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26. In the Garden
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2025-01-11 09:00:40They had refused earlier, but now here they were, standing in the vineyard Dana had mentioned. It wasn’t very large, located behind the house, past the garden. The grapevines grew lushly, climbing along the framework of a semi-circular arch.
Dana’s husband, Joe Florence, was already there. Sophia usually addressed him formally, despite Joe having suggested several times that she call him simply by his first name. She hadn’t gotten used to it yet.
Joe worked as the vineyard caretaker. He and his wife lived nearby, and managing the plots of land owned by Albert had been their job long before Albert even purchased the house.
“Mrs. Raymond, you’re here!” Joe greeted as they approached.
“Hello, Sir Florence,” Sophia replied warm
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HIDDEN DESIRE 27. In the Way Home
Albert had just filled the last basket with fresh red grapes. Sweat covered his entire body, his face slightly flushed from the heat, it was nearing midday. Yet, Sophia and Dana had not returned. Joe mentioned that Dana had gone to pick vegetables in the greenhouse. That’s why Albert decided to go and check on them.Meanwhile, in the greenhouse, Sophia was sitting on a wooden bench with her right leg propped over her left thigh, gently massaging her reddened ankle.It had happened earlier when Sophia was crouched down picking chili peppers. She hadn’t noticed a snail crawling slowly up the back of her foot. The moment she realized its presence, she let out a scream and instinctively flailed her leg wildly before running away. In her panic, she failed to notice a mound of dirt in her path and tripped over it.
Last Updated : 2025-01-12HIDDEN DESIRE 28. Present From Another Man
Albert took Sophia to the doctor, and her ankle was examined and wrapped in a white bandage. Fortunately, the clinic where Sophia was treated was located in a quiet corner of the city and was currently empty, so no one would see her being carried on Albert's back like a koala, which would be the most embarrassing thing that could happen."For what reason are you taking a leave today?" Sophia asked after they arrived home and were sitting in the kitchen pantry, enjoying the lunch Dana had prepared."I don’t need a reason," Albert replied briefly.Sophia had asked because since morning, Albert had been holding his tablet—except when they were in the garden earlier, which made Sophia think that he was busy with his work at the office, even though he had taken the day off.
Last Updated : 2025-01-13HIDDEN DESIRE 29. In the Rooftop
Far from the kind of dinner Albert had mentioned at home earlier, the dinner event Daniel hosted turned out to be a celebration for the grand opening of his new restaurant, located on the top floor of a luxury mall. Sophia arrived wearing a dark soft purple gown that hugged her slim figure beautifully, with long sleeves and a high neckline.There were many guests in attendance, and it was no surprise that Sophia recognized several familiar faces, prompting them to stop several times to greet people. Eventually, they arrived at Daniel, the host of this lavish dinner party.As soon as Daniel saw Sophia and Albert approaching, his smile widened. "Sophie!" he called out.Sophia actually felt a little uncomfortable with that familiar nickname, only Albert and a few close people called her that. But she didn’t prote
Last Updated : 2025-01-14HIDDEN DESIRE 30. Where Do We Began
"I want to talk."Yes, this was the moment, Sophia thought. Even though they were in the middle of a party, Sophia felt the atmosphere between her and Albert was just right, and when else would she have the courage to do this?"What?" Albert responded, gazing at Sophia with a calm expression. In contrast, Sophia's expression was one of obvious tension. And Albert noticed it, whatever Sophia was about to say was clearly something important that had been bothering her for a while."What's wrong?" Albert asked again."Ngh..." Sophia didn't get a chance to finish her sentence because, at that moment, the sound of an explosion rang out in the sky, and all attention was diverted toward it—the colorful sparks of fireworks li
Last Updated : 2025-01-15HIDDEN DESIRE 31. To Sleep Together
"How about tonight? You sleep in my room?"Sophia stared at Albert as if he had lost his mind. "Are you insane?!"Albert's smile widened, and he shook his head. "You're the one who suggested this compromise. You don't have the right to say no." He then stood up.Sophia's eyes trembled. The thought of being in the same room as Albert, on the same bed, under the same blanket—it was too... overwhelming. Overwhelming for her heart.Even though they were legally married, it was still a new and unsettling experience.But as Albert had pointed out, did Sophia have the right to back out now? Probably not.With a deep breath, Sophia also stood and tilted her head up to meet her husba
Last Updated : 2025-01-16HIDDEN DESIRE 32. Cute Side
When Albert opened the door, Dana was standing in front of him with a tray containing a glass of pink milk and a plate of chocolate-flavored biscuits. Dana squinted at Albert, eyeing him suspiciously.Albert raised an eyebrow. “Ng… I don’t need a midnight snack—”Before Albert could finish his sentence, Dana cut him off, “Sophia isn’t in her room, she hasn’t come back.” Dana’s voice sounded sharp, like someone scolding their son.Albert didn’t know how to respond. He certainly couldn’t admit that Sophia was in his room, still calming down after their heated kiss.“Albert, you know Sophia doesn’t like it when you bring other women home,” Dana chided.
