Chapter 41
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Elvira had no time to think about the consequences of not arriving in time before. Now, the mere thought left her struggling for breath. ‘If I hadn’t arrived in time, that would’ve meant… he would’ve turned to another woman?‘ she thought.
This possibility was something she found utterly intolerable.
To her, loyalty in a relationship wasn’t just important, it was everything. Her father’s betrayal had shattered her and Marsh’s childhood, leaving them starved of parental love. That pain was a shadow that followed her through life.
And now, realizing she had fallen for Zach despite their short time together, she found herself wanting him all to herself.
This intense desire surprised even her.
Upon returning home, she intended to take a bath first. Exhausted and sore from the previous day, she hadn’t yet bathed. After she mentioned it to Zach, he immediately went to prepare the bath for her.
As she wanted to grab her bathrobe, Zach insisted she stay put, and fetched it for her.
Sitting there, watching him bustle about for her, her smile grew uncontrollably. ‘How wonderful it feels like to be taken care of!‘ she thought.
With the bath ready, she was about to step in when she turned, embraced Zach, and kissed him, who was standing still. She said, “Zach, please step out, I’ll call you when I’m done.”
“Elvira, let me help you. We’re married, after all, we’ve been intimate. Don’t send me away,” Zach pleaded, kissing her hand, not ready to let go.
“How about we wait until we’re a bit closer? Later, you can help me with some ointment,” she suggested, thinking about a spot on her back she couldn’t reach.
Zach, looking at her in silence, agreed after a soft kiss. He knew she would be shy. “I’ll make you something to eat,” he said.
Submerging herself in the warm bath, Elvira couldn’t help but sigh in contentment.
Then, wrapped in her bathrobe, she emerged from the bathroom to find him had prepared two bowls of spaghetti. Hearing her, he immediately came over and escorted her to the dining table.
Although Zach’s cooking skills were somewhat lacking compared to Elvira’s, the taste was still quite good. More importantly, he was willing to cook for her. Maybe it was because she grew up craving affection, but this gesture meant the world to her.
Neither her father nor her ex–fiancé had ever cooked for her.
After dinner, as Zach carried her to their bedroom, Elvira prepared to apply the ointment Olivia had given her.
Noticing Zach’s gaze, she blushed and gently pushed him. “Wait outside. I’ll call you when I’m done.”
“But you said I could help,” he protested with a look of affection and a hint of sadness. ‘She said she wanted my help, but now why was she asking me to leave?‘ he thought.
Her eyes widened. “I meant for the spots on my back I can’t reach.”
“But you didn’t say that.” Zach looked at her, determined.
Elvira was at a loss for words.
She hadn’t said it, but that was what she meant.
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Chapter 41
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As Zach wouldn’t budge, Elvira eventually compromised and decided to let him help. After all, as Olivia said, it was only fair that he saw the consequences of his actions.
She handed over the ointment for him to apply to the bruises.
She still felt a bit shy about undressing in front of him, but reminding herself that they were married and should be open with each other, she let her robe slip down.
Her skin was so fair that the bruises stood out starkly, a vivid map of purples and blues that Zach had inadvertently authored. Seeing the marks he had caused, he was filled with a mix of guilt and an unexpected, intense arousal.
He scolded himself for being like a beast, especially in front of Elvira. He tried to ignore his body’s reaction and focused on applying the ointment with gentle fingers.
His cool fingertips carefully massaged her skin, and the delicate touch made his breathing grow heavier. Overwhelmed with shyness, she closed her eyes, feeling his fingers glide over her skin, causing her to curl her toes and let out an involuntary whimper at the fiery sensation where he touched.
Just that faint sound of her made him nearly lose control.
“Can you speed up a little?” she asked, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“We can’t rush this, Elvira. The ointment needs time to be absorbed properly,” he replied, charmed by her bashful demeanor.
It took him half an hour to apply the ointment. To Elvira, it felt like an eternity, her body burning up, sweat beading on her forehead. Zach, too, seemed affected, his handsome features flushed, a sheen of sweat on his brow.
She was about to say something, hoping to lighten the intimate yet embarrassing atmosphere when Zach leaned in for a kiss. It was fierce, yet filled with tenderness, leaving her breathless, her mind a blissful blank.
When he finally pulled away, she was still catching her breath. Then, she noticed his gaze drifting toward her legs.
It was too late to stop him. As she attempted to close her legs in embarrassment, he stopped her. “Don’t move, do we need to apply ointment here too?”
“I can handle this part myself, really, you don’t need to help!” she quickly retreated, adamant about not letting him assist with that.
Knowing how rough he had been the night before, Zach could imagine the extent of her injuries and felt a deep sense of guilt and concern. Seeing her genuinely flustered, he let go, trying to soothe her. “Elvira, we’re husband and wife. Let me help you.”
With her cheeks burning, she wanted to refuse, but his kisses disarmed her, leaving her dazed and eventually agreeing. Her eyes closed, lashes fluttering, she endured the sensation of his fingers carefully applying the ointment, a tormenting pleasure.
Standing by the balcony window, Zach suddenly craved a cigarette. He reached into his pocket but found nothing. Then he realized he had quit it years ago.
The sight of Elvira’s bruises filled him with remorse. He felt his retribution towards Henry and Sherry was far too lenient.
Back in the room, Elvira was replying to messages from Cole. She noticed a new contact and added it out of curiosity to see who it was and what it wanted.
Cole mentioned he’d be back in the country within a week with things settled, and Elvira cheerfully promised to celebrate
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his return.
“What’s making you so happy?” Zach noticed her beaming smile as he walked back in.
