Page 200 of Cruel Devotion

We stepped off the elevator, our movements hesitant as we navigated through the narrow path the guards managed to maintain.

The women's calls grew louder and more desperate.“Lei, don't do this!”

One cried, her voice cracking with emotion.“What does she have that we don't?”

Tension gathered in my shoulders.

Some of the women began to sob.“We can change! Just tell us what you want!”

Lei leaned Fengge's way. “Have therapists on the plane and with them on the trip. I don't want them to hurt themselves.”

“I understand, Mountain Master.”

Another laughed nervously.“This must be a joke! Right? She's nobody!”

I swallowed and kept my head high.

I could never live here. This is too much.

As we walked away, the cries and calls of the women echoed down the corridor.

“Lei! Please!” Their voices intertwined with sobs and imploring shouts. “Lei!”

With his arm around my waist, Lei tenderly squeezed my side.

The cacophony of desperate pleas and heartbroken cries lingered in the air, haunting my steps.

However, the more we headed away, the less I could hear them and the more I was able to shove it all away.

Fengge and Bolin began to slow their pace and fall back, simply following us along with the other guards.

Slowly, I took the hallway in.

Wow. This space is beautiful too.

The hallway was a breathtaking vision in shades of blue. Light blue luxurious carpet covered the floor. It had a subtle pattern that mimicked the gentle ripples of a calm sea. The walls were painted in a tranquil shade of blue that perfectly complemented the carpet. Natural light streamed in from large windows, showing off the immaculate gardens outside.

The scent of blooming jasmine filled the air.

Lei spoke. “I never wanted any of that.”

“The harem?”

“Yes, and. . .I never anticipated that my actions would lead to their pain. . .”

“And obsession.”

He gazed at me. “I don't want them around anymore. Now that I'm truly understanding the power of intimacy, I want more. I want you.”

“I want you too.”

“Do you think sending them off on a vacation first will help?”

“Probably. Especially with your including therapists.”

“Many have spent all of their adult years simply focused on my pleasure and needs.” Lei moved his view forward. “I feel like shit for throwing them aside. What amount of money could make up for that wasted time?”

“You can't blame yourself for their reactions. You didn't ask for a harem in the first place—”

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