Ch. 131..140
Chapter 131
Suzanne fixed her gaze on Nathan’s bandaged shoulder, not daring to look anywhere else. She felt a subtle warmth radiating off her entire body as her fingers trembled ever so slightly.
The room was so silent she could almost hear her own heartbeat.
There was something off about Nathan too. She could feel his’ fiery gaze locked on her, and his labored breathing matched the rise and fall of his chest. Perhaps it was because of the pain, he sat bolt upright, unmoving.
Suzanne had to inch closer as he was seated on the bed, causing his gaze to fall uncomfortably on her chest. She shifted slightly to the
side.
“I’ll remove the gauze now. Tell me if it hurts,” Suzanne said softly. He could hear her concern for him in her voice.
Nathan hummed in response, his Adam’s apple bobbing in
Suzanne slowly peeled the gauze off his wound, but as it w tightly, it pulled on his skin. She carefully removed it with both as she was worried that she might cause him pain.
Without even noticing it, she had already bent forward and lower her head to blow lightly on the exposed wound.
She didn’t know that the slight pain caused by the peeling of the gauze was nothing to Nathan. The action of her blowing on the wound, however, made him restless and uneasy.
Suzanne had a faint and enticing fragrance around her, and several strands of her hair lightly brushed against his face and his shoulders. An internal turmoil raged within Nathan, causing him to tighten the
hands on his lap into fists.
When Suzanne finally removed the gauze, she noticed the wound was still bleeding. Though it was already stitched up, it was still a horrifying sight. It hurt her to see him suffering such an injury.
She teared up at the thought of how if the bullet were to hit him just a little lower, it would have hit his heart.
After disinfecting the wound with some iodine, she applied fresh medication and replaced the gauze.
When Nathan slowly turned to look at her, she quickly lowered her head so that her face was covered by her hair. She took several deep breaths to force back the tears in her eyes.
Nathan’s intense gaze was locked on Suzanne’s side profile. They were like bottomless abysses wanting to draw her into their depths.
He felt no pain. The only thing he felt was her soft fingertips brushing across his skin ever so lightly, causing his whole body to tens His heart raced.
As she focused on tending to his wound, he was absorbed in star
at her.
Time ticked by as they basked in the blissful and warm interaction. However, there was also an indescribable agony lurking just beyond
reach.
Nathan did all he could to suppress the urge, clenching his fists ever so tightly. He was afraid that he might scare her if he lost control. His mind had been in utter disarray since the day Suzanne brought up her
wish for a divorce.
For the past half a month, he would occasionally forget about her when he was busy with work. Thoughts of her would not intrude his mind when he contemplated matters of the nation.
However, when night fell, and all was quiet, he would go mad thinking about her. Her adorable face and watery eyes would occupy every
crevice of his mind.
He was starting to think he liked Suzanne for her face, which resembled Sally’s in her younger days.
He’d asked himself if his taste in women had remained unchanging
and that he preferred women who looked more youthful. Yet, he found that he admired her for her talent, her knowledge, and her gentle personality even more.
Nathan wasn’t sure if that was love.
After bandaging his wound up, Suzanne cleared the medications from the bed and placed them on the bedside table. But the moment she turned around, her gaze met his, and she saw the scorching intensity
in them.
Flustered, her heart seemed to skip a beat. She had no idea why Nathan was staring at her like that.
In her mess of anxiety, she hurriedly picked up his shirt and hande to him, urging, “You should put them on. The air-conditioning is o You might catch a cold.”
As Nathan reached out for his shirt, his grip on her wrist suddenly tightened, and he gave her a sharp tug. Suzanne was caught off guard
and fell onto him.
The moment she was pressed against his chest, Nathan’s arm went around her waist and flipped her around so that she was on the bed,
beneath him.
Chapter 132
Chapter 132
Suzanne was dumbfounded, a mixture of shock and disbelief etched on her expression as Nathan pressed down on her.
He balanced himself with one elbow, and his weight bore down on Suzanne. His handsome face hovered mere inches away from her, and their breaths were intermingling in the air.
Tension surged through Suzanne. Her breath quickened, and her voice trembled as she asked, “What are you doing?”
Nathan’s gaze held her captive. His breath was warm against her skin, his chest sturdy, and his features irresistibly close.
