Chapter 97
The clock on the nightstand showed 9:30 PM. I glanced at it briefly as 1 tucked Billy into bed, smoothing his dinosaur–printed comfortet gesteld biede shoulders. Despite the chaos of the past few days, I was determined to establish a regular routine for Billy.
And then the brave knight rescued the princess from the dragon’s castle, I concluded, my mind clearly ofsewhere as I recited the familiar buddiesa të from memory.
Billy frowned, his eyes reflecting a maturity far beyond his five years. “Mom, that’s not how the story goes. The princess saves herself and becomes handh with the dragon.”
I blinked, suddenly realizing I’d completely mangled his favorite story. “You’re right, sweetheart. I’m sorry. I guess I’m a little distracted tonight.
“It’s okay,” he said, reaching up to pat my cheek with his small hand. I’m sleepy anyway?
My heart tightened at his understanding. When had my little boy grown so perceptive? So capable of reading the tension between his parents? So willing to accommodate my distraction?
“Are you sure?” I asked, smoothing his hair. “I can start over and tell it properly.”
“No need, he yawned, snuggling deeper into his pillow. “You’re tired too. We can both sleep now.”
I cupped his face between my hands, overwhelmed by a sudden rush of emotion. This beautiful, compassionate child was the center of my universe. Everything I did, every compromise I made, was for him.
“I love you so much,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
“Love you too, Mom, he mumbled, his eyes already drifting closed.
I quietly backed out of his room, gently pulling the door nearly closed behind me. I needed to focus for my upcoming conversation with Henry. The conditions of my return to Maple Grove needed to be listed out one by one. I wasn’t going to be a prisoner in this house–not again.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door to my bedroom, then froze in the doorway.
Henry sat on our bed, freshly showered, his dark hair still damp. His black silk robe hung loosely around his powerful frame, revealing a glimpse of his chiseled abdomen. The sight was so familiar yet so tempting–this was a Henry few people ever saw, in such a moment full of sexual tension.
His eyes locked with mine, blazing with an intensity I recognized immediately. After five years of marriage, I could read that look effortlessly–pure, undisguised desire.
I took an instinctive step backward. This wasn’t what I’d returned for.
“I should use the guest room,” I said quickly, turning to leave.
In three quick strides, Henry was at the door. His arm reached around me, pushing it firmly closed. His intoxicating scent enveloped me, familiar and
alluring.
“You’re not going anywhere,” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.
I stood motionless, my back against the door, trapped between the solid wood and Henry.
The atmosphere between us became intimate, that/inner longing intensified by a month of separation.
Despite everything–the hurt, the betrayal, the manipulation–my body responded to his proximity. My mind flashed to memories of us together: his strong hands exploring every inch of my skin, his lips tracing patterns down my throat, my legs wrapped around his lean waist as he moved within me.
Henry’s stamina had always been remarkable. Our lovemaking often stretched into the early hours of morning, leaving me brea…ess and exhausted, yet somehow always craving more.
Now I could see the hunger in his eyes.
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Chapter 97
We hadn’t been intimate for a month–a month during which Isabells had clearly been challenging bir mit esated with per reserta thought sent an unexpected jolt of possessiveness through me.
“Sophia, he whispered, this soft call like a siren’s enchanting song.
His hands found my waist, effortlessly lifting me. In one fluid motion, he carried me to the bed, laying me down with surprising gemlenets Bel
body with his own.
His kisses grew more urgent, more intense, and I responded with equal passion. Our bodies fit perfectly together, falling into the familial rhythm of dorm..
intercourse.
His hands slid beneath my nightshi
tracing patterns on my skin that made me shiver with anticipation. My fingers tangled in his damp hair pulling konz closer as our breathing grew more tagged.
We moved together, the pleasure growing stronger, all thoughts temporarily forgotten in the heat of passion.
Of course, there was only one question I couldn’t ignore.
As we approached the peak of pleasure, I asked softly: “Henry, is Isabella really just here for medical treatment?”
His body immediately stiffened, the unspoken connection between us instantly vanishing.
He pulled away, leaving me suddenly feeling cold and exposed.
“I told you she came back for treatment,” he said, frustration evident in his voice. “Why are you so fixated on her?”
I gathered the sheets around myself. “I just need to be sure. She returned to get treatment, not to reconcile with you?”
Henry ran a hand through his hair, clearly irritated by my persistence. “Isabella’s illness has nothing to do with you,” he snapped. “What difference does it make why she’s here? You’re still my wife, aren’t you?”
His eyes narrowed as he studied my face. “You I surprise me, Sophia. You present yourself as this kind, compassionate person, yet you can’t tolerate a sick woman’s presence. It’s truly disappointing.”
The words hit me like a physical blow. I stared at him, momentarily speechless.
Was this truly how he saw me? As a jealous, petty, even
hypocritical woman who begrudged care for a sick person?
“So in your eyes,” I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper, “I’m just an unreasonable, demanding woman?”
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