Chapter 22 22
|| Author Pov ||
The morning light brushed Alice’s soft face. Her eyelids fluttered open and suddenly, the memory of last night crashed over her.
Her eyes widened in shock. She tried to move but Tristian was already sleeping beside her.
Alice glanced down at herself. Her body was tucked under the white duvet, but she knew she was naked and the traces of what had happened between them last night were undeniable.
Every inch of her ached, especially her pussy, still sensitive from their passion.
Alice gasped and sat upright. Tristian groaned in his sleep before parting his eyes slowly. He lifted his lashes. When he met her wide startled gaze, a slow smile curved his lips.
“What happened, angel?” he murmured.
“We…we did–”
Before Alice could finish, Tristian pulled her gently down, making her lie beside him. He drew her close, “Did you enjoy it?”
“W-We really did?” she asked. Her voice trembled as if unsure whether last night had been a dream.
Tristian chuckled softly. “Yes. And I enjoyed every second with you.”
His lips brushed against her cheek, making her stiffen. Alice quickly pulled the duvet up over her chest, hiding beneath the sheets.
They had done so many things last night, things she could hardly bring herself to think about now. A strange mix of shame and warmth coiled inside her. Tristian caught the worry in her eyes and cupped her face gently.
“Don’t worry, angel.” he murmured. “You don’t have to be afraid of anyone as long as I’m here.”
He pulled her into his arms again.
“What if someone finds out?” Alice whispered.
Tristian pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “No one will.” he promised. “And I don’t care if they knows. Put your faith in me. You'll never regret giving me a chance. I promise.”
Alice melted into his warm embrace, pressing herself closer. She didn’t want to think about anything else.
“I have to go to my room. What if Mother comes to call me? Or… what if N-Nick comes back?” she whispered in a shaky voice.
“You’re such a scaredy little cat, Alice.” Tristian murmured, pulling her tighter. “Just relax in my arms. You’re safe. I’ll handle the rest.”
Alice let out a soft, contented sigh. A small bitter smile formed on her lips.
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“Alice, you slept well last night, hmm?” Martha asked casually with a gentle smile on her face. “You woke up late today. I hope everything’s fine?”
Alice blinked. Her legs were still trembling as she chopped the vegetables. She met her mother-in-law’s gaze and her heart fluttered beneath the calm exterior at the sinful memories.
“I… I just needed some rest.” Alice replied softly, forcing a small polite smile. Her hands shook slightly as she sliced the vegetables and the knife trembled under her grip.
Martha tilted her head, studying her quietly for a moment, then nodded. “Of course, dear. You must take care of yourself.”
She turned to stir the pot on the stove, humming lightly.
Alice exhaled silently. Her heart was still racing. Every small sound in the kitchen, the clatter of utensils, the soft hiss of the stove made her alert. She kept her gaze low, trying to act normal but her mind kept drifting back to last night.
“Your mother is having tea, Alice. If you're done, let me know. I must she's hungry.”
Alice force smiled with a nod. Just as she was about to set the chopped vegetables aside, the sound of the front door opening made her stomach twist.
Chloe stepped into the kitchen, reaching for her cup of coffee. “Aunt Martha, is there… something wrong in this house?” she asked with forrowed eyebrows.
Martha frowned slightly. “Why do you ask, dear?”
Chloe hesitated. “Last night, I heard some strange noises. I couldn’t really tell what it was, but it didn’t sound normal. It was like, someone was crying or whining... i’m not sure.”
Alice’s eyes widened instantly. Her throat went dry and she quickly pressed her lips together when Martha turned toward her.
“Alice.” Martha said slowly in a calm tone “Did you hear anything like that?”
Alice’s heart skipped a beat. She choked on her breath, shaking her head quickly. “N-No, Mother. I didn’t hear anything.”
Martha sighed softly. “It’s nothing, Chloe. None of us heard anything, don’t worry. You must’ve misheard it.” she said with a light laugh. “Our house isn’t haunted.”
“Thank God.” Chloe exhaled in relief. “I was so scared I couldn’t even move a finger. It sounded like… banging or something.”
Alice froze. Color drained from her face. Her mind spun—banging sound. Her throat perched.
She hadn’t realized how loud they’d been last night. Her leg was still sore. Her fingers stiffened around the knife handle and when Chloe’s curious eyes met hers, Alice forced a nervous shaky smile.
“I want honey bread for breakfast, Alice.” Chloe said casually, taking a sip of her coffee.
“Sure.” Alice murmured quickly, turning back to the counter before anyone could notice the tremor in her hands.
Once breakfast was ready, everyone gathered in the sitting room.
Amanda smiled warmly at her daughter but her expression shifted when Tristian entered alone.
“Where’s Nick, Martha?” Amanda asked. A faint frown formed on her face. “I haven’t seen him once since I arrived yesterday.”
Tristian cleared his throat lightly before answering, “Recently, our company launched a new product. Nick’s been buried in work because of it. I’m sorry he couldn’t be here.” His tone was a calm practiced lie.
Alice glanced up, meeting his eyes. There it was again–that quiet protectiveness, the way he always stepped in to cover what shouldn’t be spoken.
Amanda nodded, though her face showed concern. “That boy works too hard.” she murmured.
Martha scowled softly. “He could at least spare some time.” she said under her breath.
Alice lowered her gaze. Her stomach tightened.
Sitting across from Tristian made her pulse race; memories of the night before floated too vividly. When he smiled at her, a faint blush crept up her cheeks.
Everyone began eating. The clinking of spoons and quiet chatter filled the table.
Chloe talked animatedly about something but Alice barely heard her. Her spoon slipped from her hand when she suddenly felt a light touch against her leg under the table.
Startled, she looked up. Tristian was watching her, chewing calmly. A small knowing smile curved his lips. Alice pressed her lips together, her breath catching as she realized exactly what hw was doing.
His feet was caressing her smooth leg under the table.
Alice slightly glared at him but Tristian poked her with his feet, caressing her skin with the tip of his toes. Alice stole glimpse at everyone else, they were eating silently.
She decided to calm down but Tristian kept teasing her. Alice gritted her teeth and pinched his feet with her toes.
Tristian shifted with a low curse, earning everyone's attention. “I’m sorry.” he apologised, steadying himself.
When he met Alice eyes, she was smiling mischievously. Tristian's heart warmed at that beautiful smile.
She looked ethereal. He can't understand how can nick ignore such a pretty wife.
Tristian shook off his thoughts and continued, plotting an evil plan in his mind.