Chapter 494

Samuel's emotions ignited, his gaze wild and frantic. In stark contrast to his intensity, Shelmaine remained calm, her face devoid of emotion. He hated seeing her like this—without love in her eyes. The next moment, he lowered his head and kissed her hard, like a beast on the verge of losing control, venting his frustration with reckless bites and aggression. She closed her eyes. She neither resisted nor struggled, though her discomfort was evident. She whimpered in pain, begging him to stop, but he refused to listen. Instead, he murmured in her ear, coaxing, "Beg me, Shelly. Call me your husband, and I'll stop…" However, she wouldn't utter another word. Samuel completely lost control. … That evening, on Valentine's Day, Julien returned home to find the decor had changed. It took him a moment to remember the significance of the day. Helen had left work early to prepare everything with care. She had even replaced the dull gray sofa covers with beige ones patterned with flowers, a