Lost in the moment, Suzanne felt overwhelmed by Nathan’s
proximity. Morals and emotions took a back seat as she succumbed to the allure of the man she admired.
Her mind was clouded with shyness, nervousness, and pern
anticipation.
Nathan’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he leaned in, his voice hus dry as he fixed his gaze on her lips. With eager anticipation, he s closed the gap between them, longing for a kiss.
Suzanne’s nerves tingled as his lips drew closer. She gripped the bedsheets tightly, surrendering to the sweet anticipation with her eyes closing instinctively.
Despite the turmoil in her heart, she couldn’t resist Nathan’s charm.
Even though she knew Nathan had someone else in his heart. Even though their marriage was fleeting, she foolishly fell for him, cherishing every moment of their brief union.
If Nathan was willing to kiss her and share his bed with her, Suzanne
felt blessed.
His hand caressed her cheek, and his fingers threaded into her hair to anchor her head in place, leaving her unable to escape his advances.
Suzanne’s lashes fluttered anxiously, her lips pursed in anticipation.
Nathan’s breath brushed against her skin, and in the next instant, his lips met hers.
It was a fleeting moment, yet it ignited a fire within Suzanne, her heart pounding with excitement, only to be shattered by a knock at the door.
“Nate, are you asleep?” a voice called from outside.
Just as Nathan was about to deepen the kiss, they were interrupted. Frustration surged within him, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He sighed heavily, resting his forehead against Suzanne’s as he tried to regain his composure.
His first kiss was being cut short before it even began.
The knocking grew more insistent.
Suzanne quickly regained her composure, turning her head awa avoid his lips.
Nathan reluctantly rose and reached for his phone to send a voic message to Sally. “I’m sleeping. Please stop disturbing me,” he muttered into the phone.
After sending the message, he glanced at Suzanne, who cautiously slipped under the covers before turning away.
Sally knocked once more after receiving the message. “Nate, perhaps you should go to the guest room. I can take care of you if you’re not feeling well.”
Unable to tolerate further interruptions, Nathan typed a single word in the chat box, “Leave.”
However, upon reflection, concerned that Sally might cause further trouble within the Morrison family, he deleted the word and sent a rather gentle voice message.
“Sally, my injury isn’t severe. Please, be good and rest in your room. Don’t disturb my rest.”
Sally called out tenderly with a cheerful voice, “Good night, Nate.”
Suzanne buried herself under the blanket, a bitter taste churning in
her heart.
She wondered whether all men were drawn to deceptive women. Despite being fully aware of their cunning and manipulative nature, men still lavished them with affection.
Chapter 133
Suzanne lay still, feigning sleep with her back facing Nathan. Her fingertips stealthily traced her lips, still tingling from Nathan's kiss.
A hollow ache settled in her chest, mingling with a confusing blend of excitement and sadness. Throughout the night, she mulled over the reason for Nathan's kiss.
She wondered if it was merely a fleeting moment of passion or if it was driven by his desires. The former seemed unlikely, while the latter felt strained, especially considering Nathan's character and his recent injury.
Nathan made no further moves, merely switching off the light and settling on the other side of the bed, slipping into a quiet slumber.
Suzanne couldn't fathom the thoughts swirling in his mind.
As the next morning dawned, Suzanne was roused by a persistent knocking. She caught a glimpse of Nathan as he opened the door and left to join the rest for breakfast.
She shook off her drowsiness and got up slowly, feeling gloomy as she went to freshen up.
Dressed and ready as usual, she headed downstairs for breakfast. However, as she went down the stairs, she met with a scene she dreaded—the presence of several people she least wanted to see.
Seated at the table were Nathan's aunt, Lindsey, along with her goddaughter, Elyse, as well as Sally and her uncle, Oliver. Though the atmosphere appeared harmonious, beneath the surface, tensions simmered like an unlit fuse on a battlefield.
Unwilling to become entangled in their web of deceit, Suzanne decided to skip breakfast altogether and headed straight for the door.
As she made her way down the stairs, Nathan caught a glimpse of her from the corner of his eye. His expression turned melancholic as she hesitated for a moment before stepping out.
