Semua Bab Contract and Marriage: Bab 81 - Bab 90

Bella's POV:My job as Maximus' secretary was exhausting and draining. I was the sole person managing everything in his office, taking on tasks Aries could no longer handle.It was manageable because the salary was high, but I had only two weeks without overtime during my first month working for him.My time with my daughter, who I knew needed my presence, was steadily diminishing. I often found myself staying up late and waking up early due to sudden, unsettling dreams that disrupted my thoughts.Who was that "wifey"?As time passed, it seemed the man in my dreams was developing a stutter. What irritated me even more was the sensual way he said "wifey." It often felt as though my femininity was being undermined, and I couldn't understand why.I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to block out the thoughts while I worked.The tasks in the office were too important, especially since my employer was considering new business ventures. Why couldn't rich people ever be satisfied wi

Maximus' POV"Hubby." The way Bella said it was so sensual, exactly like how Sarina used to say it when she was aroused.When Bella moaned earlier, I tried my best not to kiss her.I knew it was wrong—for one, we were at work, and I was her employer. Second, I knew she had a husband and a child.But when I heard that word, I couldn't hold back any longer.I missed Sarina so much, especially when our eyes met. It was as if I were being swept away by her gaze, just as Sarina had once done to me.That's when I did something I shouldn't have—I captured her lips with mine.I felt her surprise and the slight push as if she wanted to stop me. But it wasn't enough to make me pull away, and I sensed that she didn't truly want me to stop either.Then she responded to my kiss, just as Sarina used to. She sucked on my lips, and I did the same, even though this should have been something only for my wife.I was completely lost in the moment, so I lifted her from the couch and placed her on

Bella's POV:What was it about Maximus that made his gaze affect me so deeply? I couldn't understand why I missed him whenever I didn't see him.After what had happened between us in his office, I tried to act casually around him. He seemed to do the same, though he appeared uneasy in a way I couldn't quite place.I couldn't resign—I needed this job for my son, who required special medication.For several days, we behaved as if we didn't know each other.Still, I noticed he seemed to want to initiate conversations unrelated to work. He was skilled at holding himself back, and I couldn't figure out how he managed it.Meanwhile, I struggled, unsure whether he noticed.There were things I wanted to ask him, but I couldn't bring myself to start the conversation. I didn't want him to think I was interested in him.What if his feelings weren't what I imagined?I was confused—just a little over a month into this job, and yet my mind and emotions were in turmoil.That morning felt li

Maximus' POV:My eyes widened at her words, and for a moment, I forgot my curiosity about how she had gotten in."Say that again," I demanded."Say what, Mr. Salonga?" she asked, puzzled.Her eyes went wide, and she quickly covered her face with both hands."What I meant w-was…" she stammered.I suddenly remembered Sarina, who had said something similar back in Las Islas when she showed me her unique way of pleasing me."What is it, Bella?" I prompted."M-Maybe I meant... if I could sample living here in your condo because it's so big and beautiful..."She finally found something to say, but her gaze kept sliding over me—from my chest down to the bulge barely covered by my towel."Are you sure all you want is to experience living in my condo, and not to be taken here... inside my condo?" I teased.Bella's cheeks reddened.She glanced at me, her eyes darting around as if unsure where to focus."G-Goodness, Mr. Salonga! What do you mean by that? You're rich and well-educated

Bella's POV:Max and I were lying down—I meant Mr. Salonga.Damn it, I no longer knew what to call him. Maybe just Maximus.I didn't even know why I had called him "hubby." It had slipped out, and now I couldn't confront him when he called me that too.What was going on? Was I the only one allowed to utter another man's name while he wasn't?It wasn't even really a name, but still, we both had our spouses.The difference was mine was alive, while he was still grieving and couldn't move on from his late wife.I shook my head and closed my eyes."What were you thinking?" he suddenly asked.I turned to look at him, meeting his gaze. The way he looked at me felt different—a mix of happiness, confusion, and hope."Nothing," I replied."Why did you scream like that?" he asked."Huh?" I responded, without breaking eye contact.Neither of us looked away, so I probably seemed foolish by then.He rolled onto his side to face me, then pulled me onto mine so we were lying face-to-fac