Chapter 518
From noon until dusk, they were intimate without interruption. The outside world ceased to exist. They only stopped when darkness completely enveloped them, the last light fading from behind the curtains. Tiffany was too exhausted to lift a hand, collapsing into sleep.
She awoke disoriented in the bathroom. The water was perfectly warm, soothing her aching body. A sigh of relief escaped her lips.
A deep voice startled her. "Is the temperature comfortable?"
Tiffany blinked, turning to see Richard in the tub with her. Remembering their earlier intimacy, her heart pounded and her face flushed. Yet, Richard looked considerably better than before. Concern overriding shyness, she instinctively checked his pulse.
Miraculously, his weak pulse had significantly strengthened. "You've recovered," she exclaimed, surprised.
"Yes," Richard murmured, gently biting her earlobe. He chuckled softly. "My dear, you sacrificed yourself to save me. Of course, I would recover."
Embarrassed and angry, Tiffany pushed him away. While she'd been the one to sacrifice herself, he, despite appearing weak and unconscious, had dominated their encounter—with surprising energy. Instead of pushing him away, she found herself engaged in another passionate encounter.
Only when the water grew cool did Richard sigh contentedly. Years of abstinence had ended, and the experience was clearly unforgettable. Their intimacy continued from afternoon until night.
Tiffany took a long time to recover. Seeing the rumpled bedsheets, she bundled them into Richard's arms. "You clean this up."
The sheets were wrinkled and stained with blood. Richard smiled, tucking them into the wardrobe and quickly tidying the room. The bedroom appeared almost normal.
Tiffany rose and pulled open the curtains, only to be met by six startled eyes.
"Oh!" she gasped. The three men, previously peering through the window, jumped back, their surprised exclamations echoing hers.
Richard rushed to her side, expecting an emergency, only to find three men sheepishly grinning through the window.
Sidney was the first to climb down the ladder, entering the bedroom. Seeing Richard's revitalized appearance, he exclaimed, "Richard, you're recovered? Hey, you look stronger than before!" Garry and John echoed his astonishment.
Richard, in a black shirt, remained handsome, but his bearing was more imposing, sharp and commanding. Only he and Tiffany knew the reason for this transformation.
Tiffany covered her face. She had regained her memory. Her royal bloodline had awakened, the Treasure Box explained, granting her extraordinary physical capabilities and immunity to all poisons. Richard's strength had also reached a terrifying level, including the ability to manipulate natural forces. Their intimacy had shared and amplified their powers. The Treasure Box indicated this effect wouldn't be immediate; further intimacy would make them even stronger.
Tiffany regretted her impulsive disclosure. Richard now regarded her with burning intensity whenever the opportunity arose. Unexpectedly, after observing Richard, Sidney's gaze fell upon her.
"Is this an illusion?" he exclaimed, astonished. "Tiffany looks…different." The change was subtle, yet noticeable. She seemed more stunning, her clear eyes now radiating a subtle allure—pure, yet captivating; elegant, yet approachable. Garry and John agreed. Richard, however, didn't give them a second glance, quickly ushering them out. He hadn't had enough time with his wife.
Chapter 518 (Continued)
Sidney and the others, unceremoniously ejected, looked aggrieved. "How heartless!" they protested good-naturedly, relieved that Richard was healthy and that he and Tiffany were reconciled, however it happened.
Tiffany yawned, standing. "I'm going back."
"This is your home," Richard countered, drawing closer. "Weren't you hungry? Eat first. I'll take you back tomorrow."
The thought of her ability to even get out of bed tomorrow made Tiffany violently shake her head. "No, I need to return to Luna Villa. There are things I need to ask about."
Richard's eyes darkened at her immediate rejection. Is she leaving me? he thought.
Tiffany's heart softened, and she threw herself into his arms. Remembering his past devotion, and his silent protection, her heart melted.
"Richard," she confessed, "I like you…a little more."
"Only a little?" he teased. "Looks like I need to work harder."
Tiffany laughed, looking up at him. "I have another question, one you must answer honestly."
"Okay."
"Have you liked me for a long time?" Tiffany asked, remembering Richard's words before her death in her past life: "Don't let me down next time." Had he been interested in her much earlier?
Richard raised an eyebrow, chuckling. "Why do you ask?"
"Just tell me."
"I guess"
Tiffany's eyes widened. "Since when?"