Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Ralph circled the table and sat beside her, his arm gently wrapping around her waist.
“You don’t need to make any effort this time. Let me take the lead.”
He then picked up the knife and fork, meticulously dicing her steak before feeding it to her.
The blend of floral and savory aromas gradually softened her stiff limbs.
Guided by his touch, she finally leaned against his chest.
Ralph’s gaze burned as he watched her, seizing the last steak cube with his lips before pressing them against hers, kissing her mid-chew…
That night, Mary drifted in a daze from his kisses as he carried her back to their former home.
His fingers laced tightly through hers, leaving no space between.
A sudden twinge in her leg flashed Karen’s frenzied sneer across her mind, making her push against him.
Ralph gently pinned her hands above her head.
His scorching lips brushed her ear as he rasped, “Mary, that child came from frozen sperm. I never touched her. You’re the only one I’ve ever had, the only one I want.
His tender reassurances melted her resistance, her pushing hands going slack.
Her mind screamed warnings not to fall again, but her body surrendered to his relentless advances and desperate entanglement.
Three months later.
Mary’s new life found its rhythm.
She resumed her nursing duties, days passing in tranquil contentment.
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One evening, just as her shift ended, Mary’s phone buzzed.
[Waiting at our spot.]
Ralph’s message lifted her lips into an unconscious smile as she breezed through the hospital gates.
Spotting her, he strode over and passed her the drink.
“How was today?
Tired?”
He naturally took her bag while massaging her shoulder.
“Not bad.
Just sore legs from standing all day.”
Ralph immediately knelt, kneading her calves with practiced tenderness.
Passing nurses giggled, whispering, “Mr. Ralph picks up Mary daily-flaunting their love right at the entrance! Have mercy on us single dogs!”
Flushing, Mary nudged him. “Get up-everyone’s staring.”
Unfazed, he grinned up at her. “Why be shy about pampering my wife?”
Rising, he pecked her lips.
Mary’s cheeks flamed crimson.
Entering their home, the aroma of cooked food greeted them.
Ralph explained, “Been secretly taking cooking lessons. Tried my skills today.”
Mary whirled in surprise. “You learned behind my back?”
He ruffled her hair. “Had to. Keep the saying alive-win the heart through the stomach.”
Mary couldn’t help but laugh, suddenly remembering: “Our department’s corporate retreat is next week. We can bring plus-ones.”
Ralph’s eyes lit up: “I’m in.
“I
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“Aren’t you swamped with work?”
“Nothing’s more important than being with you.”
He leaned down to kiss her forehead, “Besides, I need everyone to know you’re mine.”
She laughed, pushing him away: “Childish.”
Ralph pinned her against the entryway instead, his arm circling her waist, nose brushing hers: “Only childish for you.”
His kiss descended gently as Mary closed her eyes, responding.
Outside, moonlight gently spilled through the window, enveloping the embracing couple.
Time seemed to still in that moment, leaving only the rhythm of their heartbeats.
The corporate retreat for Mary’s hospital department was held at a suburban hot spring resort.
On the bus, Mary chatted and laughed with her colleagues while Ralph sat quietly beside her, his fingers permanently laced with hers.
“Mary, your husband looks like a hero straight out of mythology!”
Nurse Michael Li Rodriguez leaned over conspiratorially. “And he clearly adores you.”
Mary smiled shyly, but Ralph turned and nodded politely at Michael. “Thanks. My looks are barely passable for my wife.”
His voice carried just enough to reach the whole bus, sparking good-natured cheers.
Mary flushed and pinched his arm, but Ralph just chuckled and pulled her closer.
Dinner time.
In the resort dining hall, everyone gathered around tables buzzing with energy.
“Here, Mary! A toast to you!”
The department head raised his glass. “Two days ago, you spotting that patient’s symptoms saved us from a disaster.”
As Mary reached for the glass, Ralph stood first.
“Director, my wife can’t hold her liquor.”
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He took the glass with a smile. “I’ll drink this for her.”
He drained it in one go.
“Ralph’s a pro!”
“”
Colleagues clapped and cheered. “Now you’ve got to drink more!”
All evening, whenever someone tried to toast Mary, Ralph smoothly intercepted it.
“Ralph,” Dr. Thomas from Anesthesiology teased, “newcomers here drink three glasses!”
Ralph arched an eyebrow. “Newcomer?”
Thomas Zhang grinned. “Mary just transferred to our department!”
Ralph nodded, suddenly standing to pour himself three brimming glasses.
“Tonight, whatever my wife owes, I’ll drink it all!
These three glasses are from her to you.
Please support her going forward.”
His gaze swept the room-gentle yet unyielding.
He downed all three without flinching.
After a stunned pause, thunderous applause erupted.
“Ralph’s unstoppable!”
“Mary, your husband’s incredible!”
Watching Ralph shield her from drinks, Mary felt warmth spread through her chest.
Walking back to their resort room.
“You drank too much.”
Mary steadied him, worry lining her voice.
Ralph suddenly pulled her behind a massive tree, caging her between his arms and the trunk.
“Mary…”
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Alcohol roughened his whisper. “I’m happy today.”
“Why?”
“Because…”
He rested his forehead against hers. “Your colleagues said you’ve got a great husband. I’m accepted.”
His whiskey-tinged breath fanned hot across her cheeks.
Mary lifted her eyes to his hazy, tender gaze-her pulse spiked.
“Did you need their approval?”
“Yes. Only yours matters, Mary…”
“Hmm… silly.”
Mary rose on her toes and kissed him.
Ralph froze for one heartbeat-then seized control, deepening the kiss.
The distant laughter of colleagues drifted over, no one noticing the intimate glow in this
corner.
Ralph’s voice grew laced with breathlessness, “Mary, I want you.”
“Here?
No… let’s go
back…”
Before Mary could finish her flustered protest, he swept her into his arms.
Mary gasped, “Didn’t you say you were too drunk to stand?”
A knowing smile touched Ralph’s lips. “Got my second wind, Mary. This time, I probably won’t be able to calm down for two hours!”
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