Gregory lowered his gaze to Anathea and started unbuttoning her jamas, revealing her smooth shoulder.
As he watched the soft blush on her face, he reached up to gently caress her cheek and smiled. “We’ve been married for so many years, and you’re still this shy?”
Anathea bit her lip and looked away to avoid his gaze. Her voice was barely a whisper. “Be gentle.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you.” Gregory’s tone softened as he watched her delicate nose move with each breath she took. His deep, husky voice became like a lullaby, gently lingering in her ear
“I just want you to be happy.”
The moonlight outside was bright and clear. It streamed through the floor–to–ceiling windows and cast a glow across the floor, where clothes were scattered. The white walls reflected the figures of two people entwined.
Gregory was no longer the man who demanded everything from her. Tonight, he was tender and considerate, as if he was trying to please her and make sure she felt joy in every moment.
And when he did, she would wrap her arms around his shoulders and softly moan against his neck. The once–distant couple seemed to have finally become equals in love.
It felt like the old Anathea had returned.
Gregory’s kisses grew deeper. The desires he’d held back for so long finally broke free at this moment. Meanwhile, Anathea held him tightly, her eyelashes fluttering.
Both of them were bathed in a thin sheen of sweat. Anathea rested against his shoulder, breathing in slow, steady patterns.
Gregory gently tucked her damp hair behind her ear and said, “Let me carry you to the bathroom.”
“Okay,” Anathea responded quietly. Her arms circled his neck, like a sleepy cat in his embrace.
Gregory lightly pinched the tip of her nose, which was dotted with tiny beads of sweat. A smile curled at the comer of his lips as he effortlessly lifted her into his arms.
As they passed through the beam of moonlight in the room, Anathea leaned close to his ear and softly asked, “Gregory, can I visit my dad?”
Gregory paused mid–step. His gaze dropped to her fair face, which was still flushed from their earlier moments. His tone softened. “Of course. I’ll have Martin take you.”
“Isn’t he supposed to attend the meeting with you? I’ll just drive myself.”
Gregory thought for a moment, then nodded. His concern was evident as he said, “Be careful.”
“I will.” Anathea smiled softly.
Little did she know that her smile only stirred Gregory further.
Bathed in moonlight, he could see every damp strand clinging to her forehead. And the moment she clung to him with that faint tremble, he was sure that she was his now.
Having tasted her, he found himself craving more. Yet, knowing her condition, he pushed down his impulses.
Anathea, unaware of his inner turmoil, leaned against his shoulder Though she smiled at Gregory’s reply, the mile never reached her eyes.
Perhaps it was the satisfaction finally setting in; Gregory slept unusually well that night. But he had a dream.
1/2
Chapter 297
+25 BONUS
In the dream, he’d finally claimed his position as the head of the Sinclair family. His former rivals bowed to him in respect. But when he turned, there was no one by his side.
Anathea was nowhere in sight. He stood alone. As if abandoned in long, snowy night, the biting cold seeped deep into his
bones.
Then, a voice echoed in his ears.
“Gregory, you’re nothing but a failure. You think you deserve the happiness of others? Dream on!”
Suddenly, Gregory opened his eyes. The darkness in them was deadly. He reached out beside him, finding the space beside him
empty.
“Annie!” He jolted upright. His hoarse voice was tinged with a faint tremble.
Just then, a knock came at the door. Cyrus‘ voice rang out from the other side. “Mr. Sinclair, are you awake? Mrs. Sinclair has prepared breakfast in the kitchen. Should I tell her you’re coming down?”
