Chapter 44
This time, Fredric couldn’t offer any help either.
“Is it because… the recipe you gave him was problematic?” Fredric asked, unsure.
Josiah slapped his own forehead in frustration. “Was she not insatiable?”
Fredric chuckled wryly. “Maybe it was too much and messed with Z’s hormones!”
Josiah almost spat the alcohol he was drinking at Fredric’s face in disbelief.
…
Marcus pulled the balcony door open to return inside, only to meet Cordelia’s slightly surprised gaze.
“What?” He appeared unfazed.
“You were on the phone?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
“Mm, just… an inmate from last time,” Marcus replied casually. “He asked to borrow some money now that he’s out. I told him not to contact me again.”
“Oh,” Cordelia nodded understandingly. “No wonder you shouted so loudly just now. The whole building nearly collapsed! But you did the right thing. You shouldn’t keep in touch with people from your past. After all, we’re married now. We should focus on living well from now on.”
Her words resonated deeply with Marcus. Still, his attention shifted as he noticed that Cordelia was still glued to her laptop screen. His gaze darkened when he saw Josiah’s photo on it.
Cordelia continued scrolling, oblivious to his discomfort. After a while, she rubbed her eyes, feeling a twinge of pain in her stomach. Searching for painkillers, Marcus suddenly walked over and slammed the laptop shut, startling her.
She froze, eyes wide in disbelief. “What are you doing? I’m still reading!”
“What’s there to read?” Marcus pulled a long face, his patience wearing thin.
“It’s… it’s a client. I need to familiarize myself with his habits and interests first, then—”
Before she could finish, Marcus grabbed her pillow and sheets and walked toward the bedroom, placing them on the other side of the bed.
Cordelia’s heart skipped a beat as she felt a flush creep up her face. She softly asked, “What are you doing?”
Marcus, still scowling, uttered simply, “Sleep.”
Embarrassment flooded Cordelia’s face. She timidly stood by the bedroom door, fiddling with her clothes. “I… I can’t today.” Her voice barely above a whisper.
“Can’t what?” Marcus frowned in confusion.
Cordelia stomped her foot in embarrassment. “Can’t… that!”
It took a moment for Marcus to realize her misunderstanding. She thought he meant something entirely different. With a stretch of his arm, he pulled her closer, holding her gently in front of him.
As they lay on the bed, Marcus wrapped his arms around Cordelia from behind. She stiffened, feeling his hand move slowly down to her lower abdomen. At first, she wanted to stop him, but then his hand started to rub her stomach gently. The warmth from his palm spread through her, and the gentle pressure eased her stomachache.
Cordelia felt an immediate sense of relief. As she relaxed into him, she heard his deep voice beside her ear. “I know you can’t. I’m not doing anything.”
His words brought a sweet smile to her lips, and the warmth from his embrace melted her heart.
“Feeling better?” he asked softly.
“Mn,” she murmured, still savoring the soothing sensation.
“Don’t take painkillers next time,” he whispered. “I’ll warm you up with my hands. It’s much better than the medicine.”
Cordelia nodded, snuggling closer to him. Her soft hair brushed against his Adam’s apple, making him gulp involuntarily. The fragrant scent of her hair filled his senses, intensifying the ache he was trying to suppress.
Marcus bit his lip, fighting the urge to give in to his desires. The pain was the only thing keeping him rational for the moment.
Cordelia had no idea of the internal struggle Marcus was enduring. She simply felt warm and at ease, her stomach no longer hurting. She smiled, content and peaceful.
Marrying Marcus had been a gamble she’d had no choice but to make. It had been a risk, but she had won. God had blessed her with such a wonderful husband.
Had she not married in place of Yelena, this warmth would belong to her, and the man holding her would be someone else’s.
A sudden wave of sorrow washed over her as she recalled these thoughts.
“Marcus,” she said softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “Can I ask you something?”
“What is it?” Marcus paused, sensing the shift in her mood.
“If…” she turned to face him, her heart heavy, “if you discovered that I…”