Chapter 144 You AndBoth Aurelia's cheeks flushed deeper at his words, her shock evident.
Her mind was a fog, the memories of the previous night feeling like a dream where she floated amongst clouds in a tormented, unbearable haze. She recalled pleading tearfully through the night.
Normally, he seems so cold and abstinent. Howe could he be so intense in bed? "I'm going to take a shower first," Aurelia aunounced, trying to maintain a semblance of calm.
She began to rise from the bed, clutching the blanket around her, intending to retrieve her clothes scattered around the room.
Matthew watched her move, his voice catching slightly as he revealed, "I helped you bathe last night." Aurelia's body tensed abruptly at his admission. Isn't he thoughtful? The thought of herself, unresponsive like a lifeless fish being meticulously cleaned by Matthew, made her feel like she couldn't face him for the rest of the day.
Her eyes swept over the chaotic scene on the floor-clothes tossed everywhere, evidencing the intensity of their previous night's encounter.
Before she could react further, Matthew's arm encircled her waist, pulling her back into the warmth of the bed and the covers. She found herself snugly nestled against him.
"Sleep a bit longer," he murmured, his voice thick with sleepiness.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThey were both undressed, and Aurelia felt as if she was navigating a delicate balance, afraid to make any sudden movements. Yet, she was exhausted and sore, longing just to sleep a little more.
Aurelia's thoughts drifted hazily. It was often said that men felt revitalized after such encounters, so why did Matthew appear so utterly drained? Is he exhausted? So is he actually fit or not? Matthew was unaware of the flurry of thoughts in Aurelia's mind. It was unusual for him to feel sleepy. after waking; this morning was a rarity in his long battle with insomnia. Earlier, after bathing Aurelia and laying her down, he had reached for a cigarette. Just as he was about to light it, a soft whimper from Aurelia drew him back to bed, and he had found himself drifting to sleep almost immediately.
Back at the Quigley residence, just lying in bed had sometimes helped his insomnia. But now, holding Aurelia had provided him with an unexpectedly deeper, more restful,sleep.
Meanwhile, at the office, Gordon was at a loss for words as he caught the periodically curious glances of his colleagues. It was the first ttheir usually diligent boss had missed a Monday at work without being on a business trip.
To everyone at the office, Matthew was known as a relentless workaholic. The unexpected absence raised many eyebrows, but no one dared to ask why he was away.
Only Gordon, who was privy to the real reason, faced the curious looks from everyone. He could only explain that Matthew needed srest-a well-deserved break, indeed.
1/4 Chapter 144 You AndBoth Finished Reflecting on the text message he had received that morning. Gordon felt a stir of restlessness in his usually composed heart.
Maybe I should find myself scompany. Boss mentioned over-exerting himself last night with Aurelia so they needed a day off and wantedto inform Old Mr. Gardner: The phrase "over-exerting" has been in my mind all day. Who could possibly understand what I'm feeling right note! That day. Chad leaned heavily on his cane, his progress slow and labored as he made his way to the Gardner Group Building.
He was determined to see Aurelia because earlier in the morning he had gone to the police station and encountered Uriah. After a thorough questioning, it was clear that Uriah was not the man Aurelia had married.
This raised the question in his mind-who, then, was Aurelia's husband? Had she deceived him about her marital status? However, upon his arrival, he was informed that Aurelia had unexpectedly taken the day off.
Chad knew how dedicated Aurelia was to her job, especially with the responsibility of restoring Joseph's antique paintings. It seemed unlike her to take a day off, particularly on a Monday, without a significant reason.
Norman, speaking to his grandson with a tone of resignation, said, "If there's something important, there's something Not everything happens for a clear reason. I don't cinto work every day either." He preferred not to disclose the entire truth.
Gordon explained rather simply that Matthew had requested him to call in sick for Aurelia, stating she was too exhausted to cto work.
What does it mean to be "too exhausted"? Ah, to be young again! Norman was afraid his grandson wouldn't be able to handle the truth.
Chad's lips pressed firmly together as he decided, "Then I'll cagain tomorrow!" He harbored suspicions that perhaps Aurelia was secretly married and wanted to keep her marital status hidden from the public.
If someone chose to conceal their marriage, it likely meant that the love was not deep enough to be proclaimed. If he loved someone truly, he would want the whole world to know.
There's no way I'd have a secret marriage! Besides, I'm still young, and many opportunities await me! After a deep sleep, the next tthey woke, it was already two in the afternoon.
Aurelia stirred as Matthew answered a call. She faintly heard him address someone as "Grandma" which snapped her back to reality.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmShe then listened as Matthew explained to his grandmother, "We won't be returning to the residence tonight. The food has already been ordered and is on its way. Auri was really exhausted last night, so we've been sleeping in since this morning." The more Aurelia listened, the more awake she became, and she dreaded how she would face Mabel.
2/4 15:30 Sat, 29 Jun ti Chapter 144 You AndBoth Finished On the other end, Mabel was quite surprised to hear how tired her grandson sounded, and she asked with a concerned tone, "Is it like what I was thinking?" Matthew's mouth twitched slightly. "What exactly were you thinking, Grandma?" "You little rascal, treat Auri well! Be gentle, understand?" Mabel advised before she hung up.
Subsequently, she summoned Evelyn. "You'll have to put in extra effort these next few days," Mabel instructed. "Keep an eye on the kitchen and make sure to prepare snourishing stews. Deliver them more frequently to Starry Sea Mansion. My grandson tends to be quite reckless." Upon hearing this, Evelyn was taken aback but responded obediently, "All right, I'll get right on it." During the phone call, Aurelia had wrapped herself in the bath towel that had been tossed aside.
After Matthew ended his call and turned around, he found Aurelia attempting to leave the room, cautiously wrapped in a bath towel..
It was clear she was moving slowly, likely fearing that any abrupt movement might aggravate her condition.
The memory of the previous night's intensity flashed through his mind, and he realized he had exerted much effort "Did the phone call wake you up?" Matthew inquired.
Aurelia paused and responded, "No, I just woke up, actually." She was firm in her resolve not to acknowledge the words she had just overheard.
HE With a slight smile, Matthew approached her. "Letget your clothes for you. You won't be comfortable walking around like that." It was only then that Aurelia noticed Matthew was not fully dressed either:
Marks that looked like scratches were visible on his chest, whichm shocked her to the core. She couldn't remember when or how those marks might have been made.
Quickly, she looked away, thankful he at least had a towel wrapped around his waist; otherwise, she felt she would have needed to cover her eyes from the sight. "N-No need. I'll manage on my own. My room is just next door," Aurelia said quickly before she started to walk away.
In her haste, she moved too quickly and inadvertently pulled at a sore spot, causing her to exclaim, "Ah!" It hurtst
Matthew quickly scooped Aurelia into his arm. "Dr. Glover will be bringing the medicine later Applying it should help ease your discomfort. I apologize, I wasn't able to control myself last night." "Likewise..." Aurelia muttered as she was lifted.
Her eyes, however, were inadvertently drawn again to his impressively marked chest. She realized she had been quite ruthless in her actions.