Upon registering the thought, she cried out, “Let go of me!”Tyler looked darkly at her. “Why, what’s wrong?”Why was she so against being wrapped in his arms?Kelsey whimpered, “I need to get changed.”Since Tyler had ordered someone to deliver new clothes for her, she figured she could change out of his clothes.Besides, his shirt was the only layer she was wearing and she was wrapped in his arms.The thin fabric of the shirt was the only thing separating their skin from touching.They were so close that she could clearly feel his body temperature and the thump of his heartbeat…Unexpectedly, instead of releasing her, Tyler carried her in his arms.“What are you doing?” she shrieked.“Time to eat!”Tyler declared stoutly.With that, he carried Kelsey to the premium leather couch in another section of his office.Then, he took several insulated containers set on the table and proceeded to open them. Soon, a full-course meal was unraveled on the table.He had ordered them
Kelsey swiped a look at him.“I… I wasn’t…”She bit her lip. Her first thought was to deny it.Then, she felt a warm touch around her waist.Tyler had wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.Then, he pulled her into his arms.Like an iron cuff, his arms were firmly locked around her slender waist. She could feel her back pressed against the warmth of his broad chest.At the same time, his masculine scent seemed to fill the air around her. She could breathe in his presence with every breath he took.She was briefly startled by the gesture but did not resist.On an instinctive level, she realized this was what she craved for.She looked up and cast a confused look at him.She could not understand what prompted the sudden hug.“Tell me why!” Tyler insisted on an answer.“It's nothing, really.” Kelsey shook her head subconsciously.Another dark look surfaced in his eyes. “Is it because of Zara?”Kelsey parted her lips to speak but suddenly hesitated.She realized she
Then again, they had slept together.Was that not enough proof of her feelings for him?What else was she supposed to do to make him believe her?Once again, she fell into a somber mood.The only thing left to do was to transform her grief into energy and force herself to regain some appetite.When she started wolfing down the food, she accidentally choked.“Ahck! Achk!”She coughed frantically.Tyler sprang into action and gently patted her back to help her relieve some pressure.Then, he poured a bowl of soup for her and had her drink it.Kelsey took the bowl from him and drank it in big gulps.The thick slurry of the soup slid down the edges of her mouth and trickled down her collar.After she finished the soup, her coughing fit subsided.When she set aside the bowl and looked up from the table, she met Tyler’s gaze which had a burning intensity within them.She was confused and proceeded to follow the direction of his gaze to find out what he was looking at.It was o
Kelsey shook her head profusely. “I’m not angry…”Tyler's expression turned dark. “If you're not angry, why would you resist?”Kelsey bit her lower lip and tried to defend her stance. “I’m not resisting, I just don’t want to do it in the office…”“You don’t want to do it in the office?” Tyler suddenly cocked a look at her. “In that case, let's change places!”Without waiting for Kelsey to respond, he carried her into his arms and brought her into the lounge, where he proceeded to toss her on the bed.He stared at her hungrily like a wolf. “How about now?”“…” Kelsey grimaced faintly.Technically, they were still in the office!They had merely moved to the lounge.“Tyler, can we go home first?” she asked shyly with a stiff pout.Tyler had already crawled on the big bed and was drawing closer.“You were the one who had been seducing me, are you trying to run away from me again?” He fixed a pointed look at her before accusing her.Kelsey barely had time to form an answer befor
If only Kelsey knew how ecstatic Tyler was to hear that she wanted to marry him.However, he suddenly joined the dots after allowing himself a moment to think things through.How could she want to marry him?The only explanation was that she was doing it for someone else’s sake!“It has nothing to do with them!” Kelsey shook her head adamantly and reached forward to press her hand against his chest.“I am the one who wants it! I want to marry you!”She fixed a stout look on him and declared resolutely.Tyler was astounded.Kelsey's tender and fair hands placed against his chest only made him more excited.His breathing turned rapid.“You better not regret it!”A strange look surfaced in his eyes as he cried out.Kelsey responded more determined than ever, “I won’t!”She could live without any more regret if she got to marry a man who was truly devoted to her.Tyler stared at her intently for a few more seconds, then suddenly…Rip!The sound of fabric tearing apart at th
Tyler's expression darkened in an instant upon hearing this.A dark, hazy look coiled into his pupils.Just as he expected, she was beginning to regret her proposal.Judging by his expression, Kelsey wagered that she must have upset him again.She tried to remedy the situation. “I just didn’t want to burden you!” Tyler’s frown deepened upon hearing this.“Kelsey, do you even have a heart at all?”Something gleamed in his eyes as he jabbed a finger at her heart and cried out with a mocking expression.After that, he stomped angrily toward the bathroom.Kelsey stared at his departing figure and felt at a loss.She had already taken back what she said to avoid forcing him into marrying her.Why did it seem like it had only made him more upset?Perhaps the very thing he wanted was for her to pressure him into having to take responsibility for her.Meanwhile, in the bathroom.Tyler turned on the shower head and made a point to turn it to the coldest setting.A burst of cold
