Reclaiming Her Heart

The room fell silent, and the only sound that could be heard was the ticking of the clock on the wall.

Once again, Raymond felt like he might be experiencing auditory hallucinations. Did she call him her husband because she mistook him for someone else?

The crystal chandelier illuminated her face as she carried on speaking. "I can't recall what happened that night anymore. I believe you have forgotten it too. I apologize for mistaking you for my husband just now." Being adults, it was unnecessary to assign blame or hold anyone responsible for what happened that night. After all, it was all Beatrice's fault. Work was now the top priority. There was no need to dwell on insignificant matters.

"If you're interested in my design work, please feel free to share your specifications." Selena effortlessly changed the topic back to work as if what happened that night was not worth mentioning.

Raymond remained silent. He had caught a glimpse of the bruises peeking out from under her sheer clothing in the bathroom earlier, which reminded him of his uncontrollable behavior that night. In hindsight, he knew that things would only worsen then.

Selena just went home like that, yet her husband had not yet made a fuss or resorted to divorce. Was he truly indifferent, or were their marital issues already simmering beneath the surface?

Raymond leaned back in his chair and regained his composure quickly. "If our actions affected your relationship with your spouse, then the apology should be mine," Raymond said, but Selena interrupted him before he could finish. "No, my connection with my husband remains as it was," she lifted her gaze to meet his squarely, her eyes brimming with earnestness. Prior to this, they were strangers, and they remained so unchanged by what had happened. Initially, Raymond didn't care about Selena's marital status. However, her words now held a hint of mockery. She just said remained as it was?

No man, regardless of the depth of his disaffection for his wife, would endure the humiliation of being cuckolded. The very notion of another male encroaching upon his domain was unthinkable. He remembered Selena's words about how this project alone could net her a cool million if it came to fruition.

Raymond stood up and said, "I'll entrust you with the design work of my villa in Manhattan," he announced. "Think of it as recompense for...that night."

As the words left his lips, his eyes were drawn irresistibly to hers, which shimmered with a rosy, lustrous glow, exuding an undeniable allure.

Selena looked surprised but pleased that she had secured the project. "Okay, I won't let you down. Should you have any insights or recommendations, don't hesitate to reach out at any time," she assured.

Raymond, however, noticed that Selena barely skipped the word "compensation" he intentionally mentioned. A slight frown creased his brow as he felt a suffocating sensation, grappling with the abrupt shift in her demeanor. Just thirty minutes. prior, she had been affectionate, embracing and kissing him, but now, with sobriety restored, she was as cold as frost.

For the first time in over twenty years, he was aware that someone might actually dislike him, a realization that left him profoundly uneasy.

As he strode towards the door, Selena asked, "What about payment for the clothes?"

"Consider them a gift," he replied coldly before wrenching open the door and slamming it shut with a resounding thud.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

The door closed neatly. Selena's legs trembled, feeling as if they might give way beneath her, and beads of sweat began to trace a path down her forehead. Retreating to the bathroom, she splashed cold water on her face several times. She wasn't sure which medication Joseph had administered, but its effects had yet to wear off. Her body was still feverish as if millions of ants were crawling inside her, leaving her restless and agitated.

She knew that Raymond had left this room to her, Selena resolved to refill the bathtub since there was no feasible alternative. It was too cold, but it was the only option available.

Selena removed her clothes and placed them neatly aside before stepping into the tub. The icy chill was immediate, causing her teeth to chatter uncontrollably. Overwhelmed by fatigue and drowsiness, she leaned against the rim of the tub and drifted into sleep.

When she awoke, it was almost seven in the morning. As she stepped out of the bathtub, she nearly stumbled because, although the medication had worn off, soaking in water all night had left her feeling dizzy. After quickly drying herself off and putting on some clothes, she struggled to walk out, leaning against the wall, and resolved to go to the hospital first thing in the morning.

As soon as Selena opened the door, she was confronted by the imposing figure of Raymond standing at the threshold. He was dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit that accentuated his already perfect physique even more than noticeable. Selena greeted him, "Well, morning, Mr. Montague."

Raymond's gaze flicked to Selena briefly upon hearing her voice, offering a curt "Hmm" in response, devoid of any further acknowledgment or salutation. He walked straight towards the elevator.

Selena, maintaining a polite smile, pressed the elevator button and said, "I imagine the expenses for the clothing and the room charges are quite considerable, Mr. Montague. I've heard that the breakfast here is quite commendable. Do you have a moment? I'd be delighted to treat you."

Raymond had been on the verge of declining, as he had several meetings scheduled for the morning. However, he softened upon noticing her wet eyes and pale complexion. Turning away and furrowing his brow, he replied in a tone as cold as ice, "As you wish."