For her, these words meant complete trust, a willingness to surrender herself entirely.Shane naturally understood the weight of these words better than anyone else. He was stunned for a moment, his mind buzzing as if blank. Then, a wave of joy washed over him. His body reacted before his brain, taking the lead to kiss Haley's lips. His lips trembled slightly from excitement. Time seemed to blur for Haley, feeling dizzy and weak in the legs. If it weren't for Shane holding her waist, she might have collapsed. Shane was not faring much better, his breathing erratic, forehead damp with sweat. The shirt, previously buttoned to the top, was now wrinkled in a mess. He bent down, scooping Haley into his arms and striding towards the bedroom. Placing her on the soft bed, Haley felt a sudden nervousness about what was to come. Shane hovered over her, his deep dark eyes fixed on her. His voice hoarse, he asked, "Haley, are you really sure? Once we proceed, there's no turning back."
After hanging up the phone, Shane returned to the bed, but did not lie down. He was afraid that if he got too close to Haley, he would not be able to control himself. Since getting married, he and Haley had been sharing the same bed, and only he knew how much torment he endured. Although Haley's sleeping posture was very good, she often accidentally touched his body. Almost every day after Haley fell asleep, he had to take a cold shower. He worried that continuing like this would cause problems. But everything was worth it. Haley had no idea about all the thoughts going through his mind. She recalled her initiative just now and wished she could find a hole to hide in. She regretted her boldness just now. Was she too unreserved? However, she did not regret it. After spending this time together, she was sure that Shane was a responsible and trustworthy person. She wanted to take a chance. She could not just enjoy the benefits Shane brought without giving anything in return.
Haley’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She quickly pulled the covers over her face, trying to hide. "Don't suffocate yourself, sweetheart," Shane chuckled softly, unable to resist teasing her. Hearing his endearment, Haley burrowed deeper under the covers, too shy to face him. Shane sighed, reaching out to tug the blanket covering her. "Come on, let me see you." Peeking out from under the covers, Haley's damp eyes blinked innocently. Shane felt his heart melt at the sight. Leaning down, he planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, tenderly tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Good morning, my wife." It was a term Shane had uttered countless times in his mind, but only yesterday and today did he finally summon the courage to say it aloud. People often saw him as the decisive CEO of a listed company, the powerful figurehead of the Ford family. Yet, in front of Haley, he was just a lovesick young man, nervous, awkward, and hopelessly in love. Haley bit her lip,
Shane acted quickly, supporting her and gently guiding her back to bed. With his expression filled with concern, he asked. "Are you okay, Haley?" Haley shook her dizzy head, managing a weak smile. "I'm fine."However, Shane's worry only intensified. "No, we must call a doctor to check on you."Seeing Shane reaching for his phone, Haley quickly intervened, blushing. She bit her lip and insisted, "I'm just tired, really. There's no need to call a doctor."Shane paused, carefully observing her complexion. Seeing her looking so unwell, he quickly suggested, "Then lie back down and rest. I'll have the helpers bring some food up."Haley knew she was not fit to go downstairs at the moment and nodded lightly. With Shane's help, she settled back into bed.To make her more comfortable, Shane placed a pillow behind her and sat beside her, his deep black eyes filled with tenderness.Soon, there was a knock on the bedroom door, and a helper entered with a tray of food. Shane had instructed
An hour later, Zac arrived at Violet Grove. The butler, upon seeing him, greeted him with a smile and ushered him inside. "Mr. Zac, you're here? Please come in," he said. Zac remained aloof, nodding curtly in acknowledgment of the butler's greeting. Knowing his reclusive nature, the butler paid no mind to his cold demeanor and led him upstairs. As they walked, he remarked, "I heard a few days ago that Mr. Ford was poisoned and you helped remedy the situation. We're truly grateful to you." "It's my duty," Zac replied with just a few words. The butler continued, "It's one's duty to help, but it's a kindness to offer assistance. Mr. Ford is fortunate to have a friend like you." Zac gave a slight tug at the corner of his lips, attempting to smile, but his expression remained stiff from years of emotional detachment. Under the corridor's lights, he seemed enigmatic. The butler could not shake off a shiver that ran down his spine and hastened his steps. When they reached the
Over half an hour later, after completing his examination, Zac neatly stowed away his tools in the medical kit. His movements were precise and practiced, methodical in every way, and the medical kit was soon arranged meticulously.This routine was nothing new for Shane, who walked over to the bedside and inquired, "How is she?"Zac gave him a cool glance, withholding an immediate response. Shane's heart raced with anxiety, his brows furrowing tightly. "Is there a problem? Did the Carter family mistreat her in the past?"Sensing Shane's escalating concerns, Zac hastened to reassure him, "There's nothing major, she's just exhausted and fell asleep."Hearing this, Shane finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank god! As long as she's okay..."Observing Shane's shifting expressions, Zac could not help but find it amusing. "You don't need to be so tense. Although she's a bit frail, overall, she's quite healthy. However..."He paused for a moment, causing Shane's heart to lurch in ant
Upon hearing Shane's words, Haley's cheeks flushed red. She glared at him coquettishly, which made Shane burst into hearty laughter. After indulging in each other's company on the bed for a while, the butler knocked on the door: "Mr. Ford, dinner is ready. Would you like to come out and eat?"Shane looked at Haley. "Are you hungry? Shall we go eat something?"Haley opened her arms towards him. "Carry me to the bathroom. I need to freshen up."Shane lifted her horizontally, heading towards the bathroom.Haley quickly finished washing up and then asked Shane to take off her shoes so she could walk down herself. Shane looked worried. "Can you walk on your own? Maybe I should carry you down. It's only a few steps.""No, I'm fine now!" Being seen embracing in broad daylight would be so embarrassing! She definitely did not want that!Unable to persuade her, Shane had to put her down on the bed and let her change into slippers. His hands remained loosely around her waist, fearing
Mrs. Ford Sr. frowned, her voice stern as she reprimanded, "Even if they're helpers, they're helpers of the Ford family, not yours to dictate to."Xena suddenly chuckled, her eyes filled with mockery. "If I'm not part of the Ford family, what about Haley? Mrs. Ford Sr., your favoritism couldn't be more obvious, could it?""My friendship with Haley's mother goes way back, and I've watched her grow up. Even if I'm biased, what can you do about it?"Mrs. Ford Sr. had never encountered such audacity before. To marry into the family and disrespect the elders was one thing, but to accuse her of favoritism was another. She lacked even the basic manners!But Xena had no intention of letting it go. She sneered, "Even if you favor Haley, so what? Won’t you still rely on me to carry on the family line in the future? Mrs. Ford Sr., I warn you, stay out of my business in the future. Otherwise, once I take over the Ford family, you'll be the first one I kick out!"For Xena, marrying into the Fo