Chapter 16

Early in the morning, after showering, Amelia quickly got to work in the kitchen to prepare breakfast. This time, she deliberately chose to make fried rice with crispy shrimp to serve and enjoy with Ethan. 

At exactly seven o'clock, Ethan walked out of his room. Wearing his signature white doctor’s coat, he immediately pulled out a chair and sat down. He gave a faint smile as he received the plate that Amelia handed him. 

"You made fried rice?" 

"Yes, butter fried rice with crispy shrimp."

Ethan let out a soft click of his tongue. After being apart for so many years, he had to admit that the woman he once loved hadn’t forgotten what he liked. Back in college, Amelia used to make him this dish all the time. She knew almost every food he loved.

"Yesterday it was chicken porridge. Today it's butter fried rice. Thank you for still remembering what I like."

"It’s a wife’s duty to give her husband what he likes," Amelia replied quietly. She felt uneasy saying those words.

"About last night, I’m sorry, Amelia," Ethan suddenly said. His face seemed to lower in guilt.

How could he not feel guilty? After finally mustering the courage to sleep in the same bed with Amelia for the first time, he ended up doing something that might have hurt her feelings. He didn't know why he acted so foolishly.

"Amelia, are you ready if I ask for what is my right as a husband?"

Bombarded with such a question, Amelia paused for a moment. She wondered to herself if she was truly ready to give Ethan what he had the right to ask for as a husband.

"Are you sure you want to do it tonight?" Amelia asked softly.

"Whether now or later, it doesn’t really matter. In the end, it’s something we have to do. Besides, it’s my right as your husband."

Amelia nodded. She was fully aware of her role as a wife. She knew from the start that one of Ethan’s reasons for marrying her was to have children. And when he claimed his right as a husband, it was her duty to fulfill it. Besides, there was nothing wrong when a husband and wife had intimate relations. So, there was no reason to make a big deal out of it.

"Whenever you want, I’m ready. If it has to be tonight, I’ll do it."

Ethan could see the confident look on Amelia’s face. Making sure that his second wife was truly ready, Ethan slowly moved closer, gently kissing her forehead for a moment. He pulled his face back, then reached for her body.

Slowly, Ethan extended his hand. He began unbuttoning the pajamas Amelia was wearing, one by one.

However, after opening just three buttons, his movements stopped. Shaking his head, Ethan spoke with a tone full of frustration.

"I can’t, Amelia. I can’t touch you like this."

"Ethan!" Amelia scolded.

"I’m really sorry, I just can’t touch you."

"Ethan, you're cruel. You’ve been playing with me."

Ethan then shifted off the bed and walked out of the room, choosing to sleep in the guest room. He left Amelia, who could only endure the rejection he had given her once again.

"Just forget it. Don’t bring it up, don’t even think about it. Besides, I’m fine," Amelia muttered as she took another bite of food.

Although she felt a little sad about the constant rejection from Ethan, Amelia tried her best to stay understanding. She knew that Ethan was the type of man who was deeply loyal to his partner. Maybe he felt uncomfortable being with a woman other than Flora. But the situation was different now. They were officially married. Amelia also had the right to enjoy her marital rights, didn’t she?

"Maybe you’re right. It really does take time to adjust. But if you’re asking about my readiness, anytime you want, I’m ready to fulfill my duties as a wife."

Hearing Amelia’s response, Ethan felt even more guilty and uncomfortable. It wasn’t his intention to disappoint his second wife by not touching her.

"I’m truly sorry, Amelia. I hope you can be patient a little longer while I prepare myself."

Amelia just nodded.

"Just forget it. Why should we keep worrying? I’ve already said I’m fine, so there’s no need to keep discussing it like this. You can ask me for intimacy anytime if you’re really ready."

Meanwhile, as they both silently ate their breakfast, the sound of a doorbell followed by multiple knocks echoed from outside.

Risma, who was cleaning the living room at the time, quickly opened the door. As soon as it opened, Flora was already standing there. Without waiting for an invitation, she walked right in and proceeded to the dining room where Ethan and Amelia were.