Chapter 21
Kenneth paused for a moment and then added. "From now on, I'll spend every weekend with you."
Ophelia found this a bit strange but was still quite happy about it. After all, Kenneth didn't come home often, and they'd never really gotten to know each other. Kenneth kept his eyes fixed on her and studied every little shift in her expression. She could be overly composed at times, wa too mature for someone at her age.
It was like nothing could truly excite her. He loved the way she opened up to him and let her guard down last night. It made his heart ache, but it also felt genuine. He wished she could always be his little girl, carefree, vulnerable, and maybe even a little spoiled. "I have to admit you're way cuter when you're drunk." Kenneth said with a smirk before taking a sip of his coffee.
Ophelia wondered, 'Drunk? He means me? Please, I only had four beers last night. I could have another four and still be fine!
"So, you're letting me drink now? How about I crack open another four tonight?" Ophelia quipped with a wink.
Kenneth replied with a soft chuckle, "As long as it makes you happy. But remember, you can drink when I'm around. Got it!" He wanted her most unguarded self to be something only he could see.
Ophelia nodded but couldn't help thinking, "Didn't you threaten to break my legs if I drank again? Hmph, what a changeable man."
The weekend was the first time Ophelia had spent so much time with Kenneth in one go, and she honestly had no idea what to do. Rosewood Manor had plenty of things to keep them entertained, but they ended up lounging on the sofa instead. Kenneth worked on his business, while Ophelia sat beside him to watch trashy soap operas. Occasionally, she'd text Chloe a few lines.
Outside, the roses swayed gently in the wind, showering the garden with pink petals every now and then.
"My mother loved roses," Kenneth suddenly said, breaking the silence. It was the first time he'd ever mentioned her. Ophelia listened carefully and didn't interrupt him..
"Roses symbolize longing and love. Who do you think she was longing for?" His long and slender fingers gently ran through her hair as he murmured, "Definitely not that ungrateful man, right?"
Ophelia didn't know how to respond. She had heard some gossip about Kenneth in her last life. The "ungrateful man he was referring to was probably his father.
"My bad. You shouldn't have to hear all this, Kenneth murmured, ruffling her hair before pulling her into his arms.
Ophelia instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist and said, "Hey, you have me now. Her attempt to comfort him was awkward, and as soon as the words left her mouth, her heart started racing.
Kenneth tightened his hold on her, just like he did all those years ago when he found her curled up in the snow. Back then, he held her close to keep her warm. He had fought so hard to find her, and he definitely wouldn't lose her again.
Kenneth kissed her on the top of her head and breathed in the faint milky scent of her hair. "I'll give you one more chance. and think it over. If you ever leave me, I can't promise what I'll do. So...
Before he could finish, Ophelia lifted her head and kissed him on the lips, just a quick peck. She then locked eyes with him and said, "Kenneth, listen, I'll never leave you. Not in this life-unless I die... Mmmph-
Kenneth gripped her head and muffled her words with a kiss, his eyes deepening with desire. "Remember what you said. I gave you a chance," he said with a smirk after the intense kiss.
The next thing Ophelia knew was that she was scooped up effortlessly and was carried upstairs.
The door slammed shut behind them with a loud bang. The room filled with the sound of their heavy breathing.
Chiquer 21
Even though Ophelia had been through this in her last life, the sensation this time was completely different. His kisses came crashing down on her and overwhelmed her. In the soft and warm glow of the lamp, all she could see in his eyes was herself The next morning. Ophelia groaned as she sat up in bed, her lower back aching. She thought to herself. Yeah, the experience might've felt different, but his skills are still very much the same.
She slid off the bed while mumbling, yet her feet barely touched the floor and she collapsed onto the fluffy white carpet. For a split second. Ophelia thought she'd been paralyzed-her legs couldn't even support her. That bastard... This is totally a disaster to me, she complained inwardly.
Kenneth walked in just then, carrying a tray of nutritious food. He took one look at her, who clenched her fists and glared at him like she was ready to take him down with her. "Regret it, huh? Sorry, too late, he said with a grin.
He set the breakfast down and strode over to her. He then bent down to scoop her up and carried her to the couch. He sat down and placed her gently on his lap. "I gave you a chance last night." he said while staring into her eyes.
Ophelia grumbled in her heart. What the hell? How was I supposed to know that was the chance he was talking about? And he sounds a little hurt!! Who on earth is supposed to feel hurt here! It's me!"
She blinked her hazy doe eyes and looked up at him, all pitiful and innocent. There was a slight mist in her gaze, making her look so soft and vulnerable that it rugged at his heart.
Ill go easier next time, alright?" Kenneth brushed her hair back. his voice filled with gentle affection, his expression sincere.
Seriously, with Kenneth being this gentle, no woman could resist him. Ophelia never knew he could be so tender. This version of Kenneth was already much gentler with her than the one in her last life.
"Why don't you have some? Let me feed you, babe Kenneth said while picking up a bowl of porridge. He carefully scooped some up and blew on it before holding the spoon to her lips.
"Put me down. I need to go to the bathroom," Ophelia protested.
"Okay, here we go. Before Ophelia could even protest again, Kenneth set the bowl down, scooped her up again, and headed. straight for the bathroom.
"Need my help with anything?" His voice was low, right by her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
"No, thanks." She quickly wriggled free. finally feeling her legs again.
As she slammed the bathroom door shut, Kenneth's lips curled into a satisfied, broad smile. She's finally mine, he thought
The next day, Kenneth left Rosewood Manor early in the morning before Ophelia even woke up. After spending the last two nights falling asleep in his arms, Ophelia realized her internal clock had gone haywire. Bad habits really do form easily-it has only been two days, she thought
Meanwhile, at Hastings Villa....
After that humiliating scene at the birthday party, Emily locked herself in her room and refused to come out. It had been three days, and no matter who knocked, she wouldn't answer.
"My sweet girl, don't worry about that, okay? Nothing from that night spread out. Come on, just eat something, alright? You're making me worry sick. Heather stood outside the door with a tray of food, her eyes red from crying.
Owen banged on the door with a couple of hard knocks and said in a firm voice, "Emily, open the door. Don't make your mom and me worry
Owen spent enough money as it was. Sure, he wasn't happy about what had happened, but Emily was still his daughter, after all, and he couldn't really do something.
Even though the event had embarrassed the Hastings family in front of the entire elite crowd, at least the company didn't take any hits. Owen thought the priority now was for Emily to explain to Miles as soon as possible-Owen couldn't afford any misunderstandings with the Lewis family
There was no sound from the room. Heather, fearing Emily might do something drastic, called someone to break the lock. Emily had locked herself for three days without food, and she could hardly hold out too long.
A few minutes later, the door opened to reveal a complete mess. Chapter 22