A doting smile crept onto Grayson's face when he saw Belle eating so heartily."Slow down. Seriously, no one's going to steal your food!" "Could you please stop worrying about everything? Don't clean your hands first. Go ahead and shell the remaining shrimp for me. They're delicious," Belle ordered.Grayson didn't get mad. Instead, he picked up a few shrimps and started shelling them.Observing the interaction between the two, Xenia found herself losing her appetite.Xenia had heard that Grayson harbored no affection for Belle and was strongly opposed to their arranged marriage. Initially, when she witnessed Belle and Grayson acting affectionately in her presence, she assumed it was all an act.However, as she watched them now, she couldn't help but wonder if there might be more to their relationship than met the eye.The look on Grayson's face was one of unmistakable adoration.Xenia's suspicions grew stronger. She began to suspect that Grayson had indeed fallen for Belle,
Grayson retracted his gaze. "When did she tell you this?" he asked Xenia.Xenia fixed her gaze on Grayson, trying to discern his thoughts. Given the deeply hurtful nature of Belle's words, she had expected him to react with anger. Most men would find such comments extremely difficult to overlook, and Grayson should have been no exception.However, as Xenia studied Grayson's expression, she couldn't detect any signs of anger. Xenia wondered if he was just suppressing his anger. If that were the case, Grayson possessed remarkable self-control.With these thoughts in mind, Xenia replied, "She mentioned it a few days ago, but I refrained from telling you because I was afraid it would upset you.""Why did you tell me today?""I … I overheard Belle mentioning she had a secret just now. I'm only worried that someone might manipulate her into doing something that would hurt you. After all, she's still young. "It's easy for her to be swayed by others. Furthermore, she confided in me th
Belle leaned against a tree in the yard while speaking with Dorothy over the phone. Upon hearing Ethel's statement that Dorothy didn't want to meet with anyone, Belle was taken aback."Why would she do that at a time like this? Are you sure that Mrs. Jenkins Senior refused to even see me?"Ethel confirmed, "Yes. Mrs. Jenkins Senior told me herself.""How is that possible?" Belle was confused.Belle could understand why Dorothy was shutting herself from others. However, it was weird for Dorothy to refuse to meet her.Belle and Dorothy had been researching the peculiar medical case together for quite some time. Dorothy was well aware of Belle's medical expertise, making her a valuable asset in their collaborative efforts."Is Mrs. Page Senior isolating herself to focus on studying the mysterious medical case?" Belle asked.Ethel replied, "I'm not sure about that. Mrs. Page Senior wouldn't tell us about this. It could be related to that, or it could be for some other research. "D
Belle was stunned. She looked at Grayson with widened eyes. Her long eyelashes were fluttering rapidly.Belle understood what was happening after a moment's thought. Xenia must have said something to Grayson!It appeared that Xenia couldn't wait any longer to set her plan in motion.Belle furrowed her eyebrows, vowing to retaliate against Xenia. "I was just talking about my affairs. What did they have to do with you?" she asked Grayson, her tone displeased. Grayson narrowed his eyes. "Well, I wasn't involved in the first place. But you mentioned it was because of me that you're dissatisfied. You even called me impotent. Don't you think we should have a discussion?" he began slowly.Belle was choked up for a moment.Belle couldn't rebuke. "Did Xenia tell you that she encouraged me to have an affair? She told me that one of her friends found another man because her husband couldn't satisfy her. "She's quite the character, isn't she? On the one hand, she's teaching me how to c
Belle was stunned. "What do you want?""Even though you're only 20, you're already an adult. In ancient times, you might have had children by now. So, having desires is entirely natural. There's no need to feel embarrassed. Any normal person would have the same urges. I can help you satisfy it."Belle widened her eyes, wondering what was going on. She asked, "What do I need your help to satisfy?"Grayson answered, "Your sexual desire!""Sexual desires?" Belle wondered. She had wishes she needed to fulfill, which weren't related to lust. She longed for a quick divorce from Grayson and a return to the mountains to reunite with Lovy.She yearned to live a carefree life, reminiscent of her youth, where she wouldn't have to encounter so many people.She hoped her grandfather could reveal more about her background. She wanted to know more about her biological parents.She had a lot of wishes. However, Grayson couldn't grant any of them.Belle rolled her eyes. "Don't bring up other
Grayson emerged immediately after Belle finished speaking, leaving her to wonder if he had been waiting by the door. She couldn't help but stare at his body.Grayson had always stuck to his fitness routine. Thus, he had a model-like physique. He appeared slim when clothed, but without them, his muscular form was on full display.His sun-kissed skin added to his healthy appearance, while his well-defined chest and abdominal muscles showcased his impressive fitness level.With his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs, Grayson undeniably possessed a striking physical presence.Grayson squinted his hooded eyes at Belle. He exuded an attractive charm as he ran his fingers through his hair. Grayson proudly displayed his abs, chest, and muscular arms with a simple motion.Belle's heart raced, and her face flushed. She quickly turned around, not pausing to contemplate why Grayson was showering at this hour."Grayson, you pervert!" she screamed. Belle ran away after yelling that.
Grayson stared at Belle's flushed cheeks and smiled as he raised his hand to stroke her hair."Don't overthink it. Come on, focus."Belle's face grew redder. "I'm not overthinking!"Grayson just smiled without saying a word. He was evidently in a good mood.He gracefully took a step back, elegantly bowed, and then slowly advanced to gently pick up Belle's hand, commencing the dance.She could do nothing except to follow his lead. When he placed his hand on her waist, her body immediately jerked in response. "Hey, you …"Belle's response seemed dramatic, yet the thin fabric of her attire, which accentuated Grayson's gentle touch, felt oddly scorching.However, Grayson remained oblivious to the impact of his actions. She could only bear this peculiar sensation throughout the remainder of the dance.Unbeknownst to her, she was simply not accustomed to the sensation of being held by Grayson. Meanwhile, his enthusiasm was getting the better of him.Grayson had developed an immedi
That afternoon, Grayson decided to send Xenia home earlier. Xenia was shocked. "This is earlier than I expected."To which Grayson was annoyed. "I have plans for the night.""What plans?" she unwittingly asked.He refused to answer her question verbally and merely responded with a frown.Xenia quickly came to realize that she had overstepped her boundaries. "I'll be on my way then. See you tomorrow."Grayson offered no further response, and Belle refrained from waving goodbye.Xenia then reluctantly left the premises.After she left, Grayson turned to Belle and said, "That's all for today. Stay at home and take a break. Don't leave the house for today."Belle did not object as she had intended to take a break to begin with.After confirming Grayson had locked himself in his study, she went back to the bathroom to freshen up before heading out of the house. She paid no attention and showed no interest in his plans for the night. She also had evidently disregarded his reminder