Ice and Fire

Watching the happy couple go inside, John, standing at the door, felt distressed. With tears in his eyes, he turned away in utter disappointment.

In the evening, Jackson lay in bed, holding Cherry in his arms. He felt very happy.

"Didn't you say that you would stay in the barracks for a month? How come you are back today?" Leaning into Jackson's arms, Cherry asked.

"My wife was suffering at home, how could I be at ease outside?" said Jackson, in an indifferent tone.

"I didn't suffer much. I have been pretty good these days." said Cherry. Everything was fine except what had happened this morning.

"Pretty good? Does that include you getting slapped by Lucia?" said Jackson, sternly. The woman was so defenseless, that she did not even know how to protect herself.

"It was just an accident. When I went to the Chu residence this morning, I did not know Lucia would be there." said Cherry.

"But you were slapped by her! I will never allow anyone to hurt my woman," announced Jackson, barking it out like an order.

"Jackson, are you protecting me?" asked Cherry. She was touched. Was she now feeling a wave of happiness wash over her? She did indeed feel happy.

"Yes, you are my wife and of course I have to protect you," said Jackson, holding Cherry tight. Though he couldn't speak out that he loved her, she had completely swept away his heart.

Cherry didn't say a word, but she felt warm. She hadn't felt this way for a long time and she had almost forgotten what happiness was like. John had been very good to her, but that had been long ago. Wilson also treated her very well, but he had not been beside her for a long time. Nowadays, it was Jackson who made her feel warm and happy. Cherry was wondering whether she should open her heart to him now.

thing." A thought had occurred to Cherry and she asked,"Why did you cancel John's application for governorship? He

warned her,"You mustn't go with him. You are my legal wife

shouldn't go anywhere out of your

you think?" Saying that, Jackson turned over and pressed himself

to her, but she still

do in

"Jackson, you bastard."

took complete control of her and she had no chance

filled with the scent of love.

Cherry opened her eyes, she saw Jackson staring at her, seriously, like a

you doing?" asked Cherry.

ugly while you are sleeping?" Jackson joked. But his heart was full of warmth and happiness. He

Cherry pretended to be angry and turned her

hold Cherry from behind. He said,"No matter how ugly you are, I will stare at you

she had married Jackson, she had decided to be with him her entire lifetime.

words. No contact with John!" said Jackson, sternly.

decisively. But she suddenly turned over, looked into Jackson's eyes and said, seriously,"Then will you stop being hostile to

behalf?" said Jackson, in a glum