Chapter 490 Husband and Wife Reunion 2
That afternoon, Oliver returned home.
Though still impeccably dressed, his hair was disheveled, and his deep blue shirt beneath his charcoal overcoat bore several dried blood spatters. It was obvious he'd been in a physical altercation.
Sarah helped him remove his coat, her fingers lightly brushing over the stains on his shirt. She looked up at him. "You got into a fight? Oliver, please don't tell me you're still getting into brawls at forty-one, traveling all the way to Harmony City for it."
He gazed down at her, his eyes intense.
After a moment, he gently embraced her, resting his chin on her shoulder and nuzzling her like an affectionate golden retriever. "Yes, I went to Harmony City and gave Octavius a thorough beating. He got off lightly—I didn't blind him, which shows how much my temper has improved over the years."
Sarah couldn't decide whether to be angry or amused. "He didn't really do anything."
Oliver's gaze deepened. "Sarah, I don't like it. I hate when other men look at you that way... I get jealous."
His candor disarmed her, and her heart softened.
What woman didn't want her husband to care deeply about her?
Though his methods were rough and domineering, there was something endearing about his possessiveness. After their long separation, Sarah wasn't inclined to argue—their time together felt too precious.
Still, she cautioned him, "No more of this! Octavius may be someone you mentored, but he's still the face of Harmony City. At least allow him some dignity."
Oliver chuckled softly. His smile was dazzling, and Sarah realized she was staring.
"Octavius has learned his lesson this time," Oliver told her.
Sarah carefully recalled her interactions with Octavius. "We still shouldn't underestimate him. I've dealt with him enough to know he's no ordinary man."
Oliver gritted his teeth. "I'm well aware."
He added, "I took his parents and kept them in Evergreen City so they could live out their twilight years there."
Sarah was stunned.
Even nations at war respected diplomatic immunity. Yet here he was, holding Octavius's parents hostage in Evergreen City, keeping them from ever seeing their son again.
Before she could speak, Oliver lifted her onto the dresser, her elegant dress cascading beautifully. He gripped her slender waist and kissed her.
After being apart for so long, their passion was only natural.
Flustered and embarrassed, Sarah pushed him toward the bathroom. "Go shower and change. You've still got someone else's blood on your shirt. Christmas is coming, and you're being completely uncivilized. I think you're showing your age!"
Her complaints were merely a cover for her embarrassment.
He knew this perfectly well.
As they clung to each other, Sarah's face burned. Looking down at her husband, she found him gazing back at her, his eyes full of tenderness.
Sarah trembled slightly.
She couldn't help but whisper his name, "Oliver."
Their lovemaking lasted the entire afternoon.
Exhausted, Oliver slept until nightfall. When he awoke, he could see stars twinkling through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Downstairs, the children were running about.
Nicole's sweet voice called out to Jacob as she ran.
Oliver closed his eyes, savoring the moment.
He threw back the covers, quickly freshened up, and put on clean clothes before heading downstairs.
The lower floor was bustling with activity.
Claire was helping the children make meatballs, while at a large table nearby, Sarah was preparing gifts to hang on the Christmas tree.
The garden was decorated with countless tiny lights, creating a charming, starry effect.
Oliver stood watching for a long time.
His eyes grew moist.
The scene felt familiar yet entirely new—a fresh beginning of happiness for him and Sarah.
Oliver walked over and picked up Nicole, catching sight of Sarah nearby, her gentle smile lighting up the room. As he glanced at her, he couldn't help but think how her features, fresh and vibrant as a painting, stirred something deep within him.
He carried Nicole over and whispered, "That dress looks beautiful on you. Are you throwing away the one from earlier that got torn? You should buy another just like it—I was quite fond of it."
Her cheeks flushed a deep, rosy red. He loved the way she looked so bashful—no matter how many times they had made love, she always turned shy whenever the topic came up.
They continued their sweet teasing.
Nicole understood none of the adults' innuendo.
She scrunched up her face and hugged her father's neck tightly. "I need to poop!"
Oliver smiled. "Daddy will take you!"
Nicole pressed her cheek against his neck, the picture of a cherished child. Sarah watched their retreating figures silently.
She thought, 'Let Nicole grow up just like this.'
That day, Oliver announced he needed to go out. His driver took him, with Zoey accompanying.
Sarah said nothing.
Claire, however, had plenty to say. Once Oliver left, she started her litany, "You shouldn't let Oliver out of your sight! You need to keep him on a tighter leash, or he'll forget his lessons. Experts say men are most likely to cheat when their wives are pregnant. And he's always been so passionate—who knows if he's not keeping a mistress somewhere! Even Nicholas, who seems so proper, has women on the side. Be careful."
Sarah smiled gently. "I trust Oliver."
After everything they'd been through, now living together in mutual understanding, she had faith in both him and herself. She firmly believed Oliver would never betray her again.
On New Year's Day, as evening approached, the sky blazed with colorful clouds.
Sarah was resting on the second floor when she heard a car pull into the courtyard below. Guessing it was Oliver returning, she threw on a wrap and hurried to the terrace to look.
Oliver and Zoey stepped out of the car one after the other.
Then, from the other side, emerged a woman with a slightly rounded belly.
Sarah froze in shock. It was Azalea.