CHAPTER 24: CHAPTER 24: MAY I KISS YOU?

"Thank you, Zane."

Sophia Lowell was somewhat moved; growing up, no one had ever helped her tidy up, not even Autumn.

Autumn taught her survival, emphasizing self-reliance, which forged Sophia’s fearless personality.

"There’s no need for such words between husband and wife." Zane Sterling dragged the luggage aside, inadvertently catching sight of her reddened eyes.

"What’s wrong?" He walked over to Sophia.

Sophia realized she had lost her composure, hurriedly turned away, anxiously stifling her thoughts, trying to maintain her dignity.

Originally, it was nothing, but his question caused her thoughts to weigh heavily.

"It’s nothing." She said, choking slightly, attempting to leave, only to be stopped by Zane who grabbed her wrist, drawing closer. She lowered her gaze, daring not to look at him, unable to escape his grasp.

His hold was gentle yet firm.

Sophia felt slightly tense, thinking they were too close, wanting to turn her wrist to create some distance.

Zane wouldn’t have it, directly wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her into his embrace.

"Mm!" Sophia was so startled that she buried her head against his chest with her hands pushing against him.

Zane lifted her soft chin with his other hand, compelling her to look at him.

"Why are you crying?"

His eyes were full of tender love; her appearance was just like that night, pitifully pleading on his bed.

His breathing became heavy, his hand around her waist gradually tightening, his heated breath rushing onto her face.

"I’m not crying..." Sophia’s ears were burning red, unsure what to say.

"Hmm?" Zane waited for her reply.

But she couldn’t speak; she feared Zane would laugh at her if she did, feared he would find her childish, feared he’d think it was so little to move her, and then the novelty would soon wear off...

She forced herself not to cry, tears welling up, maintaining a facade of composure.

Zane caressed the corner of her eyes, pulling her deeply into his embrace, gently holding and kissing her hair, silently hugging her.

Sophia reached out and embraced him tightly.

"Is it that you don’t like others touching your things?" Zane quietly asked.

"No, it’s not..." she burrowed into Zane’s arms, "this is nice."

He sighed in relief, thinking he’d done something wrong to make her cry so sorrowfully.

"Alright, go wash your face; there’s something I want to give you."

"Okay." Sophia hastily released him and turned towards the bathroom.

Zane watched her leave, then glanced at his tear-soaked shirt, feeling an inexplicable flutter in his heart.

He realized his heart was pounding hard, his ears red, his whole body hot, as if scorched by fire, he couldn’t help but chuckle lightly.

By the time she returned, Zane was already sitting at the dressing table waiting.

"Zane."

Sophia approached, her demeanor returning to its previous steadiness.

Zane stood up and gestured for her to sit down.

She obeyed and sat on the chair.

He opened the jewelry box beside him.

"It’s a ring, worried you wouldn’t wear it on your finger, so I had it made into a necklace ring. You can take it off and wear it publicly later if you want."

While speaking, he carefully took out the necklace ring, delicately putting it around Sophia’s neck.

Sophia wanted to say something but noticed his ring on the same finger in the mirror, his ears reddened, his hands shaky while putting on the necklace, appearing somewhat nervous.

His hands were scorching; even an inadvertent touch felt like a fiery current, the blush spreading from her earlobes to her neck.

"Why are you so insistent on me becoming Mrs. Sterling?"

She had nothing, no money, no family background, just a little designer who couldn’t possibly match him.

"I don’t mind you. Affection can be cultivated over time."

Zane fastened the necklace, his hands leaning on the chair, looking at her in the mirror, as enchanting as Delilah Sawyer.

She had a face that people instantly liked, beautiful blonde hair, sparkling eyes, a perfect figure, hard not to like.

"I made a mistake, and I must take responsibility, so I won’t force if you don’t like me." He said.

Sophia understood what he meant by "force," and instantly a flush spread across her face.

"Aren’t you afraid I’m the type to deceive for wealth and love?" She was curious; was there really someone in the world rushing to take responsibility?

"Then go ahead and deceive. You were introduced by Ethan Sinclair and have a good relationship with him; I’m very familiar with you."

"Hmm?"

Very familiar? Had he liked her from the start?

She was a bit confused, but before she could react, Zane asked in a way that startled her.

"So, can I kiss you?" He asked.

Sophia turned her head in shock to look at him.

His deep eyes filled with yearning, fixed intently on her cherry lips, his intention clear.

Wasn’t that too direct? Just bluntly asking: Can I kiss you?

You might as well kiss directly, the anxious tension wouldn’t last so long.

Should she agree? Felt like she might be too frivolous.

If she didn’t agree? Felt it would be a bit unfair to him.

After all, they were already certified, completed close distance contact, can’t just leave him staring.

"I’m a bit nervous..." Sophia slowly averted her gaze, even avoiding the mirror.

She neither refused nor agreed.

Though they had done everything together, they hadn’t properly tried kissing.

"It’s okay, we haven’t been together long enough, we can wait till we’re more familiar." He patted her head and exited the wardrobe.

His calm tone was unsettling, as if asking: Have you eaten? So peacefully.

Ah! Do such men really exist in the world!

Isn’t a man nearing thirty supposed to have peak vigor? He could even restrain, while I would’ve kissed already instead of asking!

Sophia felt her heart stirring.

When she came out, Zane had returned to the study, busy again with paperwork.

She glanced at the tulips on the desk, feeling compelled to take them back...

Zane turned to look at her, thinking she was looking at him.

Both quickly withdrew their gaze.

She didn’t linger, hurriedly taking the drafts from the study and left.

Zane lifted the corners of his mouth in a gentle smile.

But just then Sophia returned, about to ask something but noticing his smiling face.

This usually cold-faced man had been smiling frequently these days, suspicious.

"What is it?" He changed his expression, like a kid caught sneaking candy.

"Can I go upstairs and have a look?" Sophia pointed upstairs.

Zane hesitated a bit: "This is your home now."

"Oh..." She awkwardly nodded, then turned and left.

Zane no longer felt like reading the document, staring blankly at the first page.

He rubbed his forehead, sighed, shut the computer, and walked out of the study.