Chapter 75
Ophelia shook her head: "I'm not bothered by his attitude. I just feel that since we're married, we're family now. I hope I can get along well with your family."
"I know it might be difficult, but I want to try—for you, and for us."
William felt a warmth in his heart and hugged her tightly: "Silly girl, you don't need to force yourself like this. My dad is stubborn and traditional. If he doesn't accept you, it's not your fault."
"After all these years, I'm used to it. I don't need his approval. As long as you're by my side, that's enough."
Ophelia leaned against him, listening to his strong heartbeat, feeling completely safe: "William, thank you."
"Thank me for what?" William lowered his head and kissed the top of her head.
"Thank you for always being with me, protecting me, giving me warmth." Ophelia looked up at him. "I used to think love was all fake, but after meeting you, I realized that real love makes you feel safe and brave."
William smiled: "I should be thanking you—for trusting me and marrying me."
"Ophelia, life is long. I want to see all the scenery with you, taste all the food, make up for all the regrets, and experience all the beautiful things together."
Ophelia nodded, tears in her eyes but smiling happily: "Yes, let's spend the rest of our lives together."
They stayed on the mountaintop a while longer, enjoying the evening breeze and chatting about work and life, the past and the future, as if they had endless things to talk about.
On the way back, Ophelia leaned on William's shoulder and quickly fell asleep, a sweet smile still on her lips.
William looked at her sleeping face with such tender eyes, carefully adjusting his position to make her more comfortable.
The car drove steadily back to William's villa. William gently carried Ophelia out of the car and into the house.
The villa was quiet, with only the wall lamps giving off a soft glow.
He placed Ophelia on the bedroom's large bed. Just as he was about to get up, Ophelia unconsciously grabbed his hand.
"Don't go," she mumbled, eyes still closed.
William smiled, leaning down to look at her: "I won't go. I'll stay right here with you."
He sat on the edge of the bed, gently stroking her hair, his eyes full of affection.
Ophelia slowly opened her eyes. Seeing his face so close, her heart fluttered. She leaned forward and kissed his lips.
William's body stiffened, then he took control and deepened the kiss.
This kiss was no longer as gentle as the one on the mountaintop—it carried urgency and possession, as if trying to merge them completely.
Ophelia's heartbeat quickened, her cheeks burning hot. Her hands unconsciously wrapped around his neck, her body trembling slightly.
William felt her response, heat rising within him. He slowly removed her jacket, his movements gentle and careful.
Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere in the room.
He lowered his head, leaving a trail of tender kisses on her forehead, cheeks, and chin, then slowly moved downward, each kiss filled with deep love and cherishing.
Ophelia could clearly feel his tenderness and care. The anxiety and nervousness in her heart gradually disappeared.
She closed her eyes, relaxed her body, and felt his touch. It was like electric currents running through her body, waves of tingling sensations spreading throughout.
The room was filled only with their intertwined breathing and occasional soft moans, the air thick with love and intimacy.
After some time, everything gradually calmed down.
William held Ophelia, wiping the sweat from her forehead, his voice gentle: "Are you okay? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?"
Ophelia leaned against him, her cheeks still flushed, and shook her head: "No, I'm fine."
She looked up at him, her eyes showing shyness and deep love: "William, I love you."
William felt warmth in his heart and held her tightly, lowering his head to kiss her forehead: "I love you too, so very much."
He gently stroked her hair, his voice tender: "Sleep now. I'll always be here with you."
At the Adams Mansion.
Phoenix had taken an afternoon nap and felt better after waking up.
She remembered there were several paintings Wesley treasured in the study. With the recent humid weather, she needed to air them out and organize them.
Just as she reached the study door, Phoenix felt something was wrong.
The lock looked loose, as if it had been tampered with, and the door was slightly ajar.
Her heart sank as she quickly pushed the door open.
The study was empty—all the paintings that had been hanging on the walls and stored in the cabinets were gone.
Phoenix panicked and rushed toward the courtyard.
As soon as she reached the garden, the scene before her made her blood pressure spike instantly.
Freya was sitting in a lounge chair, holding a bag of chips, occasionally giving Kaida instructions.
Kaida was holding colorful paintbrushes, scribbling all over the famous paintings.
Paint was splattered everywhere, the masterpieces were covered in messy doodles, and some were even torn in places. Those once priceless paintings were now completely ruined.
"What are you doing!"
Phoenix's voice was filled with barely controlled fury. She already had high blood pressure and couldn't stand seeing people waste things, especially these paintings Wesley treasured so much.
Freya was startled, dropping chips all over the floor.
She turned to look at Phoenix, a flash of panic crossing her face before she composed herself and brushed off the chips on her clothes: "Mom, you're awake?"
Kaida also stopped what she was doing, her hand holding the paintbrush shrinking back. Her eyes looked timid, but she didn't put down the brush.
"Who told you to touch these paintings!" Phoenix rushed over, pointing at the ruined masterpieces, her whole body shaking with anger. "These are things your great-grandfather treasured for decades. No amount of money can replace them. How dare you ruin them like this!"
Freya pursed her lips, her tone dismissive: "Mom, it's not that big a deal. They're just some old pieces of paper. I thought they were unused stuff lying around."
"Unused stuff?" Phoenix was so angry she almost laughed. "Ask anyone in this house—who doesn't know these paintings are your grandfather's treasures! Did you do this on purpose?"
"Mom, don't accuse me wrongly." Freya immediately put on an aggrieved expression, pulling Kaida protectively behind her. "Kaida was bored at home, and you won't let us go out. She wanted to paint, so I found this paper for her to practice on."
"How was I supposed to know this paper was so valuable? If I'd known, I wouldn't have let her paint on it." Her words were full of complaints about Phoenix restricting their freedom.
Phoenix looked at her, twisting the facts and got even angrier: "I didn't let you go out because it's not safe outside lately—it's for your own good! You're an adult—don't you know to ask first if you can touch these things?"