The breakfast before Nathan turned tasteless in an instant. He knew all too well that these people were not here merely to check on his recovery but harbored ulterior motives of their own.
...
In the backyard of the villa, the sun bathed every corner in its warm embrace, casting a radiant glow upon the blooming flowers.
Suzanne lounged lazily on the stone table within the pavilion. She gazed at the lush garden while enjoying the fresh air and gentle caress of the spring breeze. Despite her hunger, an air of contentment enveloped her.
A man's voice abruptly broke the tranquility. "Why aren't you having breakfast?"
Suzanne jolted upright and turned to look behind her. Her mood soured instantly at the sight before her. It was Oliver. He was dressed impeccably, looking elegant and sophisticated.
Suzanne harbored no fondness for either Sally or Oliver. She responded with an indifferent hum before standing up and prepared to leave.
Oliver stepped forward anxiously and grabbed her arm.
Suzanne turned back, her brow furrowing at his grasp. Her expression darkened, and her tone was icy as she said, "Dr. Hoffis, please let go of me."
However, Oliver held on tightly. His breath grew heavy, his voice soft and gentle as he pleaded, "Suzanne, we need to talk."
"I barely know you. There's nothing to talk about."
Oliver sneered, "Our past..."
Suzanne cut him off. "Please, don't mention the past. I have no memories of it. To me, you're just a stranger."
But Oliver persisted, his other hand reaching out to hold Suzanne's other arm, drawing her closer.
Suzanne struggled to free herself. "Let me go!"
Oliver's tone turned resentful. "How long will you live in denial? Nathan has always loved Sally. His marriage to you was merely an act to please his grandmother. Will you continue to lie to yourself?
"I've always loved you deeply, and I'd give anything for you. Why can't you just look at me?" With heartfelt sincerity, tears welled in Oliver's eyes, their edges turning red.
Chapter 134
Chapter 134
Suzanne was taken aback by Oliver’s genuine display of emotion. His tears were a testament to the depth of his feelings.
The emotion must have been intense to move such a composed man like Oliver to tears.
Amidst her astonishment, Suzanne studied Oliver’s subtle
expressions and his heartfelt sentiments, attempting to decipher his innermost thoughts.
Before Suzanne could gather her thoughts, Oliver suddenly pulled her into his embrace and held her tightly.
Startled, Suzanne struggled with all her might and demanded, “Let me go! What are you doing? Let me go!”
Oliver held onto her firmly, his head burying into her shoul voice was hoarse and choked with emotion as he conf you so much. Why are you treating me this way? Why mu cruel, be it before or after you lost your memory?”
With men naturally stronger than women, Suzanne found her unable to break free. The more she struggled, the tighter Olive became, almost suffocating her with his embrace. She felt her shoulders ache with the pressure.
His
love
SO
Finally, frustrated and exhausted, Suzanne ceased her struggle, standing still like a puppet. She gritted her teeth as she warned, “Dr. Hoffis, release me, or I’ll scream for help.”
“Suzanne, I love you, truly and deeply. Please, give me a chance,” Oliver persisted, declaring his love passionately.
Suzanne felt nothing stir within her heart, not even a hint of disgust. “I
don’t love you.”
“Divorce Nathan and be with me. I will make you happy. I’ll cherish you for the rest of my life. We-”
Before Oliver could finish, a strong force yanked him away abruptly. Oliver lost his balance and stumbled backward, landing with a thud on the ground.
Equally taken aback by the powerful force, Suzanne stepped back in surprise. As she collected herself, she realized Nathan was standing between them. His expression was dark and stern, and his gaze piercing with icy intensity.
Oliver silently picked himself up from the ground and brushed off the dust from his clothes with a hint of anger. “I was just catching up with my ex-girlfriend. No need to get so worked up.”
It was the first time Suzanne had seen Nathan with such an unpleasant expression. He bore a resemblance to Hades, ablaze with killing intent. The chilling air surrounding him wa terrifying, as if it could freeze the entire world in an instant.
Despite being the victim of Oliver’s advances, Suzanne couldn but feel guilty. She felt as if she was a wife caught in the act of cheating.
aze
Nathan’s cold gaze shifted to Oliver, his tone dripping with sarcasm each word cutting. “Your way of catching up seems rather special. Shall I arrange a room for you?”