After the fabric was drenched in water, it had become nearly transparent.It clung tightly to the curves of her body and outlined her voluptuous figure. Everything that there was to be seen was fully exposed.The shirt barely covered her thighs. Furthermore, she was not wearing anything underneath.Tyler gulped the moment he beheld the sight.It was as if someone had set a fire in him.He was burning.So much for the cold shower he took just now.He wanted nothing more than to devour her right here and now.“You said you were trying to comfort me? How are you going to do that?”He leaned over and pressed his forehead against hers. His voice had dropped to a raspy drawl.Kelsey blinked blankly and sounded rather confused. “How?”Tyler suddenly pinned her against the wall with his hands braced against the sides of her waist. He locked a fervent look into her eyes and growled in the form of an order, “Kiss me!”Kelsey did a double take, then she wrapped her arms around his nec
The next day.Kelsey woke up feeling sore all over.She felt as if all the bones in her body had been taken apart and scrapped back together.Then, she stared blankly at the exquisite chandelier hung on the ceiling. She turned to the side and observed the large French windows that curved at an angle around the room.After a moment, she finally realized she was in Tyler's bedroom.She ruffled her messy hair.She was very confused.The last thing she remembered was making love with Tyler in the lounge in his office last night...How did she find herself back in the bedroom of his place upon waking up?Did he bring her back here after she fell asleep at some point?She tried to jog her memory and this was the only explanation that made sense.Meanwhile, Tyler was nowhere to be seen.However, she heard the sound of running water coming from the bathroom.Tyler must be taking a shower.This time, she no longer had the courage to intrude on him in the shower like she did last n
Kelsey and Rosette discussed the specifics of auditioning for Adrienne’s new film’s costume design role.As the time neared noon, Kelsey glanced at her phone. Tyler had not replied to her text message. It was nearly time for Susan’s birthday celebration at St. Gill’s. Kelsey decided to go ahead to St. Gill’s. While on the way, she gave Charlie a call to inform that Tyler would not be available for the celebration. Charlie’s voice reflected his disappointment. “What’s this? Why can’t Tyler make it?” Kelsey bit the bullet and explained, “I haven’t been able to reach him.” “I thought Tyler adored you. Why couldn’t you get in touch with him? Did you upset him?” Charlie grilled her. Kelsey refuted, “Things have been going well for us, thanks for asking. He has an emergency today.” Her bond with Tyler could not be stronger. Heck, they nearly went all the way this morning. The nerve of her father to put her down. Charlie was furious. “I knew I couldn’t count on you.” He
Kelsey frowned. “What are you up to now?” She doubted Charlie was so nice to want the family to be together for her grandmother, Susan’s birthday. It was probably an excuse to get close to Tyler. Since Charlie got together with Megan, Kelsey could count on her finger the number of times he had been to the nursing home to visit Susan. Kelsey could not remember the last time Charlie celebrated Susan’s birthday. Charlie could not even remember Susan’s birthdate. Yet, Charlie was so kind to throw her a party. Kelsey could only suspect that Charlie had ulterior motives. “How can you say that about me, Kelsey? I’m your father. Am I wrong to throw your grandmother a birthday party?” Charlie reprimanded. Kelsey was skeptical. “You’re not wrong, but…” It was uncertain whether he had Susan’s interest at heart. “But what?” Charlie asked. He started blaming himself. “I know that I listened to Megan and neglected you and Mom. I’ve gotten rid of her. Now, I just want to be a go
With a predatory glint in his eyes, Tyler pressed his lips against Kelsey’s.“I’ll take your silence as your consent.” “Hang on!” Kelsey pushed him away. She meant business since it was about his sleepwalking last night. “I have a question.” “What is it?” Tyler asked in a raspy voice, his lips still lingering across her skin. His hands eagerly pulled her gown off her. “Do you sleepwalk?” Kelsey asked. Tyler paused, his eyes bearing a weight of emotions. Kelsey knew she was right on the money. Tyler had known about his sleepwalking. “Did you know you were sleepwalking last night?” Kelsey said while fixating earnestly on him. She was more concerned about his health. Tyler seemed healthy. Yet, he wandered off in a sleeping state. Judging by Tyler’s response, it was not his first rodeo. Generally speaking, sleepwalking was associated with trauma or unresolved issues. Kelsey suspected that Tyler had been through some kind of trauma, or something in his past wa
