Chapter 68 68

Chapter 68 68
The sun shone brightly in New York, reflecting off the glass of the skyscrapers. At The Petal Haven, the atmosphere was bustling. Clara looked elegant in her linen apron, her hands deftly arranging fresh white roses and eucalyptus. Every so often, she would tuck a stray hair behind her ear and smile at the customers leaving her shop with satisfied expressions. Norah, their tiny baby girl, sat calmly in a specialized playpen in the corner of the room, occasionally letting out cute sounds as she watched her mother work.

For Clara, this life felt like a dream come true. No more coercion, no more fear of losing the people she loved. Every floral arrangement she created was a symbol of gratitude for the peace she now possessed. After ensuring the shop was tidy, Clara picked up Norah, preparing for their most anticipated daily routine.

An hour later, a white Maybach pulled up right in front of an upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of the city. The restaurant appeared quiet, but not because it lacked customers. Raymond had intentionally rented out the entire place specifically for his family's lunch. The waiters stood with perfect posture, waiting for their employer to enter. Raymond stepped out first, then opened the car door for Clara with a highly protective gesture.

"How was your day at the shop, Honey?" Raymond asked, taking Norah from Clara’s arms.

"It was wonderful, Ray. There are many orders for weddings this weekend," Clara replied with a smile. They walked into the quiet restaurant, where a long table had been set with beautiful floral decorations. Bodyguards stood at every corner of the room, ensuring there wasn't the slightest disturbance.

Raymond sat beside Clara, while Norah was placed in a comfortable high chair between them. The lunch was filled with laughter and warmth. Raymond, who was usually cold at the office, transformed into a patient father, feeding Norah small pieces of fruit. There was no talk of business, no pressure. Just a small family enjoying time together.

However, behind the large restaurant window, from a distance amidst the crowd across the street, a pair of eyes watched with boiling hatred. The figure in the same hoodie that had visited Raquel the night before stood silently behind a lamppost. His gaze never left the way Raymond kissed Clara’s forehead. There was a sharp, intense rage in the man’s eyes. His hand was clenched tightly inside his jacket pocket, gripping a sharp object hidden within.

Enjoy your happiness while you can, Raymond, he thought cynically. He didn't care how many bodyguards Raymond hired. To him, every wall Raymond built surely had a crack. After feeling he had observed enough, the man turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind a chill that no one in the restaurant noticed.

Meanwhile, at Alexander’s elite school, the atmosphere was much more cheerful. The recess bell had just rung, and the students were running toward the field. Alexander Craig, a five-year-old boy with a sharp gaze and intelligence well above average, walked casually toward the library. He didn't like playing noisy games of tag like his peers.

"Alexander! Wait!" a little girl named Sarah ran up to him, carrying a lunch box decorated with cute stickers. Sarah was the daughter of one of Raymond’s business associates. "I made this for you. There are star-shaped cookies inside."

Alexander stopped, looking at Sarah with an expression that was completely flat—exactly the way Raymond looked at people he found boring. "Thank you, but I’m not hungry. And I don't like sweet cookies," Alexander replied coldly. He then continued walking without looking back, leaving Sarah standing frozen with a disappointed face.

Their teacher, Ms. Maria, who saw the incident from afar, could only offer a small smile. Alexander was an extraordinary student. At such a young age, he could already read elementary-level science books and solve math problems that were difficult for children his age. His reserved and perfectionist nature often made his classmates feel intimidated, but on the other hand, that was what made everyone admire the little boy.

At home, Raymond and Clara often discussed Alexander’s intelligence. They knew the boy had a strong leadership spirit. Raymond felt proud to see his son growing into a firm individual, though he occasionally reminded Alexander to be a little gentler with his friends.

In the afternoon, Clara picked up Alexander. The boy immediately ran to hug her legs the moment he saw his mother at the gate.

"Mommy! I got a perfect score on my math test again," Alexander exclaimed proudly.

Clara stroked her son’s hair affectionately. "Wow, Daddy will be so happy to hear that. Come on, let’s pick up Daddy and celebrate with a special dinner."

On the way home, Alexander sat quietly beside Clara, reading a book about astronomy. He was a miniature version of Raymond, not just in appearance, but also in his logical and focused way of thinking. Clara looked at her son with emotion. How far they had come. From a girl trapped in a contract for the sake of money and her father’s freedom, to now being the mother of a beloved heir to the great Craig family.

Upon arriving at the mansion, they were greeted by Raymond, who was waiting in the foyer. The man welcomed them with a warm embrace.

"Congratulations on your grade, Champ," Raymond said, lifting Alexander onto his shoulders. "Papa has a gift for you."

"What gift, Papa?" Alexander asked curiously.

"Something that will help you learn about outer space better. A professional-grade telescope that can see planets from your bedroom," Raymond replied.

Alexander cheered with excitement. The atmosphere in the mansion felt so complete. That night, they had a cheerful dinner together. Clara watched her husband, who was laughing heartily at Alexander’s antics as he began to talk about space.

However, amidst that happiness, Clara occasionally looked out the dark window. She didn't know what was waiting for her out there, but she felt calm. As long as Raymond was by her side, she was certain that no storm to come could destroy the family they had built with such struggle. They were a sturdy fortress, and their love was a foundation that would never waver.

Life continued with a sweet rhythm. Clara’s flower shop grew rapidly, and Alexander increasingly showed his leadership talent at school. Raymond even began to reduce the intensity of his business trips to spend free time with his family. Every weekend was filled with picnics in the city park or simply spending time in the home library.

This afternoon in the luxurious bedroom, Raymond pulled Clara into his arms, gazing at the twilight sky as it began to turn orange.

"Honey, I miss you," Raymond whispered in Clara’s ear. His voice was raspy and deep, and he kissed Clara’s slender neck passionately.

"Shh... Ray, isn't it still too early for this?" Clara replied with a playful giggle. She turned around and wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck affectionately.

Raymond smiled broadly, then whispered in Clara’s ear.

"I miss you, every moment. Afternoon, morning, and night," Raymond said, then kissed Clara’s red lips passionately.

"Ray... the kids might see," Clara said with a light laugh as Raymond swept her up into his arms, bridal style.

"No way, they’re busy playing with the toys I just bought them," Raymond chuckled softly.

Raymond carried Clara to the master bedroom and laid his wife gently on the silk sheets.

Raymond and Clara made love with great passion, with Clara reaching the peak of pleasure three times as Raymond moved with a rapid rhythm.

"Ah... Ray, this feels so good..."

Clara’s moans echoed through the room.

"Every inch of your body has become my addiction, Baby," Raymond whispered.