Instead of rising to Nathan’s bait, Oliver smirked with satisfaction, his tone devoid of respect. “I think that would be lovely.”
Meanwhile, Suzanne’s eyes were already brimming with tears. She had thought Nathan had come to her aid, only to find herself
humiliated.
How could he say things so demeaning like arranging a room? What audacity!
Her heart was heavy with disappointment.
She wondered whether Nathan truly understood her distress or if he believed she deserved such treatment.
Nathan charged toward Oliver and confronted him with a grip as firm as steel. “Stay away from her. Touch her again, and you’ll regret it.”
Despite the sweat glistening on Oliver’s brow, he remained composed, his smile cold as ice. In a taunting tone, he retorted, “Did you forget you had a wife when you were cozying up to Sally?”
Chapter 135
Chapter 135
The words struck Suzanne like a sharp blade, piercing her heart and leaving behind a throbbing wound with every heartbeat. The pain was so intense that it felt as though she was swallowing knives with each breath.
She fought against the tears welling up in her eyes. She was resolute in her decision not to shed another tear for Nathan.
Knowing Nathan’s deep connection with Sally, Suzanne had turned a blind eye to their intimate gestures, convincing herself they were inconsequential. However, hearing someone else speak them aloud made the bitter reality difficult to ignore.
Nathan didn’t refute the accusation. When Sally threatened him with death, Nathan, driven by a sense of duty, embraced her to prevent the tragedy and offered comfort under the doctor’s guidance.
He saw this act as a humanitarian gesture, devoid of any feelings, and didn’t breach his marital vows nor betray Suzann
Nonetheless, Oliver’s words shattered Nathan’s calm. With nar eyes, Nathan snapped, “You and Sally are quite the duo. Birds feather.”
Oliver was caught off guard.
Nathan let go of his grip on Oliver and grabbed Suzanne’s wrist, his fury evident as he stormed away.
Tears streamed down Suzanne’s face as she reluctantly followed him into the villa. His grip was firm, causing her wrist to throb with pain.
In the living room, Sally approached Nathan. “Nate, where did you go just now? I’ve been looking for you.”
Before her hands could touch his arm, he shoved her aside forcefully. Sally stumbled backward and fell to the floor.
Everyone in Morrison Residence was startled. They rushed to Sally’s aid while reprimanding Nathan for his abruptness and unexplained
anger.
But Nathan paid no heed to Sally’s plight. With determination, he pulled Suzanne upstairs without pausing for even a moment.
The tension in the room was palpable with Nathan’s fury. Concern etched the faces of those witnessing the scene, their eyes flickering between Nathan’s imposing figure and Suzanne’s shrinking form.
With a resounding slam, the door was firmly shut and locked.
Suzanne’s heart sank the moment her wrist was released. She nervously took a few steps back, distancing herself from the intimidating man before her.
Ever since knowing Nathan, this was the first time she had see so terrifyingly angry. It felt like even stepping slightly closer w bring her danger. The atmosphere around him was charged with menace, as if the air itself was crackled with tension that made it hard to breathe.
As Nathan turned after locking the door, Suzanne had already distanced herself several steps away, much to his dismay. A glint of coldness flashed in Nathan’s eyes, his anger burning as he smirked sarcastically, “Is this your reason for leaving?”
Suzanne furrowed her brow, her teary eyes gazing at him. incredulously. His words rendered her speechless, unable to comprehend the depth of his accusation.
Nathan closed the gap between them with deliberate steps. His anger intensified, though his tone remained icy as he spoke, “You haven’t
even left yet, and you’re so eager to embrace each other as if you can’t bear to part?”
Suzanne seethed with anger, feeling physically uncomfortable.
Holding back tears, she gritted her teeth and retorted, “Are you and Sally innocent then?”
Nathan’s response was firm. “Yes, we are.”
Suzanne found it absurd, but she couldn’t muster a laugh. She huffed lightly to show her disdain.
Her attitude infuriated Nathan even more. He walked over, grabbed her wrist, and yanked her toward him.
He narrowed his eyes as he rebuked her, word by word, “You were the one who insisted on marriage vows and loyalty. Now you’re cozying up to your ex-boyfriend right in front of me. Do you think I’m blind?”
