CHAPTER 40: CHAPTER 30: COME BACK TO AMERICA WITH ME_2

She rationally turned her head away, simultaneously pressing her hand against his chest.

Feeling her resistance, he didn’t force the issue. He released her, then turned her slightly pale face to meet his gaze.

She gazed deeply into his dark pupils, which always seemed veiled by profound affection, and said in a knowing tone, "Mr. Geoffrey, please stop teasing me. We’re about to get divorced, after all..."

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of chagrin in his expression. "Really?"

She nodded seriously. "Haven’t we already agreed to handle this after the baby is born?"

Unexpectedly, he reacted as if he’d heard the world’s greatest joke. After a soft laugh, he pulled her face closer and said in a tone that brooked no refusal, "Rebecca Quentin, if you’re going to play dumb, then I’ll spell it out for you today... I want you. Not just for today, but for all our days to come."

Although his tone was domineering, it wasn’t unpleasant. His dark eyes were fixed on her, seemingly concealing infinite tenderness.

She was stunned. His soft warmth flooded her heart, involuntarily tugging at the deepest, most hidden chord within her.

I want you. Not just for today, but for all our days to come...

His words echoed in her mind, instantly warming the heart that had been like an ice cellar for the past two years. She subconsciously wanted to reach out and embrace him. But then, the sweet nothings he had whispered to Christine that night—asking her to spend her life with him—cruelly pierced her ears. Ultimately, she withdrew her hands, frozen in place, her eyes inexplicably moistening.

He reached out his thumb to gently wipe away the tear tracks from the corners of her eyes. He then drew her pitiable form into his embrace, comfortingly patting her slender back.

Leaning against his shoulder, her tears fell more furiously, and she even began to sob...

He let her tears soak his shirt, and whenever he felt her body tremble, he held her tighter.

Much later, once her emotions had gradually settled, she gently pushed him away. "It’s, uh, very late. I..."

With a sweep of his large hand, he pulled her back into his arms. A smile touched his handsome face as he asked in a low, husky voice, "Still planning to go back tonight?"

She lowered her gaze, appearing bashful, and with a mix of shyness and embarrassment, lightly tapped his shoulder.

He gave her a satisfied peck on the lips, then swept her up into his arms bridal style, heading straight for the large bed in the room.

「Daybreak.」

The light irritated Rebecca Quentin’s eyes, and she slowly awoke.

The moment she opened her eyes, she saw the ceiling, so familiar from the past two years. Her thoughts immediately flew to the previous night. She quickly turned her head; it wasn’t a dream. His handsome face was mere inches away, her lips almost brushing against his.

Holding her breath, she watched him quietly for several seconds.

He was sound asleep, his breathing even and steady. He looked like an innocent, overgrown child. Yet, in the real world, who could truly fathom such a man?

Not allowing herself to linger in the tranquility of that moment, she carefully moved the arm he had draped over her waist, lifted the covers, and got out of bed.

Slipping on a robe, Rebecca Quentin tiptoed to the balcony and turned on her phone, which had been off.

Sure enough, as soon as the phone powered on, it displayed numerous missed calls from Aunt Clare. After hesitating for a few seconds, Rebecca Quentin called back.

The call connected on almost the first ring. Aunt Clare’s frantic voice immediately came through, "Miss, where are you now? You didn’t come back all night! Do you have any idea how worried I am?"

"I told you, I’m at Geoffrey’s."

Aunt Clare sounded utterly shocked. "You... you spent the entire night at Geoffrey’s?"

Rebecca Quentin remained silent.

Aunt Clare seemed to find this hard to accept. Her voice became faint and hoarse. "Miss, last night, did you and Mr. Geoffrey..."

Rebecca Quentin naturally understood the implication of Aunt Clare’s unfinished question. She replied calmly, "It’s not what you’re thinking. Nothing happened between us last night."

And that was indeed the truth. After he had carried her to bed the previous night, he hadn’t made any further advances; he had simply held her as they slept...

Aunt Clare seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "So, what did he say about the favor you asked him for?"

"He said of course he’d help. He told me to leave everything to him."

"That’s good... So, when are you coming back?"

Rebecca Quentin slowly lowered her gaze. "I’m not coming back for the time being."

"What?"

As if she had anticipated Aunt Clare’s shock, Rebecca Quentin’s tone remained even. "I’ll be staying at Geoffrey’s for a few days. You don’t need to worry about me."

"Miss, tell me, are you staying at Geoffrey’s because you want to, or did Mr. Geoffrey ask you to stay?"

Rebecca Quentin answered truthfully, "A bit of both."

Aunt Clare tried to persuade her earnestly. "Miss, regardless of whether you have feelings for Mr. Geoffrey or not, I really hope you’ll keep your distance from him... Look, I’m not saying he’s a bad person, but your relationship with him has never really gone anywhere. Why waste your time on him? You’re so young and beautiful; there will be better men for you in the future..." She desperately wanted to convince Rebecca to give up on him but couldn’t bring herself to state the reason directly, which made her extremely anxious.

Rebecca Quentin bit her lip, then replied, "Aunt Clare, I know you’re worried about me, but please, trust me. I know what I’m doing. Once Dad’s situation is resolved, I’ll leave T City. I won’t have any further involvement with Howard Geoffrey..."

"Miss..."

"Okay, I have to go. He might wake up soon."

Ending the call, Rebecca Quentin gazed into the distance.

Howard Geoffrey... Last night’s confession—I know perfectly well it was just an act. I’m staying because I need your help. But why did you want me to stay? You, who can control everything... what is it you truly want from me?

She stood on the balcony, lost in the wind, for a long time. Just as Rebecca Quentin turned to go back into the room, a strong arm suddenly wrapped around her from behind, pulling her into a warm embrace.

There was no need to guess who it was; his scent was always so faint and pleasant.

Sure enough, he buried his head in the crook of her neck and mumbled, "Why are you up so early?"

Letting him hold her, she replied, "I couldn’t sleep."

His lips curved. "Are you blaming me for not letting you sleep in last night?" he teased.

Understanding the implication of his words, her face flushed crimson. She retorted with feigned annoyance, "Can’t your mind ever dwell on something proper?"

"When I’m with you, I can’t be proper."

"You..."

He started carrying her towards the bed.

Remembering she had only ever been a tool for his gratification all this time, a wave of revulsion washed over her...