Chapter 223: Darling, Come Closer
Carter’s voice had never felt so captivating and alluring, sending a shiver through my ears and warmth spreading across my hands. Yet, a hint of dissatisfaction lingered in his gentle, soothing tone as he whispered, “Darling, unbutton my shirt.”
In the dim light, I could barely make out the shape and placement of the buttons. Following his command like an obedient student, I carefully unfastened them one at a time. Nervously, I bit my lip and asked, “What should I do now?”
“Come sit on my lap,” he instructed.
My face flushed as I straddled his waist, waiting for his next words. Carter remained silent, but his hand rested on my shoulder. His fingers traced the straps of my camisole, sending jolts of sensation through me. I bit my lip, feeling a soft shiver where his touch lingered. He ceased his teasing, and his fingers slid down the straps. Though barely visible in the dark, I could sense his gaze, making me feel overwhelmingly shy despite the shadows.
“Darling, come closer.”
I gradually moved closer until our bodies aligned, a rush of warmth spreading from my spine to my head. Carter pulled me into his embrace and kissed me with deep intensity.
“Carl…” “Chloe, my love.”
This time, I was fully aware of everything happening. When I woke up the next morning, the memories of the previous night made my cheeks burn. Carter was gone, and I was wrapped in a blanket, feeling the cool air against my bare skin. We hadn’t gone all the way, but it was a new experience for me, and even now, thinking back, my face flushed, and my heart beat faster. As I got up to freshen up, I noticed marks scattered across my body, causing me to blush once more.
Chapter 223: Darling, Come Closer (Continued)
Bill, surprisingly busy even as the New Year approached, was awkwardly sitting and peeling eggs. Coming from a wealthy family, he had always been pampered, and this was the first time he found himself caring for someone else. Even young children could peel eggs more neatly than he could, leaving the shells riddled with dents. When he was around my mother, he turned into a complete wreck.
“Darling, even if you don’t feel like eating much, try to have a little, for the sake of our child,” Philippa frowned and said.
“I can’t eat,” she sobbed.
I pushed the chicken and mushroom broth closer to him. “Just hang in there. You’ll feel better in a month. Please, Mom, be good.”
Bill scooped some soup, blew on it to cool it, and gently offered it to her. “Just a little, so you’ll look your best for the dinner banquet tomorrow.”
“What dinner banquet?” I asked, confused.
Bill explained, “In the coming five years, my attention will center on Snowville. Hosting a dinner to connect with influential people here is essential.”
My mother seemed indifferent but gazed at him with a trace of confusion. “Didn’t you always bring Monica and her daughter to these events before?”
Perhaps it was because Philippa had once firmly declared her intention to terminate the pregnancy and divorce him. That might have shaken Bill, stripping away his former arrogance. Now, he appeared more humble and considerate. Ever since she became pregnant, he seemed like a completely different person.
Bill said, his voice heavy with regret, “Darling, I know I’ve made countless mistakes over the years. But the truth is, you’re the only one I’ve ever loved. Back then, I just wanted to provoke you. I never expected to be drugged, which resulted in Sadie’s birth. I treated her and her mother well only to get a reaction from you, to make you care about me. I was jealous—jealous that Nicholas was the only one in your heart.”
He paused, his expression sincere. “It’s only now that I see how wrong I’ve been. I’m sorry. Please, give me a chance to make things right. From this moment on, you are and always will be my one and only wife.”
Bill’s heartfelt apology left both my mother and me in silence. When it comes to love, words are never enough to heal the wounds. He patiently fed my mother spoonfuls of chicken and mushroom broth, gently coaxing her to eat some grits afterward.
Chapter 223: Darling, Come Closer (Continued)
With a natural gesture, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. “Darling, get some rest. I promise the Wilchers won’t bother you anymore. Tomorrow night, dress your best. I want the whole world to see that you’re the one and only Mrs. Gardner. I’ve already arranged for an evening gown from your favorite designer.”
He turned to me, his gaze softening. “Zoey, I know I haven’t been the father you deserved all these years. Now that you’re married, there’s little I can do to make up for it. To show my gratitude and make amends, I’ve decided to give you and your mother ten percent of the shares in the Gardner Group.”
I was completely shocked. Bill is the type of person who pours all his energy into his work. Even though Monica appears to be living her best life, people overseas believe she’s his legitimate wife. But I recently looked into her past; Bill isn’t naive either. Other than covering her monthly costs, the home she stays in actually belongs to Sadie. And let’s not forget about the company shares.
As for the shares, the only time he gave any was back when my mother first married into the family. During that brief period when things were good between them, he gave her five percent. Monica had been with him for so many years, but aside from a few luxury items, she hadn’t gotten anything substantial—not even a single share of his assets, let alone a property!
It’s clear as day that Bill sees things for what they are. He’s no fool! He might mess around and stir up trouble, but he’d never take giving shares lightly. This is also the reason he’d rather spend millions every year to keep the Wilchers afloat than go through with divorcing Philippa.
Now he’s putting ten percent of the shares on the table. It’s a massive amount! Given the current market value of Gardner Group, that ten percent alone is worth ten billion.
Noticing my stunned reaction, Bill let out a deep sigh. “Zoey, I grew up in a single-parent home and never really knew love. That’s why I don’t know how to show it, only how to break things. I realize it’s my fault for using you to hurt your mother all these years. I know you can’t forgive me, so think of this as a small gesture from me, as your dad.”
He softly placed his hand on Philippa’s belly and continued, “It’s this child’s arrival that’s given me hope as a father and helped me understand the responsibility tied to that title. I want to make things right and be the best father I can for our family in the future.”
“What about Monica and her daughter?”
Bill was ready for the question. “We’ve been together for so long, and there are a lot of complications. I’ll sever those ties as quickly as I can. The only one who can’t be changed is Sadie, my daughter. I’ll give Monica some money and secure a good future for Sadie. Don’t worry; I won’t let her become part of the Gardners.”
With that, he stood up and headed off to work.
Chapter 223: Darling, Come Closer (Continued)
After being lost for so many years, he had finally come to his senses. Unfortunately, it was at the worst possible moment. Part of me wished he’d continued to be the bad guy so I wouldn’t be left with any regrets when they divorced. Now, with him trying to make amends, I wasn’t sure if Philippa would reconsider. “Mom, do you still want to go through with this marriage?”