Chapter 54: Going Home
Cora gripped the towel in silence, silently cursing Julian in her head as she obediently dried his hair.
Her fingers ran through his dark strands—surprisingly soft.
Of course, she thought sourly, even his hair has to be perfect. It’s like something out of a shampoo commercial.
Julian’s fingers paused mid-typing, the rhythm of the keyboard breaking. Heat crept up his neck.
Cora didn’t notice, still running her fingers through his hair, straightening it gently.
Julian’s hand shot up and caught hers.
She froze.
His voice was low, rougher than usual, carrying that quiet danger that always made her heartbeat trip.
“Don’t move.”
Cora wanted to protest—I’m not moving!—but the warmth of his palm over hers sent a strange ripple through her chest.
“I…” she began.
“Finish drying,” he said, releasing her hand.
Cora blinked, swallowed, and got back to work. Julian closed his eyes and let her.
When she was done, she folded the towel neatly and started to retreat.
“Sit.” His tone brooked no argument. “I need your opinion. If I don’t wrap this up tonight, I can’t take you home.”
She blinked again. “You’re sending me home yourself?”
Julian’s eyes didn’t leave the screen. “You really think you can just show up alone and those lovely relatives of yours won’t sneer at you—or your mother?”
That shut her up.
He was right. If she went back alone, her grandmother would have a field day. The gossip would slice both her and her mother to pieces.
So she sat down beside him, watching his long fingers move over the keyboard in a blur.
Honestly, she thought, I don’t understand a single word of this.
Some “advisor” she was—her contribution consisted of sitting still and trying not to yawn.
Julian, focused and silent, was unfairly handsome when he worked. It was almost distracting.
No wonder every woman in the company drools over him, she thought with an inward sigh.
Before long, her chin slid into her palm. Her eyelids drooped. The faint tapping of keys became a lullaby. Then—
Thunk. Her head hit the desk. She was out cold.
Julian sent off the final email, turned, and found her sprawled over the table, softly snoring.
“You really can sleep anywhere,” he murmured.
He shut his laptop, stood, and slipped an arm under her knees and shoulders, lifting her easily.
He laid her on the bed and brushed a stray hair from her face.
His fingertip brushed her lips—soft, parted—
And she stirred, murmuring something in her sleep, her tongue flicking out to touch his finger.
Julian went rigid. Electricity shot down his spine.
A second later, reason gave way to instinct. He bent down and kissed her.
The taste was faintly sweet, maddeningly warm.
Cora made a small sound, and reality snapped back. Julian pulled away abruptly, standing too fast, breath uneven.
She shifted, sighing, turning to her side—already lost again in sleep.
Julian exhaled, half-relieved, half-cursing himself. He slid into bed beside her, hesitated, then drew her gently into his arms. Only then did his pulse begin to slow.
⸻
Three days passed peacefully. Cora behaved, following the doctor’s orders to the letter.
On the morning of the third day, the chairman and his wife were leaving for Korea. Julian and Cora came to see them off. Standing together, they looked every inch the picture of a perfect couple.
Mrs. Han hugged Cora tightly before boarding. “If you ever visit Korea, promise me you’ll let me return the favor!”
“I’d love that,” Cora said, smiling. “You and the chairman must stay healthy until we come visit, okay?”
Both of them laughed heartily, clearly fond of her.
Once the car disappeared down the drive, Cora finally exhaled. One mission down.
Austin stepped forward. “Mr. Watson, the car’s ready. We can depart anytime.”
Home. At last.
Still, Cora couldn’t help but wonder—why was the Watson Group headquartered in Linzhou, but the Watson family estate in another state entirely? Julian had given her a vague explanation once, but she had the sense there was much more he wasn’t saying.
They were heading toward the car when she spotted Riley at the curb, surrounded by what looked like a small mountain of luggage.
“Mr. Watson!” Riley called, beaming. “Since I took such good care of your wife, how about giving me a lift? My car can’t fit all this.”
Cora’s jaw dropped.
Is she emigrating? Ten suitcases. Two giant boxes. Maybe three.
Julian sighed. “Austin, load them.”
“Yes, Mr. Watson.”
Riley grinned, looping her arm through Cora’s. “I’ll ride with you guys! Driving that far alone? No thanks.”
“Sure,” Cora said, amused. “Company sounds nice.”
“You’re the best,” Riley chirped, dragging her into the car.
Julian followed with a small shake of his head.
As the car pulled out, Cora lowered her voice. “Riley, can I ask you something? The Watson Group’s based in Linzhou, but the family lives elsewhere. Don’t you find that… odd?”
Riley’s smile dimmed a little. “You mean you don’t know?”
Cora shook her head.
Riley hesitated, then shrugged. “Forget it. Better you don’t. You’re married to Julian now, you have his child. Just live your life. Some things are better left alone.”
Better left alone?
“What happened before?” Cora pressed.
Riley gave her a side-eye. “Nice try. That trick won’t work on me. Look, we haven’t known each other long, but I like you, so here’s some advice—don’t dig. When it’s time, you’ll learn everything. Just remember this: you’re Mrs. Watson now. The legitimate Mrs. Watson. That’s all that matters.”
Cora fell silent, unease flickering in her chest. The Watsons were clearly hiding more than a few family secrets.
⸻
Back at the Watson estate, Julian reported the Linzhou results to the old matriarch. Cora sat beside him, quietly polite.
The old lady was so pleased she personally ordered the servants to prepare gifts for Cora’s trip home.
It was the first time Cora had returned to her hometown since the wedding—and the fanfare was overwhelming.
Everyone knew about her greedy, scheming relatives, so the family made sure she wouldn’t be humiliated again. The gifts they prepared were extravagant enough to make anyone think twice before looking down on her.
At the village house, Ravi straightened her back like she owned the world. But when her eyes landed on Cora’s mother, her face soured.
“Your daughter’s coming home and that’s the face you’re making? What—planning to complain about me the moment she walks in?” Her tone was sharp as vinegar. “Let me make something clear: today’s important. You’d better watch yourself.”
“Mom…” Cora’s mother whispered, helpless.
It was her daughter’s homecoming, yet she couldn’t even say a single private word to her.
“Did you hear me?” Ravi barked, eyes narrowing.
“Yes,” came the quiet reply.
Satisfied, Ravi gave a cold snort and turned away—leaving behind a mother standing small and silent, tears threatening to fall.