Last Updated : 2025-01-17HIDDEN DESIRE 33. Twenty Q Game
Sophia had changed her clothes, even had a bath and cleaned herself up. After that, she sat on the edge of the bed, feeling nervous. A towel still hung around her neck, her hair was still damp, and she hadn’t brushed it yet.The pajamas she wore were the most covered-up ones she had. Sophia didn’t want Albert to think she was trying to tempt him by wearing her usual nightwear, which was much more revealing than what she was wearing now.She didn’t know what would happen tonight. Things never went the way she wanted when it came to Albert. But most importantly, Sophia was relieved now that she had expressed her feelings. She had dared to do it, and it was a huge milestone for her because, until now, Sophia often closed herself off and felt insecure about herself.Sophia’s hand unknowingly touc
Last Updated : 2025-01-18HIDDEN DESIRE 34. Dinner Plan
Sophia’s eyes widened. What did Albert just say? "Gi-give me an answer, not another question.""Yeah, I’m sure it’s because of you that I didn’t go to work today.""Why because of me?""You got me drunk last night."The way Albert said it… it sounded like he was blaming her. Meanwhile, Sophia had been thinking the opposite, and now she felt embarrassed about her own thoughts."Did I ever force that champagne down your throat?!""Wow, that’s harsh." Albert grinned, hiding his amusement."You were the one who kept accepting glass after glass of champagne from that woman! Why me? You’re acting as
Last Updated : 2025-01-19
Latest chapter
HIDDEN DESIRE 45. Your Smile
Sophia wore a white sundress with a ribbon decoration on its high collar, wide sleeves that gathered at the wrists, and a skirt that reached her ankles.The dress was one of Sophia's favorites, the one she most wanted to wear, but she had never found the right moment to do so. She was happy to finally wear it today.Sophia stared at herself in the mirror, wondering whether she should tie her hair or leave it down.The decision was so confusing because Sophia didn’t know which one to choose, until a loud sigh sounded behind her.Albert, who had been waiting for Sophia while lying on her bed, stood up and walked over to Sophia at her vanity."I prefer it when your hair is down," Albert said, then took the hair tie from Sophia’s
HIDDEN DESIRE 44. Beautiful Morning
Sophia woke up with a slight ache in her body because once again she had stayed up late the previous night writing her manuscript. Every time she received a call from Albert while he was working this week, she found herself flooded with ideas that flowed from her mind. She of course didn’t waste this opportunity and quickly wrote them down, not realizing that time had slipped by and it was already early morning.But this morning was different. Sophia woke up to find that she wasn’t alone in bed. A strong arm was draped over her stomach, and she turned her head to the side.“Albert?” Sophia whispered hoarsely.Albert was lying on his stomach, half of his face hidden in the pillow. His hair was messy, and as usual, he wasn’t wearing a top, so his slightly tanned skin contrasted with the w
HIDDEN DESIRE 43. Sweet Talk On The Phone
Even though Albert and Sophia had agreed on the terms of their agreement that night, they didn’t immediately act on it. They decided to sleep in separate bedrooms for the night, under the pretense of thoroughly reviewing the agreement.But that wasn’t the real reason at all. The suggestion had come from Sophia, who felt she needed to calm herself down before her heart burst.Sophia couldn’t contain her excitement. She even found herself doing silly things in her room just to channel her overwhelming joy.All night, Sophia bit the pillow she was hugging to stifle the screams that threatened to escape from the uncontrollable emotions in her chest. If Albert had seen her like that, she would have been mortified. That was why Sophia suggested they sleep in separate rooms, until she could get a grip on
HIDDEN DESIRE 42. An Agreement
