CHAPTER 159: CHAPTER 159: MEMORIES (59)

It was just like when he stood in front of his hospital bed with icy words and an icy gaze, saying, "What a pity, it’s ruined."

As if those words weren’t spoken by him.

He didn’t pursue the private matters of those illegitimate children at all. When he went to collect debts, he was easily held down by him.

He was told not to argue.

"I won’t go back to that house again," Ethan Harper whispered, tightly holding Florence Fuller’s hand.

Florence looked at him, sat up straight, and embraced him.

"I’ll give you a home."

Ethan was slightly stunned, his heart collapsing, and he buried his head in the nook of her shoulder, silently holding her tight.

___

When Abigail Monrose returned, it had already been two months. Upon learning this, Florence Fuller went back to the Monrose Family that day to find her.

Abigail had also learned about her situation. Although she had ultimately turned adversity into safety, there was still an indelible worry in her eyes.

"It’s our issues that dragged you into this," Abigail said, looking at her, "It’s fortunate that you’re alright."

"Don’t worry, Aunt Monrose," Florence reassured her, "Don’t worry about me. What about you? I sent you messages, but you didn’t reply, and you didn’t pick up your calls. Did something happen to you?"

Abigail shook her head, "My return is indication enough that nothing happened."

"Then... what about Ethan?"

Ethan had returned to France half a month ago. Although they frequently contacted each other via phone, Florence still worried about Ethan.

Ethan’s father was not a simple person.

"Ethan will be fine, don’t worry," Abigail reassured her, "He’s dealing with complicated issues. Auntie hopes you can understand him."

"I know."

Florence nodded.

"Good child."

"I’ll wait for him to return," Florence smiled.

___

During the days without Ethan, she continued with her regular life and schooling.

A month was not a long time, but having one less person in her life was something to get used to.

After a busy and exhausting day, she returned home, pushed the door open, and was stunned by the bright room. Overjoyed, she rushed into the living room without even changing her shoes, and saw a busy figure in the dining room.

Ethan looked at her and smiled slightly.

Florence rushed to hug him, and Ethan received her fully in his arms, "Finally back."

"You’re the one who’s finally back," Florence looked up at him, "When did you come back? Why didn’t you tell me in advance, so I could pick you up?"

Her voice carried a grievance, and Ethan cupped her face, "Wanted to surprise you."

"I don’t want this surprise," she hugged him. After not seeing each other for a month, the lonely emotions fluttered. This was the first time they had been apart for so long since being together.

Ethan understood her feelings at that moment, for he felt the same; he missed her dearly, too.

There was no point in staying in France any longer, so he hurriedly flew back, ignoring everything else.

"Florence."

"Hmm?"

"Look at me."

Florence looked up, and his kiss fell.

Meeting his kiss, Florence responded eagerly. She tugged at his coat, fingers lingering on his body, the kiss gradually changing in nature. Ethan sensed her intent.

He held her hand, "Hungry? Let’s eat first."

Florence fixed her gaze on him, "Eat you."

Ethan lowered his voice, concealing the darkness in his eyes, "Eat dinner first, okay?"

"I’m not hungry," she replied.

Ethan: "I’m hungry."

Florence looked at him and gave up.

She sat at the dining table, and Ethan placed the bowls and chopsticks in front of her.

She silently finished her meal and went straight back to the bedroom.

Ethan noticed her mood, not bothering to tidy up, and went to appease her.

But he was a step too late; Florence had already entered the bathroom.

He waited in the room, and when Florence came out, she saw him and silently dried her wet hair.

Ethan came over and took the towel from her hand, "Let me."

Florence didn’t stop him.

Once her hair was dry, Florence still said nothing, and Ethan looked down at her, "What’s wrong? Are you unhappy?"

Neither of them spoke just then.

"No," Florence looked at him, "You’re back, how could I be unhappy."

Ethan sat beside her, "You are unhappy."

He could sense it.

Florence looked at him, then got up and straddled him.

Having just bathed, she wore a bathrobe, her fragrance intoxicating. Realizing something, Ethan tensed completely.

Florence carefully observed his expression, "Ethan, this is the first time we’ve been apart for so long. Do you miss me?"

Ethan swallowed, "I do."

Florence kissed his lips, "Before you left, we already bought a set at home and left it there."

They had even bought it together during a shopping trip, but had never used it.

Her words implied that they now had the opportunity to use it.

How could Ethan not know her intention? His breath quickened, "Florence, I just got back... I’m a bit tired."

Tired!

Florence laughed softly, "Your body is telling me you’re not tired."

Ethan avoided her gaze, "Please... get up first."

Florence’s eyes turned cold, "What happened while you were in France?"

"Nothing... really."

"Are you sure?" Florence asked, "Ethan, you know how we are when we usually kiss."

Outside, his kisses were indeed full of passion and possession, but once she responded eagerly, he had seemed to withdraw.

It wasn’t like this before.

Before, they wouldn’t part reluctantly after entwined kisses.

Now, his desire was so obvious, yet he claimed he was tired.

Tired?

Florence knew it was an excuse.

Still, she didn’t want to let it go, pressing her body against his, she whispered, "I’ve missed you so much for so long."

"I know," he replied hoarsely, his eyes filled with gentle love, "I’ve missed you too."

Florence kissed him again.

Restraint, tension, and timidity.

That’s what Florence felt.

Aside from their first kiss, Florence now felt the same sensation.

She looked at Ethan, "Tell me, what happened when you returned?"

Ethan averted his gaze from her eyes.

He didn’t want to speak.

Florence gritted her teeth, reached out, and forcibly tore at his clothes, startling Ethan, who stopped her, "Florence."

Florence looked at him, "Are you not going to tell me?"

Ethan looked at her with difficulty in his eyes.

Florence’s heart trembled, "Is it going to separate us?"

Ethan shook his head, "No, I won’t leave you."

Florence’s emotions were all over the place. She had no idea what Ethan faced or experienced when he went back, but since it involved her, it probably wasn’t anything good.

"Fine," Florence tore open his shirt, "Then let’s do it now!"