Chapter 39 In the Room
Charles disregarded her words completely. Jessica was cornered, the wall pressing into her back. She had nowhere to go. In an instant, he stepped forward, trapping her between him and the wall.
His presence felt overwhelming. Her skin prickled, a cold wave of fear washing over her. “Charles, I’m warning you… ” she barely got the words out.
He looked down at her, his tone sharp, cold. “Mrs. Hensley, need I remind you? This is my room.” He didn’t need to knock before he came in.
Jessica’s words were stolen by his cold authority. Of course, this was his space. What could she possibly say?
His voice, calm as ever, continued. “Since we’re married now and living under the same roof, you’d better get used to certain things.”
Like this awkward, painful moment?
“But… we only have a contract,” Jessica stammered. Her voice quivered. How was she supposed to adjust to
this?
When they signed the contract, he made it clear. Their marriage was about the child. No romantic ties. No intimacy.
For five years, she raised Arthur on her own. Her life had been her work, her child. She was used to being alone.
Now, he barged in and disrupted everything. Expecting her to adjust to his presence so quickly? Impossible.
A flash of frustration crossed her face. Her skin, still warm from the bath, flushed. Her lips were soft and slightly parted, dewy. The clothes she barely wore hung over her, barely hiding, yet revealing enough. It stirred something in him.
Even a man like him, known for his control, felt something stir inside. He was a normal man, after all.
Her scent-sweet and familiar-triggered memories of that night five years ago. His body reacted before his mind could catch up.
His eyes darkened, something unreadable in them. His lips curled slightly, and his tone turned mocking. “You had a child for me. What’s there to be shy about?”
His words stung like a slap. Was he implying she was easy? That it meant nothing to her?
She felt her breath hitch. Her grip on her clothes tightened. “Yes, I had your child. But if I had a choice, I would’ve wished nothing ever happened. I would’ve never gotten pregnant. I wouldn’t have ended up like this.”
None of this was what she wanted. For five years, she had carried the shame of being an unwed mother, hiding away. No one saw how hard it was, how much she suffered. Not even him, the father of her child, had the right to say those things.
Charles stood silently, his lips pressed tight. His dark eyes studied her, seeing the hurt behind her anger. She was trying to hold it in, but it was impossible.
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His brow furrowed. A feeling, heavy and uncomfortable, settled in his chest. “What? You feel that life’s unfair to you because I married you?”
“I … “Jessica lowered her gaze. “If I said yes … would you divorce me?”
His eyes turned cold, shocked by her boldness.
“We can end this marriage anytime if you’d abandon the kid,” he said, his tone biting.
A shiver ran through Jessica. She quickly forced a smile. “No, no. I don’t think life’s unfair Marrying you is a great honor. So many women would beg for this chance. I’m not stupid enough to want a divorce. I wouldn’t let you go to another woman.”
Her words were empty. He knew it. But somehow, it made him feel … better?
Charles narrowed his eyes, watching her fake smile. He didn’t know why, but it bothered him. Without warning, he grabbed her chin, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Mrs. Hensley, you’ll have to get used to me. Now that you’ve washed yourself clean, why don’t we go for a spin tonight?”
Jessica’s mind was spinning. Clean? Was he suggesting she was a mess? Was he mocking her?
Her eyes met his, and the smirk on his face made it clear. He was messing with her, making everything worse on purpose. Her expression hardened. “You-”
Before she could push him away, the door swung open. “Mommy, I’m done!” Arthur’s voice rang out, cheerful as ever, still in his pajamas.
“Mommy… wait, Dad’s here too?” Arthur blinked, spotting his father and looking confused. “What are you two doing?”
Jessica was pressed against the wall, Charles in front of her. Arthur hadn’t noticed her yet, but Jessica realized she wasn’t dressed properly. Panic hit. She shoved Charles aside, grabbed her clothes, and darted into the bathroom.
“Mommy, what’s wrong?” Arthur called after her, his voice full of worry. He started toward the bathroom, but Charles blocked him.
“Dad, what’s going on with Mommy? Did you do something to her?” Arthur’s brow furrowed as he looked up at Charles, challenging him without saying a word.
Charles stared down at the little boy, his face unreadable. With a sigh, he replied, “Nature called.”
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Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