Albert and Sophia were now both in the living room, seated across from each other on the plush white sofa that, oddly enough, only made Sophia more nervous.“Why… an agreement?” Sophia asked, confused.Albert, who was sorting through papers on the table, looked up at her. “Didn’t I already explain the reason earlier?”Sophia averted her gaze from Albert’s intense stare. “Yes, but… why?”Albert let out a sigh as he pushed an empty folder under the table, his eyes never leaving Sophia.“Because you always seem like you’re trying to run away from me,” Albert said.Sophia hadn’t expected that answer to come out of Albert’s mouth. Her heart pounded erratically, as though it were trying
HIDDEN DESIRE 41. Fragile Relationship
“Yes, I do have a special relationship with Millie Matthew.”Albert's voice pulled Sophia out of her thoughts. “What did you say?” Sophia asked, having missed his words.Albert sighed, then sat down beside her, gazing at his wife with calm eyes. “Millie Matthew, I do have a special relationship with her.”Sophia wasn’t surprised to hear this because she had suspected it from the start. “What kind... of relationship?” she asked cautiously.“She’s my ex-girlfriend,” Albert replied.Sophia’s expression didn’t change, but inside, she couldn’t stop the sharp pain piercing her chest, just like on the night of their wedding.
HIDDEN DESIRE 40. The Reason Why
The moment Sophia had been waiting for finally arrived. The dinner event ended after they had finished the dessert that Sophia had taken from the fridge. Albert liked sweet food, and usually, Dana would prepare plenty of sweets for him. So, Sophia took what was available.Sophia reminded herself that next time she invited her in-laws or parents over for dinner, she would need to hire at least three professional waiters to handle everything. She didn’t want something like today’s incident to happen again.As hosts, Albert and Sophia escorted their guests outside to the terrace. Albert and Adrian walked ahead, waiting for the car and driver to arrive. Meanwhile, Sophia and Millie were a bit farther behind. Not only that, Millie was sticking to Sophia like a leech, making Sophia extremely uncomfortable.&ld
HIDDEN DESIRE 39. Delicious Dish
In the end, Sophia had no choice but to follow Millie’s suggestion to cook together. This was also supported by Adrian, who said he wanted to discuss something with Albert, leaving Sophia and Millie alone in the kitchen.Millie said she would make Albert’s favorite food.With a slightly annoyed expression, Sophia chopped onions at Millie’s request, while Millie washed the vegetables, humming softly.“Sophie, how’s your relationship with Albert lately? Has there been any progress?” Millie asked.Sophia rubbed her watery eyes with the back of her hand before answering, “It’s fine,” she replied vaguely.Millie glanced at her for a moment. “What do you mean by ‘fin
HIDDEN DESIRE 38. Missing You too
Sophia couldn’t comprehend how any of this was really happening.Albert, who had been gone for nearly two weeks, suddenly returned, bringing his parents along with him. Their issues weren’t even resolved yet, and now Sophia had to face her in-laws.Was this Albert’s way of making amends for disappearing without a word? Using his parents as a shield?But for what purpose? Because if anything, it only made Sophia angrier and less likely to forgive him.“Where have you been?” Sophia hissed softly, asking Albert, who was preparing drinks in the kitchen for the two people waiting for them in the living room.Albert turned to look at Sophia.There were fain
HIDDEN DESIRE 37. Unexpected Guest
Albert unconsciously imagined the woman in front of him as Sophia. Wearing a short towel wrapped around her chest, revealing those tempting, soft curves to the eyes of a man who would look at her with hunger.But Albert knew that the Sophia he knew would never do this. That night, when he saw Sophia crying as she tried to cover herself from his gaze, Albert had felt utterly devastated. The pain so evident in her eyes… it had made Albert furious. Furious at whoever had caused Sophia to become like that.But wasn’t he the prime suspect?Albert was so lost in his thoughts of Sophia that he almost forgot about the woman in front of him. She had now removed the towel wrapped around her body, leaving herself completely bare as she sank to her knees before him.Alb