Suzanne was caught between fear of Nathan’s wrath and anger at his unjust accusations, her heart aching with unbearable agony. N woman who was deeply in love with her husband could end confessing his love for another woman via text and be indiffere toward the prospect of divorce.
For Vera’s sake, she had turned a blind eye to the signs. Yet now, Nathan was twisting the narrative and accused her of being unfaith simply for sharing a hug with Oliver.
Chapter 136
Chapter 136
Suzanne seethed with rage as her tears streamed down. She bit her lips in defiance against the agony that cut her heart like sharp blades. She wanted nothing to do with Nathan anymore.
In a choked cry, Suzanne yelled, “Nathan, you bastard! Let me go!”
She fought against his restraining grip with all her might, momentarily forgetting about the wound on his shoulder.
As Nathan exerted force to control her, the wound throbbed with pain, yet he showed no sign of discomfort. His heartache overshadowed any physical discomfort, his eyes blinded by fury.
Nathan’s other hand gripped her shoulder fiercely and pushed her back against the wall, causing a sharp pain shooting up her spine./ Startled, Suzanne gazed up at him with teary eyes, feeling powerless and unable to utter a word.
Nathan seemed towering and powerful, like a mighty beast
felt small and fragile, unable to withstand even the slight She was a mix of fear, anger, helplessness, and confusion, te
on the brink of tears.
Nathan suppressed his blazing anger, his voice stern and mercile You’re mine as long as we’re not divorced, Suzanne. Dare to betra me, and I’ll make sure you regret it.”
Suzanne’s heart dropped to her stomach. Fear coursed through her,
halting her tears instantly.
Nathan continued, “Don’t pretend to be innocent if you’re unsatisfied
and need another man.”
Each of his words dripped with insult, stabbing Suzanne’s heart with
unbearable pain. Unable to stand it any longer, she struggled to push
him away.
“You bastard, let me go!” she snapped, her voice trembling. “Even if I were unsatisfied, I’d never turn to you. You’re just a-”
Before she could finish, her lips were sealed shut, and her body was pressed forcefully against the wall, Nathan’s grip was strong as he held her struggling hands firmly above her head.
Suzanne felt a throbbing pain in her wrists, leaving her helpless. Her lips were seized by Nathan’s domineering and forceful kiss, rendering her unable to speak and breathe. It felt as if he had lost his senses, subjecting her to punishing bites and crushing pressure.
His fervent kisses, which lacked any hint of tenderness, left Suzanne’s lips and tongue sore. Even his shallow breaths felt scorching against her skin.
zanne
She struggled to turn her head, desperate to escape his relentless advances. However, his strong hand held her firmly in pla felt like a defenseless lamb trapped against the wall, p resist the impending slaughter.
Fearing Nathan’s rough punishment, she cried. Tears stream her cheeks and landed softly on her chin, dampening Nathan’s
cheeks.
As he tasted the saltiness of her tears, pain clenched his heart, a his lost rationality slowly returned. He stopped the forceful kiss an gently withdrew from her tender lips.
He watched as Suzanne wept softly in his arms, her delicate lips. slightly swollen and flushed from his kisses. His anger soon melted away, replaced by gentle empathy for her vulnerability.
Nathan released her and stepped back. Suzanne slumped weakly downward the moment he let go. He moved swiftly to catch her and
2:3
pulled her back into his embrace.
Exhausted from the ordeal, Suzanne had lost all strength, her cries reminiscent of a wounded kitten, conveying her anguish and
frustration.
“I hate you. I hate you so much. I haven’t done anything wrong. Why are you doing this to me?”
Nathan held her close as she continued to sob, his heart aching and his eyes brimming with emotion.
He stroked her head tenderly, resting his chin on hers. At that moment, he realized that even he, typically composed and collected, could be swept away by such intense emotion.
Chapter 137
Chapter 137
Suzanne was enveloped in Nathan’s embrace, her tears flowing helplessly.
With each passing moment, her inner turmoil grew more pronounced. She then pushed against Nathan’s chest, and all of a sudden, a sharp inhale escaped him.
She was shocked and immediately glanced up at his shoulder. Blood stains had tainted his white shirt.
