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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 100. Forced Feeling
The event takes place in Miami. Albert is busy with business affairs while Paula is on vacation with her friends. They unexpectedly meet at a bar near the beach. The bar is very crowded, but Albert is sitting alone, which is unusual for him.Paula tries to approach him, but Albert openly rejects her because he wants to be alone. This is a very embarrassing moment for Paula, as her friends are watching what she is doing. They then make a bet, if Paula manages to sleep with Albert Raymond, she will get a weekend trip to the Bahamas as a reward.It's not just about the prize, but also her pride and self-worth. Paula accepts the bet, but in a cunning way. She traps Albert into sleeping with her by using alcohol and a drug that would make any man who consumes it feel aroused. Paula got the drug from one of her male friends who was also there.
HIDDEN DESIRE 99. I Know How It Feels
"You can't do that!" Sophia replied firmly."Why? Working with her won't make you comfortable, and it might affect the deal you two are going to make. You should just change editors."Sophia turned around and looked at her husband with amusement. "But you're fine working with Luke, Daniel, and Alexander. Are you secretly comfortable with them?" Alicia asked, squinting her eyes as she suspiciously looked at her husband.Albert’s expression changed to one of annoyance.Sophia chuckled, then touched Albert’s arm to calm him. "Don’t worry. Lina is working as an editor probably because she’s an expert in the field. I’ve had a conversation with her, and I admit, she’s actually quite fun to talk to when it comes to literature," Sophia said. S
HIDDEN DESIRE 98. Change That Part
Sophia’s skin flushed red as she stepped out of the bath. A thin mist slightly blurred her view, also causing the mirror in front of her to fog up. Sophia wiped it with her hand and stared at her reflection.Her brown eyes widened as she gazed at the face that looked slightly different in the mirror. She touched her forehead, there were no wrinkles there, and she looked… relaxed? Happy? Sophia wasn’t sure how to describe it.While she was lost in thought, suddenly someone came up from behind and draped a towel over her body.“What are you thinking about?” Albert asked, wiping her back.“I can do it myself!” Sophia said in a panic, quickly turning around.But Albert ignored her
HIDDEN DESIRE 97. Sunset In Your Room (19)
"Wake up!" Albert whispered in his wife's ear. "Wake up, darling, we're not finished yet," he coaxed again, his voice low and enticing.Still with her eyes tightly shut, Sophia mumbled softly. "What time is it?" she asked with a hoarse voice that sounded strange. Was it because she had screamed too much earlier? Sophia thought, her cheeks flushing red."It's only three in the afternoon. And you've just slept for thirty minutes. Come on, wake up!" Albert said."Nghm...! Only thirty minutes? Aren't you tired?" Sophia replied in a soft voice.Albert chuckled softly, pressing a tender kiss on the back of his wife's hand. "Are you tired?" Albert asked in return, his hand roaming as it searched for his wife's chest."Hm," Sophia re
HIDDEN DESIRE 96. Toward Each Other (19)
Albert let out a harsh breath before lowering his body to press against Sophia's soft form, then buried his face in the hollow of his wife's neck."I just don't want anyone else seeing you wear this damned outfit. Do you have any idea how beautiful you looked when you walked towards me earlier? With that confident, yet angry look in your eyes... You looked so provocative. Damn it!" Albert then kissed and nipped at Sophia’s neck, making her let out a soft moan."But why are you so angry?" Sophia replied, her breath hitching.Albert chuckled softly. "Why do you think? Still don’t get it?" he muttered.Sophia understood, but she refused to accept the feelings that came so easily. Yet, Albert's kiss made it harder to concentrate. There was no point in resisting the desire be
HIDDEN DESIRE 95. You Don’t Understand
Albert pushed the foreign woman, whose name he didn’t even know, away from him. She had suddenly approached him and thrown herself at Albert like this. At first, Albert didn’t want to be rude. He had already told her to back off, but the woman just kept talking.And what did she say earlier? She had booked herself a room at a Singapore hotel? Albert thought for a moment, staring sharply at the woman’s face. That’s when he remembered that the woman in front of him was the “gift” Mr. Harris, Albert’s colleague in Singapore, had given him a while ago.Albert was about to speak, to tell the woman to leave him alone and stop bothering him. If necessary, he would offer her more money than what Mr. Harris had paid her for that night. However, before Albert could say anything, his ears caught a faint sob behind him.
HIDDEN DESIRE 94. Embarrassing Moment
In the yellow bikini, her pale skin appeared even more radiant. With a low-cut top and thin-strapped bottoms, Sophia transformed into the picture of a summer beauty, her body alluring. However, despite all of that, Sophia felt far from confident. She nearly cried when she saw how awkward and ridiculous her reflection looked in the mirror.Once again, Sophia asked herself, should she really do this? What would Albert think?She was supposed to go home with Albert today, there was no reason to delay any further. But Billie and Paula had decided to throw a pool party in the backyard of their house.They should have done this in the summer, why now when the weather was starting to cool down? But a party was a party, no matter the time, they were just looking for an excuse to have fun.
HIDDEN DESIRE 93. With One Condition
Was it only care that Albert felt when he kissed her like that? Should Sophia add affection into the equation? But if that were the case, it wouldn’t fully explain how they slept together and made love so passionately and intensely. People who only care for each other wouldn’t do that.Then Sophia thought, perhaps Albert did love her. But love itself has many categories. Maybe Albert’s love was only directed toward the feelings that Sophia evoked in him, or the desire they both shared.Sophia was so confused. And she was terrified to guess for herself, afraid of being disappointed if she hoped too much.But Daniel's words kept ringing in her head, “What do you think Albert feels for you all this time?”Sophia wanted to know. Was it really li
HIDDEN DESIRE 92. Almost Lost Control
Albert watched as Paula Abraham hurriedly approached him and Alexander, who were both silent in a tense atmosphere in front of their cars, which happened to be parked side by side. Albert couldn’t easily forget what that man had done, taking advantage of his wife when she was half-drunk. Although they were both intoxicated that night, seeing how Alex remembered everything, Albert was sure that he was pretending to be too drunk in front of Sophia so that she would be moved to follow his wishes.That’s what Albert called taking advantage. And Albert knew that Alex did it just to annoy him."Let's go!" Paula said in a cold, commanding tone.Alex, like a man who had been searching for an excuse to do so, immediately obeyed his girlfriend’s words. Soon after, the car drove off.
