Chapter 418

"Home. I bought a house here in Aurich. It's our home, Shelly. Do you want to see it?" Samuel said as his gaze was soft, almost pleading. He reached out to hold her hand, rubbing his thumb gently over her palm. "See if you like it?" Shelmaine wanted to refuse, but the words got caught in her throat. Eventually, she nodded, agreeing to check out the place, curious if he was serious. When they arrived, it was a standalone penthouse with a garden out front. As she followed him inside, she noticed the faint scent of fresh paint lingering in the air, indicating the place had recently been renovated. What surprised her most was the living room. Hanging prominently was a photo of the two of them—one of their only wedding pictures. "How did you even get this here?" she muttered, stunned by the sight. Samuel smiled, his tone gentle. "It's just temporary. Once everything is set up and ready to move in, we'll take proper wedding photos together. How does that sound? Shelmaine frowned, her brows knitting tightly. "You've thought this all out already?" "Yes, very clearly." Samuel's grip on her hand tightened as if letting go would make her disappear. He couldn't risk losing her again—the pain of that would be unbearable. Shelmaine didn't respond directly. Instead, her gaze lingered on his features. His face, still as striking as ever, bore no traces of aging. If anything, he had become more refined, exuding the confidence of a mature man. She found herself musing that if they had a child, and the child inherited his genes, they wouldn't turn out too badly. Her lips curled into a sly smile. "Over these two years, did you miss me?" "I did. A lot." Samuel didn't hide his desire, his eyes burning with intensity as he leaned down to kiss her. Shelmaine didn't pull away, wrapping her arms around his neck instead. His hands slid to her waist, firm yet impatient, kneading with little restraint. The pressure made her wince slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing across her face. "Shelly, this place isn't ready yet. The cleaning isn't done, and it's not fit to stay in. Let's go back to the hotel, or maybe my place. I promise I'll take good care of you. Okay?" Caught up in the moment, Shelmaine agreed. … What Shelmaine didn't expect was that Samuel's place turned out to be her old apartment in Aurich—the one she had stayed in before moving to Amberward. As she stepped inside, memories flooded back. She hesitated in the doorway, recalling unpleasant events that had unfolded here. "Shelly, after you left, I stayed here. I didn't know when you'd return, but I didn't want you to come back and not find me. So, I waited." Samuel's explanation pulled her from her thoughts. Lowering her gaze, Shelmaine muttered, "I need some water." "I'll get it." He returned quickly, handing her a glass. As she sipped, she asked, "How's your relationship with your family now?" "It's not good. I've cut ties with them." "Because of me?" "It's not your fault. It's my mother's—Eliana brought all this on herself. She hurt our child. I should've severed ties long ago, but I wasn't ruthless enough back then. You bore the consequences of my hesitation." Shelmaine didn't want to delve into the past any further. Reaching for his shirt collar, she pulled him close and kissed him, her initiative catching him off guard. Samuel's joy at her boldness was evident. He deepened the kiss, holding her tightly. That night, their connection felt more harmonious than ever before, a perfect blend of longing and understanding. Afterward, as the night stretched on, Shelmaine's stomach let out a quiet growl. Samuel, ever attentive, heard it immediately. Chuckling, he slid out of bed, dressing swiftly. "Stay here. I'll go grab you something to eat," he said, pulling on his shirt. You're going out?" "Of course. I'll grab some food and a few supplies we ran out of. Wait for me. I'll be quick."