Chapter 44
After clearing things up with Amelia, I felt much lighter.
Thank goodness this misunderstanding didn't affect how she treated me.
Although we still haven't found out who did this, I have a pretty good idea.
It's pretty easy to figure out who would use my name and want to hurt me.
"Nancy, let's go eat." Amelia's voice pulled me back from my thoughts.
I smiled and agreed, linking arms with her as we headed downstairs.
When the Johnson family elders saw how Amelia treated me, they were also warm and friendly toward me.
Michael hadn't seen me earlier, so he immediately came over with concern.
"Nancy, what did you and my mom go do?" As he spoke, he naturally took my hand and pulled me to his side.
Seeing this, Amelia couldn't help teasing, "What could I possibly do talking with Nancy? You think I'd bully her?"
Michael played along. "Hard to say. She's my only wife, I need to keep a close eye on her."
I didn't want Michael to know about the misunderstanding between Amelia and me, so I deliberately changed the subject. "Michael, it's nothing. I wanted to talk to your mom. Come on, let's go eat."
I pulled Michael toward the party, not wanting him to continue.
Michael didn't suspect anything and left with me.
After the party ended, Michael and I went home together. His parents deliberately stayed at the Johnson Mansion to give us some alone time.
But as soon as we got home, his phone rang.
After taking the call, his expression suddenly became serious. Without much explanation, he went into the study.
Though curious, I didn't want to disturb him.
By the time he came out again, I was already in bed.
The space beside me suddenly sank down.
I was surprised he came to my room.
Although I'd moved into the Johnson Villa, these past few days we'd been sleeping in separate rooms, whether his parents were around or not.
His actions today were somewhat unexpected.
Michael wrapped his arms around me from behind and spoke in a low voice. "Nancy, I've had someone look into the film incident. It was Susan who sent it to my mom using your name."
Hearing this, my emotions didn't waver at all. "Okay, I know. Let's rest now."
It seemed that phone call earlier was from Amelia, and he must have been investigating this for me.
Seeing my calm reaction, Michael seemed puzzled. "Nancy, why aren't you more upset?"
I turned over, burying my head in his chest, explaining with my eyes closed. "Let's not deal with her yet. Let her feel smug for a while."
Michael held me in his arms, burying his head in my shoulder and neck, asking in a muffled voice, "Nancy, why did you suddenly agree to marry me?"
I could clearly feel Michael's heartbeat.
I understood this question had been weighing on Michael's mind.
Perhaps it was our recent closeness that gave him the courage to ask.
Why did I marry him? I'd thought about this question too.
It seemed there was never a clear answer.
Since being reborn, I'd wanted to change everything, and the first step in changing things was choosing Michael and leaving John.
I couldn't deny that initially, I chose to be with Michael because of how he saved me in my past life, risking everything.
But in the beginning, that was just gratitude, not really love.
I knew this answer wasn't appropriate to say out loud, so I could only say honestly, "I chose you because you're good to me."
As I finished speaking, I felt Michael hold me even tighter, as if wanting to merge me into his body. "Nancy, I'm so grateful you chose me. It makes me feel like the luckiest person."
I opened my eyes to meet his gaze, deliberately threatening him. "Michael, don't think that just because I chose you, you can take advantage of that. If you dare bully me, I won't stay with you anymore."
Michael released me slightly, cupping my face, carefully and seriously expressing his feelings. "Nancy, I'll never let go of your hand in this lifetime. You know how I feel. I won't choose anyone but you."
As he spoke, he grabbed one of my hands and placed it over his heart.
His simple words carried absolute certainty.
I never doubted Michael's sincerity toward me. The fact that he chose me first in a life-or-death situation was proof enough.
Suddenly, Michael kissed me, deliberately teasing, "I definitely won't disappoint you. I'll only bully you in bed, making you beg me to stop."
Michael's sudden words made me a bit embarrassed, and I playfully pushed him. "You're terrible. Don't say things like that anymore, especially in bed."
Seeing my reaction, Michael rolled over and pinned me down, deliberately restraining my hands. "I can't promise that. How can a man control himself in bed? Why don't we try?"
He leaned down to kiss me.
Seeing this, I struggled free from his hold, flipped over on top of him, and sat on him.
I boldly unbuttoned his shirt, my hands exploring his body.
I could feel Michael's breathing growing hotter.
His eyes filled with desire as he pressed my hands down, saying hoarsely, "Nancy, if you keep teasing me on purpose, I can't guarantee what I'll do."
His breathing was heavy and intense, as if he was trying hard to restrain himself.
In this aspect, he'd always been very respectful of me.
And precisely because of his indulgence, I grew bolder.
My fingertips deliberately wandered over his skin, continuing to tease. "Really? What can you do?"
Michael gripped my hand tighter, guiding it downward. "Nancy, what do you think I can do? Want to find out?"
Even through his clothes, I could feel his hardness and size.
Thinking of the previous times, my cheeks flushed red, and I quickly pulled my hand away.
"At this point, there's nothing for us to try." I quickly rolled off him.
I knew if I kept provoking him, I wouldn't get any sleep tonight.
Seeing me back down, Michael teased softly, "Giving up so easily, huh?"
He lightly nipped at my lips.
A tingling pain spread through me. I pretended to be angry and turned away. "Stop it. I want to sleep."
Michael obediently stopped, making no further moves.
Drowsiness washed over me, my eyelids growing heavier.
Just as I was about to fall asleep, a large hand slipped around my waist, naturally pulling me close. "Nancy, I love you so much, more than anyone else ever could."
In my drowsy state, his voice came from beside my ear, firm yet gentle.