Kristopher slipped his hand beneath the folds of Sandra's bathrobe, his touch tracing the curve of her skin, smooth and delicate as silk. He encircled her slender waist, drawing her closer with a gentle yet firm grip. Her face, a captivating canvas of defiance and irritation, ignited in him an uncontrollable urge to overcome her resistance. His breathing grew heavy, yet he remained composed, slowly removing his tailored suit. The fabric brushed lightly against Sandra's cheek, releasing a mix of scents: a familiar woody aroma intertwined with an unexpected zesty lemon. It was unmistakably Jo Malone's Blue Agava and Cacao—Elijah's signature scent.
A surge of nausea overwhelmed Sandra at the realization. As Kristopher's eyes, now shaded with stormy intensity, drew nearer, the proximity conjured unwelcome visions of him and Elijah. Her stomach churned violently, and with a sudden movement, she pushed him away, propping herself up with a jolt and a dry retch. "Ugh…" Her stomach had been empty all day.
The desire in Kristopher's gaze flickered out, replaced by a cold, detached expression as he withdrew. Observing her genuine distress and reddening eyes, Kristopher perceived her reaction as outright disgust. He paused, adjusting his shirt cuffs, his voice cold as he confronted her. "Sandra, is this reaction reserved only for me, or is it how you respond to all men?"
The air in the room turned frosty, thick with tension. Sandra swallowed, her eyes widening in shock. Ever since their marriage, she had cut ties with nearly all her male friends, yet here was Kristopher, casually making cutting remarks. The years of love she had poured into their relationship now seemed utterly futile. Heat crept up her neck, coloring her cheeks scarlet as indignation took hold. Without thinking, she slapped him. All her suppressed grievances ignited in that swift motion. Her bathrobe, loosened in the heat of the moment, slipped from her shoulders. Ignoring the exposure, she swiftly gathered the fabric and draped it around herself. The impact of her slap left a light, crimson mark on Kristopher's cheek, marking him with her outrage.