Chapter 107
Both Sullivan and Megan were lost in their own thoughts.
The sound of knocking broke the silence, followed by the maid’s voice, “Dinner is served, Mr. and Mrs. Lowry. Shall I set the table now?”
Sullivan called out, “Yes, please do.”
As the maid’s footsteps faded away, Sullivan still hadn’t released Megan.
She squirmed a bit, “Didn’t you hear? Dinner’s ready. Let me up.”
Sullivan gazed at her intensely, his eyes never wavering.
Megan couldn’t guess what was on his mind. She pushed against his chest, trying to rise, but he caught her wrist and placed it back over his heart. His heartbeat was strong and thumping rhythmically beneath her palm.
Megan quickly withdrew her hand as if scalded.
With a teasing smile, Sullivan hooked his finger under her chin, “Scared of a little heartbeat, Mrs. Lowry? What’s on your mind?”
Megan couldn’t stand this kind of provocative talk. She found herself missing his no–nonsense attitude; it was painful at times, but at least it was bearable. His current softness left her feeling out of her depth.
Megan turned away to straighten her dress, and once composed, she headed for the door, “I’ll take your luggage back to the bedroom. Why don’t you freshen up, Sullivan? They’ve started serving dinner downstairs.”
No response came from behind her.
Hand on the doorknob, she couldn’t help but look back. She saw Sullivan lounging on the couch, his eyes following her with a depth that was inscrutable. Noticing her glance, he smiled subtly and asked, “Are you blushing, Megan?”
Megan’s lips tightened, and after a moment, she murmured, “We’ve been married too long for that, haven’t
we?”
Sullivan didn’t press further.
After Megan left, Sullivan lit up a cigarette.
The thin smoke rose, and his expression was unreadable.
In the world of business, Sullivan was a master at reading people. He knew Megan’s bravado all too well, but a smart man also knows that a woman’s greatest weakness can often be tenderness.
Sullivan wanted to reconcile with Megan. He didn’t apologize or offer explanations like other men might have. He knew Megan had feelings for him once. He just had to charm her, and she would surely fall for him again, while he watched her succumb with clear eyes. He even considered having a child with her.
This
year was too rushed, but next year might be good for trying. A wife and child… Sullivan liked the thought.
He finished his cigarette in silence and then went downstairs for dinner.
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Chapter 107
At the table, he was reserved, not exerting any of his masculine charm. After the meal, he retreated to his study to work.
Megan breathed a sigh of relief.
That evening, after her bath, she sat at her vanity to apply her skincare routine. She pondered the intimacy earlier–likely just a whim of Sullivan’s. Distance should be usual theme of their marriage.
As she thought, she couldn’t help but pull out Alton’s business card.
“Mrs. Lowry, here’s my business card. Perhaps you’ll need it after Wyatt’s trial is over.”
Alton’s words made Megan’s heart race.
Just then, she heard movement at the bedroom door. She recognized Sullivan’s footsteps and quickly stashed the card inside her diary. It was safe there; Sullivan had always shown disinterest, even disdain, for her girlish sentiments.
In an instant, Sullivan entered the room. He saw his wife in her silk nightgown, applying her creams.
She tried to appear nonchalant, but Sullivan caught the slight flush behind her ears–a sure sign she was hiding something.
He wrapped his arms around her from behind, his hand leisurely opening the small drawer.
As if casually, he asked, “What are you looking at?”
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