In that instant, all of Suzanne’s resentment and anger dissipated like mist in the wind. Her voice trembled with emotion as she exclaimed,” You’re bleeding!”
But Nathan paid no attention to his wound, maintaining his firm hold on her shoulders. His stern voice commanded, “Stay away
in the future.”
Suzanne’s surprise was evident in her watery eyes as she me Nathan’s gaze.
Nathan lowered his head, his gaze fixed on her eyes, then on he which were slightly swollen from his kisses. A sense of guilt wa
over him.
him
Suzanne retorted, “I want to stay away from him too, but he’s clinging to me just like you are now. I’ve struggled with all my might, but I can’t move. What am I supposed to do?”
Her words were not only directed at Oliver but also at Nathan. As her words fell, Nathan loosened his grip slightly and took a step back.
Regardless of the truth behind her explanation, Nathan chose to trust her completely. With a stern expression, he spoke calmly, “Why didn’t
you call for help if he won’t let you go?”
Suzanne wiped her tears away with a sniff, her lips pouted in frustration. “He’s shameless, but I have to protect my dignity. Imagine if the whole family caught him holding me like that. The gossip would never end.”
Nathan fell silent.
As Suzanne walked past him to retrieve medications from the cabinet, she grumbled softly under her breath, “You’re too quick to judge me without knowing the whole story. Accusing me of being disloyal to our marriage and vows, you’re just as bad.”
“You…” Suzanne struggled to finish the rest of her words. He had forcefully kissed me. Her heart raced uncontrollably, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anger.
“How dare you treat me like this? Who do you think you are?” she complained. “You’re still entangled with Sally and harbore elings for her, yet you refuse to divorce me.
“How could you forbid me to do things you’re doing yourse crossed the line.”
Suzanne grumbled as she approached Nathan with the medi her words filled with complaints, yet her actions gentle and ca Her clear eyes held a tender gaze.
“Sit down. Let me check your wound and change the bandage.”
Nathan felt no pain from the wound, but his emotions were a tumultuous mix. His intense gaze lingered on Suzanne’s flushed cheeks, eyes, and lips. His heart raced, every cell in his body being ablaze with longing.
Just one impulsive kiss, and he realized he couldn’t resist kissing her again. It was addictive and ignited a desire in him to touch her. The
soft, fragrant, and moist sensation of their contact ensnared him. Suzanne met his gaze as she spoke, “Sit down. Let me-”
His scorching gaze left her head blank. At that moment, she felt as though her entire being was engulfed in flames.
Her dewy eyes acted as a catalyst, igniting Nathan’s suppressed impulse. The next moment, he stepped forward. One hand hooked around her waist, and the other cradled the back of her head as he kissed her passionately.
Suzanne was startled. Her lips, still tingling from his previous kiss, were now throbbing from his renewed affection.
She wondered if he was teasing her again.
Suzanne pushed against his chest with both hands, attempting to resist. But this time, his kiss left her disoriented and enchanted, her resistance gradually melting under his gentle onslaught.
Chapter 138
Chapter 138
Suzanne was kissed into a state of utter weakness, with her body yielding completely to his embrace.
Nathan’s kiss was tender yet profound, exploring her with a gentle touch that left her mind empty.
The warmth of his breath consumed her. The softness of his lips against hers was a delicacy she couldn’t get enough of.
Suzanne surrendered, her body relaxed against Nathan’s firm chest, the thin fabric of their clothes offering no resistance to the mingling
of their desires.
A soft moan escaped Suzanne’s lips, her body tingling with a mixture of weakness and longing. As the kiss deepened, their desires ignited,, a shy yet intense passion simmering between them.
At that moment, Nathan’s hand trailed down her neck, sendin shiver down her spine. She gasped, her senses snapping back reality as she looked into his face. It was blurred yet captivatin
With rapid breaths, she struggled to comprehend the sudden inte of the moment.
His touch was firm and assertive, pressing against her with a raw energy that startled her.
“No, stop!” Suzanne exclaimed and pushed Nathan away with all her strength. Stunned, Nathan took a step back as Suzanne rushed past him and bolted out of the door.
Nathan closed his eyes with heavy breaths. His heart was in turmoil.
Suzanne fled into the study. As soon as she shut the door, she slid to the floor with her body weak and trembling.
