A son, Jennifer said. Tegan felt a twinge of sadness in her heart. She didn't want to upset her mother, so she said nothing. She merely responded softly, "Mm-hmm."Since Tegan planned to stay overnight at the McKinney Villa, she made a point of calling Lorian at four in the afternoon to inform him of her plans. Tegan added, "There's no need to trouble Philip in the morning. I'll have the driver from home take me to school."Lorian was at the Sanders Group, sitting in the CEO's office. He held the phone while talking to Tegan, reviewing the documents on his desk. After he ensured everything was in order, he signed them and handed them to Kris. "Make copies and distribute them."Kris didn't leave immediately. She quietly asked, "Would you like to invite Ms. Tegan to tonight's year-end company banquet?"Lorian had already hung up the phone. He smiled faintly. "Tegan is at her parents' house. Maybe next time."Kris said nothing further and left the office with the documents in h
Tegan watched quietly.It turned out that last night was the Sanders Group's year-end banquet, but Lorian hadn't mentioned it to her over the phone. He must not have intended to invite her.Tegan recalled a line from a television show."I suppose I’m just not worthy!"Tegan felt a pang of discomfort. Their marriage might've been devoid of love, but she still felt slighted and disrespected when she saw a movie star publicly kiss her husband and get featured in the newspaper.Otherwise, how could such a thing be made public? The Sanders Group’s public relations team was competent, after all.With that said, it was only a bit of discomfort. Tegan didn't dare to have high expectations when it came to their marriage. So, It was just a tiny bit of disappointment.That was right. Just a little bit.Tegan folded the newspaper. She heard her colleagues' hushed voices around her. They were gossiping carefully, and a few snippets reached her ears.“It's not easy to have a life in a wealt
The married couple ate in surprising silence.The household servants tried to lighten the mood with a few jokes, but the young married couple didn't smile. Soon, the servants fell silent.As they neared the end of the meal, Lorian put down his utensils and looked at Tegan. He spoke softly, "The photo was taken by a reporter. Nothing happened last night. I won't be inviting the female celebrity's company again."Tegan understood that this was his attempt at an explanation.She believed Lorian's words, as someone in his position would have little reason to lie to his wife. However, this emotionless explanation felt more like it was meant for his wife, whoever it may be, instead of because he cared about her.Tegan was clear about her own priorities. She gave a soft hum in response, choosing not to mention her exclusion or ask any questions. Tegan's discretion pleased Lorian. In his mind, the incident was over. He lightly patted her arm and said, “I’m going to the study to handle s
Lorian and Tegan finished having sex. In the dim light of the bedroom, the air was still tinged with the lingering, intimate scent of their lovemaking. Lorian lay back. His muscular chest glistened with sweat. It was evidence of his exertion. After catching his breath, he turned to Tegan and asked her a private question softly, “It’s been a while. Why haven’t we conceived yet?”Lorian gently stroked Tegan's flat abdomen. Clearly, he was yearning for a child.Tegan was still softly catching her breath. Hearing her husband's question, she stared up at the dark ceiling. She suppressed the ache in her eyes as she responded, “Maybe it’s just not meant to be yet.”“Perhaps,” Lorian agreed with her explanation. He suggested they shower together to save time, but Tegan declined. She said that she wasn’t accustomed to sharing a bath.Lorian didn’t insist. They each took their showers separately, in the master bedroom and guest bathroom, respectively. Then, they went to bed.Lorian fe
Lorian squinted slightly as he observed Tegan conversing with the tall, well-dressed man beneath the Maple tree. She was relaxed, which was a stark contrast to the tension she often displayed with him. The man’s refined aura and his lingering gaze on Tegan spoke volumes. There was an unmistakable trace of admiration and affection in his eyes.In the depths of winter, a man willing to stand outside with a woman could only be after either her affection or something more, Lorian mused. He had little patience for such displays, so he approached them directly."Tegan."Lorian was just a step away from Tegan when he called out to her. She looked up in surprise. Clearly, she was not expecting him to be there to pick her up. After a moment’s hesitation, Lorian extended his hand toward the man."I'm Lorian. I'm Tegan's husband," Lorian introduced himself. His tone was polite and firm.Dustin was indeed surprised. He was familiar with Lorian, who was the president of the Sanders Group. Ho
"What do you mean by that?"Lorian stroked the steering wheel with an almost leisurely demeanor. His handsome face revealed no emotions. He continued to stare at his wife and asked, "Do you mean divorce? Are you going to be with that Dustin after that?"Lorian's words were harsh. Tegan opened the car door. She intended to get out, but her slender wrist was grabbed firmly. She looked at him and saw the redness in his eyes from the frustration. It contrasted sharply with his calm demeanor."Are you angry?" Lorian asked. His tone was unusually sharp. They had always maintained a respectful distance in their marriage. Now, however, a female celebrity, vice-principal, and a box of pills had ripped apart the facade of peace between them. They were arguing, feeling jealousy and anger like any ordinary couple. However, it was more about being possessive of each other because of their marital roles.Tegan was Lorian's wife, and he wouldn’t tolerate any other man vying for her.Her eyes w
Lorian took the bag. He nodded expressionlessly and led Tegan into the elevator. Behind them, the employees of the Sanders Group's hotel whispered among themselves."I thought it was that female celebrity.""Who didn't?""Thinking about it, it's unlikely! Mr. Lorian is still newly married. Men are just like that. There's still some novelty now, but who knows what will happen later."…Of course, these inappropriate words did not reach the ears of Lorian and Tegan.In the elevator dedicated to the presidential suite, the bag labeled "XXL" slipped to the floor. Tegan's back was against the elevator wall. In front of her stood her newlywed husband. His tall figure loomed over her, casting a shadow. All she had to do was look up slightly to touch his chin.Lorian looked down at Tegan from above. His dark eyes were as deep as ink, with a hint of unmistakable lust. She couldn’t bear his gaze and wanted to turn her face away, but he didn’t allow it. Her chin was gently held, and then
For a man like Lorian, knowing that his wife loved him was something worth celebrating. It had meant he didn’t need to invest too much effort into the marriage because Tegan’s heart had been set on him. This would alleviate any concerns about infidelity or questions regarding the legitimacy of their children. Lorian would occasionally spend a bit of time pampering Tegan.Lorian planned to continue to focus all his energy on his work as soon as Tegan gave birth to two legitimate heirs. By that time, she would be nearing thirty years old. She'd be mature and realistic without the impractical fantasies of a young lady. Their marriage would be solidified.Lorian had found this to be a perfect arrangement. He pressed down on Tegan’s body and slipped his manhood into her again.Both of them found a way that worked for their relationship, and it improved significantly in the following days. Their lovemaking had been particularly good. He'd wear condoms every time they did it. It was as