Tyler opened his eyes abruptly. Bare and dominant, he loomed above Kelsey while his penetrating gaze looked deep into her soul.Lost in the heat of his kiss, Kelsey opened her eyes in confusion at his sudden pause. She met his profound gaze. Kelsey’s heart skipped a beat. Her breath hitched. She stared at the man towering over her in disbelief, her eyes bulging. Tyler was awake. He examined her, his eyes scouring every inch of her body. Once he was certain that it was Kelsey, Tyler was relieved. “I’m home, babe,” he uttered with a sigh of relief. Feeling assured, he closed his eyes and rested his head on her shoulder. He filled his lungs with her familiar scent. Kelsey was taken aback, but her head gradually cleared. She thought that Tyler would not stop their little bed activity. However, Tyler stayed in the same position for a while. His steady breathing came soon after. He fell asleep. Kelsey was in disbelief. Since he wanted her so badly, Kelsey ass
Worried, Kelsey followed Tyler in case he hurt himself or fell off the stairs. He was not in a conscious state after all. Kelsey would not be so abrupt as to wake him from his sleepwalking. She was aware that waking a sleepwalker could lead to shock or other health problems.Kelsey stuck close behind Tyler and made sure he got up the stairs safely. Tyler returned to their bedroom and lay on the bed. Kelsey drew close for a look. The soft moonlight streamed through the French windows, casting a hazy glow over his defined face.Tyler lay there motionlessly, his eyes closed.Kelsey watched him sleep tenderly. For a moment, she drooled over him. However, she quickly frowned at the smell of alcohol on Tyler. Kelsey went to open the window to let in some airflow, dispersing the fumes of liquor. She then picked out a fresh pair of pajamas from the closet for Tyler.Tyler would need a change of briefs too. However, Kelsey’s cheeks burned when she pulled his brief draw
Kelsey returned to the villa she shared with Tyler. She intended to tell Tyler how her day with her best friend had gone. Charles was somehow caught in the crossfire. Yvonne’s mother-in-law accused her of having an affair with Charles which did a number to his reputation. Kelsey wanted to ask Tyler about his opinion on returning Charles’ favor. Since Charles was Tyler’s childhood friend, Tyler must know him best. However, Tyler had business plans to attend to, so he would not be home for dinner.Kelsey was alone in the upstairs bedroom, occupied with all related matters involving her new business venture. Since Kelsey and Rosette were going to audition to design costumes for Adrienne’s new film, Kelsey felt it was essential to study the genre of the new film and Adrienne’s past fashion choices. Time passed. By the time Kelsey shut her laptop, it was eleven at night. Rising to her feet, she stretched and walked out of the bedroom. Kelsey was on her way downstairs
“I’m sorry, Kelsey. I’m sorry to ruin lunch,” Yvonne murmured. Kelsey put her arm around her shoulder. “Why are you apologizing to me? Charles told me what he needed me for. It’s okay to skip lunch.” She paused and looked at Yvonne, her head tilted. “But Yvonne, you seem to have changed.” “How so?” Yvonne asked with a raised brow. “You’ve become composed and cunning now.” Kelsey said with admiration, “But it’s a good thing. I don’t want you to be Adam and his family’s doormat. You didn’t marry him to be his slave.” Yvonne curled her lips. “I’ve been through a lot, but I’ve learned a lot too. I had to learn from my mistakes.” She used to walk on eggshells around her husband and mother-in-law. She gave them too much leeway, and they walked all over her. In the future, Yvonne would not be so dumb as to let others hurt her again. She needed to stand up for herself. … Kelsey dropped Yvonne back home. Before, Yvonne would cry to Kelsey for hours after Agatha humiliated
“Didn’t you hear what Yvonne said? She’ll go ahead with the divorce. She doesn’t want to stick around until you take everything from her.” Kelsey snapped an angry look at Agatha. “Your son is the one with an affair. Don’t put this on Yvonne. Save your breath for your son. Yvonne is the victim. Who are you to accuse her?” Kelsey could not stand Agatha. Agatha placed herself above others and used Yvonne as a punching bag. Charles tipped the restaurant manager the wink. The restaurant manager led a security team to Agatha. “This is a public place, not your playground. Please leave now.” Agatha was humiliated to be thrown out of the premises. Instead of breaking down and apologizing, Yvonne calmly agreed to the divorce. Agatha did not see it coming. She needed to talk to her son. Clearly, Agatha had to find new ways to keep Yvonne in line. “Hmph! In that case, I should ask your parents if they know about their daughter filing for divorce,” Agatha said. In Agatha’s opi
Agatha’s son, Adam, was the one who had an affair. Yet, Agatha made Adam out to be the victim instead. Yvonne became the wicked woman who cheated on Adam. Kelsey racked her brain to think of ways to prove Yvonne’s innocence. Yvonne broke her silence.“Tell me. What are you trying to achieve?” Agatha’s big fuss was met with Yvonne’s nonchalant reply. For a moment, Agatha was in a daze. In the past, Agatha often berated Yvonne until the latter had no choice but to apologize. Agatha had always kept Yvonne in line through aggressive methods. Yet now, Yvonne asked her what she wanted to do. Instead of having a meltdown, Yvonne carried herself with ease. Agatha narrowed her eyes and said bitterly, “We pride ourselves on our decency. We can’t put up with your cheating. Just finalize the divorce and get out of my family. I don’t want to carry your shame.” She glared at Yvonne in disdain. “Fine.” Yvonne readily agreed. Yvonne understood that Agatha was a pro at throwi