Theodore approached her quietly, his gaze shifting from her to the dresses that had captured her attention. "What are you looking at so eagerly?" he asked with a mix of curiosity and affection.
Bella turned around with a swish, a wide grin spreading across her face. "These are the dresses I designed!" she exclaimed with excitement. She explained that when she had returned home from the office, she found that Joshua had already delivered the dresses.
"I’m all set to participate in the show," she added, clapping her hands together in delight.
Theodore turned his gaze back to the dresses, this time taking in every detail with keen interest. The craftsmanship was impeccable, and the designs were unique and stunning. "Wow," he breathed, unable to hide his admiration. "These are beautiful."
Bella’s smile grew even wider, pride and joy radiating from her as she watched Theodore’s reaction. His words of praise meant the world to her, deepening her confidence. His support fueled her determination, solidifying her resolve to create a name for herself in the fashion world.
She envisioned a future where her brand would be recognized by everyone, where no one would dare to belittle her or question her worthiness of being Theodore’s wife.
"I knew you were a born talent," Theodore said, pulling her into his arms. The warmth of his embrace made her feel invincible. "And you’ve proven it." He leaned down, placing a tender kiss on her lips. "I’m proud of you."
"I’ll always make you proud," she murmured. But as her gaze drifted back to the dresses, a shadow crossed her mind, and her smile slowly faded.
Theodore immediately noticed the change in her demeanor, his brow furrowing in concern. "What’s troubling you?" The question slipped out spontaneously.
Bella’s shoulders slumped, a hesitant look clouding her face. She was unsure how to tell him that she wouldn’t be accompanying him to the party. The revelation would surely disappoint him.
"Willow asked me to accompany her to the charity gala," she began cautiously.
Surprise flashed across Theodore’s face. "And what did you say?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. He wondered who Bella had ultimately decided to prioritize.
Bella hesitated, her lips pressed into a thin line before she finally spoke. "I said yes."
"Are you serious?" Theodore exclaimed, disbelief coloring his voice. His emotions were a mix of jealousy and disappointment. "You chose her over me? You’re my wife—you should be by my side."
Bella tried to reason with him, her tone firm yet gentle. "We’re going to the same place. Don’t fret." She pouted, crossing her arms over her chest in a playful attempt to defuse the situation. "Willow is your younger sister, and as her sister-in-law, I should fulfill her requests. Don’t be so cocky, Theodore."
Her words, though meant to be light-hearted, carried a subtle sting. Without waiting for his response, Bella turned and walked out of the room, leaving Theodore standing there.
Cocky?
Theodore’s eyebrows knitted tightly in frustration as he watched Bella walk away. Unable to let the matter rest, he quickly followed her out of the room.
"But it’s unfair," he protested, his voice tinged with a childish whine. "You should have informed me first before agreeing to go with her."
Bella paused mid-step, taken aback. She whirled and gaped at him. "So, you’re upset because I accepted Willow’s request?"
"I..." Theodore started, but the words faltered on his lips. He struggled to articulate his feelings but couldn’t find the proper words.
"I..." The words that were about to escape his mouth died down in his throat. "I appreciate that you care about my sister. But what about me? I need you too." He reached for her hands, holding them with an almost pleading look.
Bella couldn’t help but be amused by his reaction. The powerful, composed businessman she knew so well had suddenly transformed into someone vulnerable, almost childlike in his need for her attention. The stern mask he usually wore had slipped, revealing the tender, innocent side of him that only she got to see.
With a gentle smile, Bella wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close. "I’m all yours," she whispered playfully. "Tell me, how can I make it up to you? I’m willing to do anything."
Theodore’s lips curved into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Are you sure?" He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by her offer.
Bella nodded.
Without another word, Theodore scooped her up effortlessly, lifting her into his arms in a bridal style. Bella let out a delighted giggle, her heart light with happiness as she rested her head against his shoulder. He carried her towards the bedroom, his earlier frustration forgotten as they both reveled in the playful, intimate moment they were sharing.
As Theodore carried Bella into their bedroom, every step heightened the sense of anticipation between them. The warmth of his body seeped through her, igniting a slow burn that started deep in her chest and spread outward, touching every part of her.
Bella’s arms tightened around his neck, her fingers instinctively finding the soft hair at the nape of his neck. She played with it absentmindedly, her eyes locked onto his. There was a powerful mix of love and desire in her gaze, her heart pounding not just from their physical closeness but from the overwhelming emotions that always surged when she was with him.
Theodore pushed open the door to their bedroom with his shoulder, the door swinging open to reveal the room bathed in the soft, golden light of the fire crackling in the hearth. The bed, with its plush pillows and soft linens, awaited them.
He moved slowly, deliberately, as if savoring every second, every breath they shared in this intimate moment. When he finally reached the bed, he gently laid Bella down, his hands lingering on her waist. He hovered over her, his eyes drinking her in, tracing every detail of her face.
It was in that gaze that she saw everything—the unspoken adoration, the quiet reverence, the deep, all-encompassing love that bound them together.
Bella’s breath hitched in her throat as she looked up at him, her eyes shining with the depth of her love for him.
He lowered himself onto the bed beside her, his hand sliding up her arm, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. Bella reached out, her fingers tracing the lines of his face, memorizing every curve, every detail. She felt a shiver run through her as his hand moved to her cheek, his thumb brushing across her lips with a tenderness that made her heart swell.
Theodore leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was soft at first, a gentle exploration of familiarity and love. Bella responded eagerly, her hands pulling him closer, needing to feel him, to lose herself in him.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
