Chapter 136

"Last chance," William’s voice was low and lazy by her ear, like some charming devil trying to lure her soul. "What should you call me?" Turns out, a person under pressure will say just about anything. "...Hubby." She mumbled, barely audible, admitting defeat. Those two barely-there words slipped into William's ears like a spark hitting dry grass—everything in him just froze, then flared back up, raging stronger than before. He spun her around and held her tight, like he wanted to pull her into his bones, like only fitting her into his skin could calm the storm inside. He kissed her soft lips, pressing his forehead against her damp one. "Heard you loud and clear, honey." ... The next morning, Elsie woke up wrapped in the soft glow of dawn. The window in their bedroom faced the garden; sunlight spilled in, making everything shimmer with life. Birdsong drifted lazily from somewhere far off. Elsie stretched lazily, turned over... and found herself face-to-face with a wide-eyed stare. Thei