Chapter 1266 Carry Me to Take a Bath

Chapter 1266 Carry Me to Take a Bath

Olivia's hands clenched tight as she listened. She couldn't imagine the depth of pain Victoria had endured, but her whole body trembled involuntarily at the thought.

The way Victoria spoke about it now—so calm, so detached—made it seem like she'd moved on. But…

"Victoria, you're back now. Nothing like that will ever happen again."

"Olivia, I know. I've always known. And I believe it."

Believe it. The word was also a shield against fear—something her stubborn friend would never let herself show.

She had to believe everything had returned to how it should be.

That danger would never find her again. That she'd never hesitate to protect herself again.

Through those dark times, she'd come to understand so many people, so many things.

Ruthlessness—it was actually a survival skill everyone needed.

Because if you weren't ruthless to others, they'd be ruthless to you.

Not everyone deserved your kindness. Not everyone could be a friend. You had to understand: yes, there was sincerity and goodness in this world, but not everyone possessed it.

Isabella was an extreme case, sure. But she'd taught Victoria how to navigate life.

Olivia couldn't help but pull her into a hug. "Victoria, let's go dig up sweet potatoes in the mountains sometime."

Just like when they were kids. Do more things that made them happy.

Maybe then her heart wouldn't feel so heavy. That's what Olivia hoped, anyway.

Victoria seemed strong now, but inside, she wasn't warm.

"I'd like that."

Victoria agreed.

Edward, Alexander, and Benjamin didn't return until after nine. Edward picked up Olivia, and Alexander carried Victoria down from the rooftop and put her back in bed. "It's getting cold up there now. Don't stay that long next time."

"It wasn't that cold. Plus, the butler made us hot coffee."

Victoria explained.

"Not listening to me, are you?"

Alexander narrowed his eyes at her murmur, then immediately grabbed her chin and kissed her hard.

When he pulled back, Victoria instinctively pressed her lips together.

Alexander's hand covered her mouth. "I've told you a hundred times not to do that. Keep disobeying me and the punishment gets worse."

"If that's the case, Mr. Harrington should punish me more often."

"What?"

"Come here."

Victoria suddenly reached out.

Alexander leaned over her, puzzled. Victoria wrapped her arms around him, touching his face, the corner of his lips, then tilted her head up to kiss him.

Alexander sucked in a sharp breath. It had been way too long since they'd made love, hadn't it?

And his dear wife seemed to have gotten really good at teasing him lately.

She kissed his lips softly, again and again, slow and unhurried.

Alexander held his breath and let her kiss him, waiting until she was ready to stop.

"If you keep kissing me like that, I'm going to demand sex."

"You can have it now."

"What?"

"Carry me to the shower?"

Victoria looped her arms around his neck, asking gently.

Alexander thought this woman was really…

The next day. Clear skies.

Just after six in the morning, sunlight streamed through the window. On the white bed, the man's bare shoulder emerged from under the covers, his arms wrapped around the woman's soft body. Her hand rested on his waist—she looked like she was still sleeping peacefully.

Alexander's mind suddenly replayed last night, and he felt his control slipping again.

Victoria, still in his arms, didn't open her eyes. She turned over, looking ready to keep sleeping. But Alexander suddenly pulled her close from behind. "You're awake, aren't you?"

"No, I'm not."