Chapter 35
Landon seemed to be enjoying her services calmly, but in fact, he was very nervous. Amelia’s actions had stirred him more times than he could count in the past few days. Thankfully, Landon’s body remained free from any peculiar responses today. It was a relief for Landon to be able to open his eyes and see, to be aware of her actions and predict what was coming next. When everything was within control, the anxiety of the unknown faded, and so did his body’s reflexive reactions.
“Excellent work,” Landon commended, his voice rich with approval.
Amelia let out a soft breath and intensified the massage. “Mr. Kingsley, your satisfaction is my priority.”
It appeared he had mastered control over his particular bodily function, and there will be no embarrassment during massage, Amelia thought.
“Landon, I appreciate your help today,” Amelia expressed as she massaged.
Landon thought it was nothing to him. He was cold, but not ungrateful. His rapid recovery in just ten days was largely due to Amelia, her gratitude sincere. She was the one who had repeatedly pushed and tested his limits, stimulating his body back to life. Thus, his gratitude towards her ran deep.
“If you need anything in the future, don’t hesitate to tell me,” Landon offered.
“OK,” Amelia agreed.
Once the massage concluded, Amelia rose to her feet. Her sight suddenly clouded, and her legs buckled, causing her to lurch forward. Amelia instinctively reached for support and pressed on Landon’s crotch. His pupils dilated in a flash of alarm. As he was about to reprimand her, she tumbled into his embrace.
Landon’s temples pounded. “Damn it. What spot did you press?”
“I–I…” Amelia stammered.
Amelia’s response was automatic, but her mind and body were not yet in sync.
“Get up,” Landon roared, his usually composed face flushing. The spell of dizziness passed, and Amelia came to her senses.
Did I actually faint in his arms? It was so embarrassing. Wait, my hand…
Amelia’s eyes widened in horror as she realized the blunder she had made.
“Amelia. This was deliberate, wasn’t it?”
“No, I’m sorry, it wasn’t intentional…”
Amelia hastily shook her head in denial, her mouth dry with anxiety. It was hard to explain her innocence.
His look is terrifying as if he could devour me whole. It’s too frightening to meet his gaze constantly. It’s safer when he’s asleep…
Cursing inwardly and smiling outwardly, Amelia explained, “My legs went numb from squatting for so long, and then everything went black, so I inadvertently fell into your arms….”
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She was really embarrassed by what had happened, but it had been an accident.
Landon gazed at her slender figure, and his anger gradually ebbed away.
“If you’re unwell, you should see a doctor.”
“I’m perfectly fine. I don’t need to.”
Amelia recoiled, her complexion draining to a sickly pale. Haunted by the fear of unnecessary medical procedures in her last life, her body shook with fear.
Landon looked at her with astonishment. Did I say something wrong? I merely suggested she see a doctor and look after herself. Why does she look so frightened?
He recalled her plea the day she had climbed into his bed. “I’m not sick. They forced me into surgery. Please, help me…”
As a lady from the Edwards family, Amelia had drawn the attention of many suitors but nearly fallen victim to a plot against her person.
Is she suffering from psychological trauma? Landon wondered.
“Amelia, you must remember your current status,” Landon said, his dark eyes inscrutable.
Amelia’s heart quivered with panic. The courage she had built up since her rebirth seemed to falter at that moment.
What am I now? The daughter–in–law in name only of the Kingsley family, the castaway daughter of the Edwards family, and the target of Zachary. If Landon casts me aside now, I don’t even have the strength to protect myself.
As Amelia was consumed by self–doubt, Landon’s voice resonated with certainty. “Amelia, you’re my wife now. No one can mistreat you.”
His voice was steady and magnetic, like the final note of a cello, immediately dispersing the panic in her heart. She met his unwavering gaze and, with newfound resolve, straightened her posture.
Indeed, I am the voice that conveys his will, the hands that execute his tasks, and the CEO who assists him in running Kingsley Group. I am an indispensable woman to Landon. Who would dare to underestimate me?
Reclaiming her confidence, she let it shine in her eyes. Landon, seeing this, felt satisfied, his eyes crinkling into an imperceptible smile.
“I understand, thank you…” Amelia took a deep breath, striving to soothe her constricted voice. “Truth be told, when I climbed into your bed that day, I was at my wit’s end. But now, I feel as though it was all arranged by fate.”
“Arranged by fate…” The smile in Landon’s eyes intensified.
It would seem so, Amelia thought as she approached Landon, knowing his thoughts. She had only sought protection, but with her help, he kept his position in the company and regained consciousness. He had gained far more than she had anticipated.
“Amy, it’s time to dine,” Gloria poked her head out of the dining room and called out.
Amelia acknowledged Gloria’s call, steered Landon into the dining room, and in a hushed tone inquired, “At your stage of recovery, can you have regular meals?”
“No.”
“Then I’ll send you to your room.”
“To the dining room.”
Amelia paused, uncertain. “You can’t eat. Won’t it be more distressing to merely smell the aromas?”
“My appetite for food isn’t particularly strong,” Landon remarked, his eyes narrowing.
“Alright.”
With that, Amelia wheeled Landon into the dining room. With a bang, a shower of colorful confetti rained down from above, blanketing them. Music filled the air, accompanied by the birthday song throughout the dining room.
The surprise rendered Amelia momentarily immobile as if trapped in a dream.
“Amy, happy birthday.” Gloria walked over and embraced Amelia. The staff followed suit, extending their well–wishes one by one.
Tears welled up in Amelia’s eyes. “Thank you…”
“We’re family. There’s no need for thanks. Come, cut the cake and make your wishes,” Gloria pulled Amelia to the table.
A cake adorned with twenty–one candles for her birthday stood ready. Amelia was in the prime of her youth.
“Make a wish, or the candles will burn out,” Gloria prompted.
Amelia clasped her hands, closed her eyes, and silently wished, May I embrace a new life. May this life be filled with joy and the fulfillment of all my dreams.
Next to her sat Landon in his wheelchair. He watched the flickering candlelight dance across her face, illuminating her delicate skin. With closed eyes and a pious expression, she was as dignified and beautiful as a goddess making a sacred wish. Landon sensed the significance of her wish and felt an urge to be part of her life, to help make her dreams come true.
“Okay. We can cut the cake,” said Gloria.
Amelia opened her eyes and was full of energy. She portioned out the cake to everyone present, including the servants. When she finally reached Landon, she asked earnestly, “Mr. Kingsley, what about you?”
The atmosphere in the room momentarily turned solemn.
Oh my, Mrs. Kingsley has just poked Mr. Kingsley in a sore spot. Isn’t she intentionally embarrassing him? People around wondered.
Landon showed his disinterest. “I’m not interested in having a cake.”
“No. I insist.” With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, Amelia swiftly dabbed some cream onto Landon’s forehead.
Everyone was speechless.