasper Zhan started his career as an agent in his early years. He had made many actors and actresses famous, many of which were still active in the entertainment industry, such as Aimee, and Sean Shen to name a few.

Although Jasper Zhan didn't have much time on his hands since had taken the charge of Sheng Group, he was still able to give directions to some people who had potential -- Flora was a rising star in Jasper Zhan's main push.

"Are you deaf or just playing dumb?" Jasper Zhan sneered when Ashley didn't answer his question. He grabbed onto her chin tighter. No one had ever dared to ignore him like this.

"Ouch," Ashley inhaled sharply, trying her best to suppress her fear and guilt. "Flora is such a famed actress! How can common people like me have the chance to meet her!" she quickly lied.

Jasper gritted his teeth. 'Is this woman really not going to give up?!' With a scoff, Jasper went over to his desk and took a wad of photos from a drawer, and smacked them on the desk for Ashley to see. Ashley looked down, absolutely stunned. They were photos of her holding on to a camera right across the hotel Flora was staying at!

'Someone was taking photos of me when I was taking photos of Flora?!'

"It's... Heh, is it really that surprising to take pictures of your idol? You can't assume that I've done something bad to Flora just because I shot some beautiful photos of her!" 'This girl is really thick-skinned! Even with solid evidence, she still has the audacity to deny it!'

Jasper went back to his chair and sat down with his legs crossed. A smile flickered on his lips as he rubbed the edge of his jaw. "Is that a confession? You just said earlier that you've never even met her."

It took a long time for Ashley to react to these words. Jasper just asked her if she had seen Flora in person, but she denied it. 'Oh shit! How could I have been so careless! It's fine. I can get through this. It's a good thing I have a hidden backup of the photos. I just need to play it cool.'

Since things had come to this point, Ashley tried a different approach.

With a natural smile on her cheeks, she smoothed down her wrinkled clothes. She raised her chin slightly, and calmly looked at the man in front of her with her big and beautiful eyes.

"Mr. Jasper, you don't have to be so harsh. After all, I have been in this business for years, so I've already gotten used to threats."

At that moment, Jasper felt that something was wrong -- Ashley's attitude completely changed in a matter of seconds.

"The things people try to hide at night often appear by day through vigilant reporters such as myself. Since Flora was so careless to do what she has done, she should be prepared to face the consequences."

"Well, then have you ever thought about the consequences of provoking me like this?" Jasper asked as he furrowed his brows.

Ashley frowned, not sure what he was trying to imply. There was an uneasy feeling growing inside her, but she could not let herself be at a disadvantaged position. Otherwise, she would be completely at the mercy of this man.

"Although I haven't met you before, I know that you are a candid person. You won't do anything that will draw any unwanted attention," Ashley stated confidently.

Jasper laughed sarcastically. "You're smart, but I don't care much about reputation. It's useless to flatter me. If you don't hand over what I want, I will soon find out yourself that I'm not as candid as you think I am."

"Everybody in the entertainment industry says you are wise and decisive. You are nothing more than a shameful man who threatens women! I will never give you the photos I took. Since you are so powerful, why not take remedial action until I publish the photos? Your exceptional competence would be fully demonstrated in such way, wouldn't it?"

Jasper shook his head, his fists clenching in rage. He raised his hand and beckoned his underlings out. Then he picked up his cellphone and walked slowly towards Ashley.

Instinctively, Ashley took a step back, feeling that he was about to do something to her. "What... What are you doing?"

"Well, you've said it yourself. I need to take action, don't I? I don't want to disappoint you. Since you seem to be fond of such scandalous photos, I'm going to do you a favor and shoot some for you." Before Ashley could move any farther, Jasper gripped Ashley's hands tightly. "Either give me the photos or get yourself stripped off!" Although his words were threatening, his voice was as warm as honey, ringing delightfully in Ashley's ears.

"No!" Ashley pushed Jasper away furiously. But Jasper pulled Ashley towards him effortlessly. In one swift movement, he was able to pin her down on the floor. As Ashley struggled helplessly, Jasper pressed himself between her legs and grabbed her wrists.

"Get away! I will charge you with sexual harassment! I swear to god you'll be thrown in jail!" Ashley threatened feebly.

"If you say so..." With an evil smile on his thin lips, Jasper stretched his hand to Ashley's waist and slowly lifted her clothes.

"No, please don't... Ah..." Ashley was in a panic, as she did not expect Jasper was capable of such a thing. There was an immense strife in her heart as the mountainous man pressed hard on her body. It took her nearly a year of work to get those photos. And now she finally got them. But was it worth the price of having this man assault her?

With her heart beating loudly in her chest, Ashley closed her eyes and quickly leaned forward, biting onto Jasper as hard as she could.

"Ah!" Jasper gave a grunt and released her hands.

'This is my chance!' Ashley thought joyfully, thinking that her trick worked and was about to escape. But when she opened her eyes, she saw bulging veins on Jasper's forehead and there was a ghostly light gleaming in his dark eyes. A closer look made her notice a row of red teeth marks right at the side of Jasper's neck, the skin slightly sleek with saliva.

'How... How could've I bitten there! On such a sensitive part of his body!'

"Good, very good," Jasper said through his teeth, smiling down devilishly at Ashley. With his body against the light of the lamp overhead, his face was blanketed by an ominous shadow. However, Ashley's face was clearly reflected in his dark and deep eyes. The small trail of saliva at the corner of Ashley's mouth caught his attention.

They were in close proximity to each other. Jasper could feel the warmth of Ashley's slim body and he could smell a faint fragrance emitting from her clothes.

"Let go of me, or I will bite you again. Do you really want other people to see you with teeth marks on you?" Ashley swallowed while she said it. It was obvious that she was acting tough even though she really felt fearful inside. But in this situation, she had no choice but try to stand up for herself.

Jasper's voice was a little hoarse but still calm. "I will give you a chance. If you hand over the pictures, I will consider letting you off unscathed."

"Go to hell!" she shouted at him. Ashley knew that she had been on Jasper's 'death list' the moment she was dragged into his study. There was a slim chance that he would actually kill her, but it was likely that he would do something to her that was worse than death. 'There's no way out of this. I just need to stay strong... I just need to bite back!' Ashley thought determinedly.

"You drove me to do this!" she cried. With her arms around Jasper's neck, she used all her strength to try and hurt Jasper again by biting his shoulder. If she was going to suffer either way, Ashley thought, she might as well put up a fight. In addition, she had made up her mind that maybe if she bit down on Jasper hard enough, he might let her go and she could try to escape. There was no use thinking of what would come after. She just needed to get out of that study!

"You stupid woman... Do you want to die?" Jasper shook off Ashley violently -- it was exactly what Ashley expected. To her surprise, instead of completely letting her go, Jasper picked her up and threw her on the sofa.