Her mind raced with chaotic thoughts, her breath quickened, her cheeks flushed with emotion, and her hand trembled as it covered her swollen lips.
She felt like she was on the verge of losing herself in the whirlwind of emotions. She wondered whether she or Nathan had lost their mind and what Nathan intended to do to her.
The mere thought of his recent actions, his physical responses, and his intense kisses, followed by the gentle yet commanding ones later, left her feeling as if she had stepped into a dream. Even in dreams, she wouldn’t dare to be as bold and reckless.
Suzanne covered her face, burying it in her knees. She wished she could scream to release her shock and confusion.
She spent the entire day holed up in the study, trying desperately to calm herself by reading. But she couldn’t focus on the books.
When the maid knocked on the door to summon her fo claimed she wasn’t hungry and refused to come out. Fa was too embarrassing and awkward. She had no idea how
confront him.
From morning until after 5:00 pm., Suzanne remained in the Then, there was another knock on the door. She hurriedly sai
not eating.”
she
Her phone chimed twice. Suzanne retrieved her phone and glanced a the message on the screen. It was from Nathan.
“Open the door.”
Suzanne quickly responded, “I don’t want to see you.”
an
It was too embarrassing and humiliating. She was too sensitive and
unsure of what to do.
Outside the door, Nathan clenched his phone tightly, his veins bulging on the back of his hand. He took a deep breath as his eyes reddened.
Nathan was now certain that he had fallen for Suzanne. However, Suzanne was ultimately heartless.
He wondered whether all men were merely a ship to Suzanne, passing through her life. Whether it was her ex-husband, ex-boyfriend, or
perhaps him, her current husband, none of them seemed capable of winning her heart.
Chapter 139
Chapter 139
The knocking outside the door finally ceased.
Suzanne stayed in the study until midnight. She hadn’t eaten anything all day and started to feel weak from hunger.
After everyone in the house had gone to sleep, she emerged from the study. She made her way to the kitchen downstairs in search of food.
Cooking was never her forte, and whatever she made usually turned out unappetizing.
After rummaging the kitchen for a while, she couldn’t find any ready- made food. Left with no choice, she reluctantly opted for two eggs, intending to make hard-boiled eggs.
Suddenly, she heard steady footsteps behind her.
She hastily turned back in alarm, only to find Nathan approac With her face flushed with embarrassment, Suzanne nervously shuffled her feet, distancing herself from Nathan.
“Why are you still awake?” Suzanne felt a pang of guilt as if she h been caught red-handed raiding the kitchen like a naughty child.
Nathan was composed, his gaze piercing as he approached and turned off the stove.
“I-” Suzanne’s hunger was evident, though the words remained lodged in her throat. She glanced at the stove, where the water for boiling the eggs hadn’t even heated up yet.
Without a word, Nathan scooped up the eggs and emptied the pot. You don’t like egg yolks, right? Will two egg whites be enough for you?
Suzanne was taken aback by his consideration, touched by the way he paid attention to her preferences.
“I can always cook two more,” Suzanne said softly.
Nathan cracked the eggs absentmindedly, his movements deft yet deliberate. Suzanne watched in confusion, feeling somewhat out of
place.
Nathan had a serious look on his face. He emitted a cold presence,
and his words were few.
Suzanne dared not disrupt his concentration. She simply observed as he skillfully prepared the food.
He whisked the two eggs until they were evenly mixed, added water, strained, and steamed them. Then, he retrieved a steak and some lettuce from the refrigerator.
Suzanne was astonished to see him preparing more and more dishes. What shocked her even more was that Nathan could act cook. His movements were skilled and practiced.
As Nathan continued, Suzanne’s stomach rumbled, and she licked h lips in anticipation. Emboldened by curiosity, she ventured closer. Are you hungry too? Is that why you’re cooking?” she asked.
“I’m not hungry,” Nathan replied as he fried the steak. The aroma of rosemary and garlic wafting through the air, making Suzanne’s mouth
water.
She asked as her gaze fixed on the dish, “Are you cooking this for me?
Nathan remained silent. He then took out some seasoning and asked in a gentle yet serious tone, “Do you want it plain or with black pepper?
Suzanne’s eyes gleamed, and she blurted out, “Black pepper.”
