Chapter 132 Kiss as You Please, Pick Freely
"I don't believe you!" Sophia pouted stubbornly, throwing a little tantrum.
Benjamin shook his head with a smile, leaned in close again, and whispered in her ear, "There's nothing to be embarrassed about, really. It just shows your husband's kissing skills are excellent and that I made you feel good, right?"
"Stop talking nonsense! Who, who felt good?"
Sophia angrily pulled the blanket off her head, glaring at him with a flushed face. Her feet weren't idle either—she tried to kick him, but Benjamin caught her foot with his warm hand.
She tried to pull away, but Benjamin only gripped tighter.
Benjamin shamelessly leaned closer, offering his ear to her lips. "How about you return the favor? Kiss me however you want. I'm all yours."
Sophia: "..."
How could someone be so shameless?
In the room, Benjamin and Sophia playfully tussled for a while until Sophia collapsed on the bed, too exhausted to even turn over.
Benjamin pulled her into his arms, gently stroking her hair, then leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Still want to take a bath?"
"Yes." Sophia lazily lifted her eyelids and shot him a reproachful look. "But I have no energy left."
Benjamin sheepishly rubbed his nose and got out of bed. "Rest for now. I'll go run you a hot bath."
Sophia contentedly closed her eyes. Just as she was about to fall asleep, her body suddenly lifted into the air.
She frowned, her eyelids too heavy to open.
Then a low, husky voice came from above. "Sleep. I'm here."
Perhaps Benjamin's voice was too gentle. Sophia nuzzled against him, found a comfortable position, and really did fall asleep.
Outside the door, Magnolia stared venomously at the closed bedroom door.
Her hands hung at her sides, clenched into tight fists, her eyes full of resentment and unwillingness.
"Sophia, what gives you the right to monopolize my Benjamin?"
"Benjamin is mine. No one can take him away."
This room should have belonged to her, and Benjamin should have been hers too!
It was Sophia who stole the happiness that should have been hers.
She refused to accept it.
Every time she closed her eyes, her mind kept imagining what was happening inside that room.
She had just seen Benjamin carrying Sophia, rushing back to the bedroom impatiently.
That look—she'd seen it on many men when they were aroused.
Benjamin was naturally aloof, always keeping people at a distance, like an untouchable flower on a high peak.
Countless women had tried one after another to claim this unreachable flower.
But not one had succeeded.
Including her.
Before returning to the country, she still held onto a sliver of hope.
She thought that if she persisted enough, she would definitely win Benjamin over.
But reality had dealt her a harsh blow.
A man as cold as Benjamin could indeed fall for someone—just not her.
Magnolia had been pampered and spoiled since childhood.
Even after her mother passed away, she continued to be doted on by the White family. She could get almost anything she wanted. When had she ever suffered such humiliation?
She bit her lip hard and reluctantly left.
Inside the room, Benjamin and Sophia were completely unaware of anyone outside.
He gently caressed Sophia's fair, delicate face, his eyes full of affection.
Sophia nuzzled his palm lightly, her eyes full of trust.
Like a little kitten seeking attention from its owner.
Absolutely adorable.
The next evening, Sophia changed into an elegant evening gown and applied light makeup, waiting for Benjamin to pick her up.
As the time approached and he still hadn't returned, Sophia began to worry.
She was about to go look for him when, just as she reached the top of the stairs, she heard sobbing from downstairs.
"Benjamin, do you really hate me that much?"
It was Magnolia's voice.
Standing across from her was none other than Benjamin.
Sophia paused, watching the scene with interest.
"Benjamin, I just wanted to ride with you. Sophia is so kind—I'm sure she would agree."
"Are there no cars at home? I'm not a chauffeur." Benjamin refused bluntly.
Magnolia lowered her eyes tearfully, looking at Benjamin as if he were a heartless man.
"Benjamin, I want to go with you! If you're worried Sophia will misunderstand, I can explain to her."
"No need to explain. I don't agree."
Sophia came down the stairs, her eyes narrowing slightly, releasing a dangerous glint.
She had thought Magnolia would lie low for a couple of days, but she was already making her move again.
She had really underestimated her.
She walked to Benjamin's side and, right in front of Magnolia, affectionately wrapped her arm around his.
"Honey, good job tonight."
Benjamin raised an eyebrow, his dark eyes tinged with amusement.
"Of course. Look whose husband I am."
If he didn't even have that much awareness, Benjamin felt he didn't deserve to be Sophia's husband.
Sophia extended her hand, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Mr. White, give me your hand to hold."
"Okay."
Benjamin reached out and firmly grasped Sophia's soft, delicate hand, his eyes full of affection.
Magnolia watched the two of them display their affection, feeling sick to her stomach.
She clenched her teeth hard to keep from losing her composure.
"Ms. Belle, my husband and I want some alone time. You're so kind and generous—surely you won't hold it against us, right?" Sophia blinked playfully, her dewy, fair face full of innocence.
But her words made Magnolia's expression change dramatically.
The smile on Sophia's face was especially grating, as if something had pierced her heart hard.
It hurt.
After a long moment, she forced out a faint smile. "Of course!"
Sophia smiled with satisfaction and left, holding Benjamin's hand.
Since Magnolia claimed to be gentle, kind, and generous, she might as well keep it up.
After all, Sophia would never willingly push Benjamin toward someone else.
Magnolia stared daggers at Sophia's retreating figure, wishing she could bore a hole through her.
Celestia and Arabella came down from upstairs to witness this scene.
Magnolia wore an elegant evening gown and elaborate makeup that should have made her look charming.
But her expression was twisted and frightening.
Celestia couldn't believe such an expression could appear on the usually gentle and kind Magnolia's face.
She called out softly, "Magnolia?"
Magnolia snapped back to reality and immediately composed her expression.
"Celestia, you're finally down! I've been waiting for you forever."
Magnolia wore a faint smile, looking perfectly normal.
Where was there any trace of that twisted expression?
Celestia slowly shook her head, thinking she must have seen wrong.
She walked over in her heels and affectionately linked arms with Magnolia.
"Magnolia, Benjamin and the others already left?"
Magnolia nodded slowly, her smile becoming somewhat strained.
Seeing this, Celestia consoled her softly, "Magnolia, don't worry. There will be opportunities in the future! You're so kind and beautiful—Benjamin will definitely see how wonderful you are."
Magnolia nodded, her eyes full of dejection. "But Benjamin dotes on Sophia so much. Maybe I shouldn't try to break them up?"
"That's not true! I know how you feel about Benjamin without you even saying it! That little bitch Sophia doesn't even deserve to be compared to you! Magnolia, you must stay firm in your resolve!" Celestia urged emphatically.
With Celestia's encouragement, Magnolia's mood immediately improved.
She nodded, her eyes lighting up with a smile.
"You're right! I've loved Benjamin for so many years—I can't give up easily!"
When Benjamin and Sophia arrived at the Sterling Villa, the Sterling family members all came out personally to greet them.
Even Ronin came out.
Ronin had two sons.
The eldest, Asher Sterling, now controlled the entire Sterling Group.
The second, Callahan Sterling, was an idle playboy who spent his days indulging in wine and women, causing Ronin no end of worry.
Many guests were surprised to see Ronin come out to greet them personally.
"Who's coming? Such a grand reception?"
"It's that mysterious Mr. White from the White family—Benjamin."
"What? That's Benjamin?" Everyone showed expressions of surprise.