Nathan instructed in a light yet serious tone, “Go sit outside and wait for a few minutes.”
“Okay,” Suzanne obediently responded, immediately turning to leave the kitchen.
She sat at the dining table, hands covering her burning cheeks, her heart still pounding. She couldn’t understand why Nathan could be so calm and unaffected, as if nothing had happened that morning.
In contrast, she was always shy, nervous, and awkward. Her heart raced, and her cheeks flushed every time she saw him. The ambiguous scene kept replaying in her mind, making her feel extremely unnatural, as if she had done something wrong.
Suzanne was lost in thought when Nathan emerged with three dishes. Diced black pepper steak, steamed egg custard, and salad.
Nathan placed the dishes before Suzanne and sat across The rectangular table was three feet wide, neither too far no close, providing a comfortable distance between them.
An unusual silence engulfed the space.
Suzanne nervously picked up her fork, hesitating to pick up the She stole a glance at Nathan, who sat casually with one hand res on the table. His gaze was penetrating as he silently observed her
moves.
Chapter 140
Chapter 140
Feeling flustered under Nathan’s gaze, Suzanne nervously offered, ” Would you like to have some too?”
Nathan shook his head in silence. Conflicted, Suzanne bit her lip and glanced downward.
Summoning courage after taking a deep breath, she tasted a piece of diced steak, finding it savory and delicious. She then earnestly
enjoyed the steamed egg custard and salad.
Gradually, she marveled at Nathan’s culinary skills, wondering if there was anything he couldn’t do.
Midway through her meal, Nathan’s voice broke the silence. “You’re not willing to share a room with me tonight?”
Suzanne froze, her heart racing as she chewed on her steak. She caught off guard, unsure how to respond. The idea of sleeping separately hadn’t even crossed her mind.
She had secluded herself all day, grappling with the uncertainty of facing Nathan. She never anticipated him to broach the subject so directly, showing no signs of embarrassment or remorse.
Nathan’s lips curled up slightly as he observed her tense expression, forming a bitter smile. “I’ll move to the guest room,” he said quietly.
Before Nathan could respond, she blurted out, “No.”
Her tone was anxious, catching Nathan off guard. He lightly furrowed his brow, looking at her with a mix of anticipation and confusion.
Suzanne feared Sally might replace her during the night. The thought terrified her. She couldn’t bear the agony of betrayal and infidelity.
13
With a hint of delight, Nathan said, “Alright.”
With her face flushed red and her head hung low, Suzanne continued in a voice barely above a whisper, “Nathan, please don’t touch me tonight, okay?”
As she spoke, her heart pounded with embarrassment and
awkwardness.
Upon hearing her words, Nathan’s hand instinctively clenched into a fist, and a fleeting hint of sadness passed through his eyes. Suzanne’s straightforward rejection hurt him deeply.
Without saying a word, he hummed in response.
Feeling a sense of relief at Nathan’s reply, Suzanne finally felt at ease. However, the sound of a chair being pulled interrupted the
moment.
She looked up only to see Nathan leaving the dining table, ding toward the living room, and then up the stairs.
Uncertain if she had said something wrong, Suzanne couldn the feeling that Nathan was upset.
After her memory was lost, Suzanne had no sexual experience she knew she wasn’t a naive girl anymore. She saw no need to c fiercely to her virginity. If Nathan accepted her past, she wished build beautiful memories with him in their marriage.
However, she needed to go to the hospital for a thorough
examination. After all, Nathan had delved into her three past cases of sexually transmitted diseases, and her best friend Sienna had mentioned the hefty sum of money for the treatment.
Though she hadn’t felt any discomfort in the past three years, for Nathan’s sake, she wanted to undergo a comprehensive examination before intimacy.
After supper, Suzanne returned to the room. Nathan was already asleep on the bed..
Unsure if he was dozing off or deeply asleep, Suzanne dared not
make a sound. She quietly turned off the lights and went to wash up. Half an hour later, she emerged from the bathroom and cautiously climbed into bed.
Lying beside Nathan and listening to his steady breathing, Suzanne’s heart swelled with happiness.
She didn’t dare to be too greedy, only hoping that Vera would live longer until the age of 120. Only then could she and Nathan spend 50 years together as husband and wife.