Maggie had just settled into bed, ready to rest, when she suddenly remembered Aldrich’s words about staying outside her door, available for anything she might need. The thought brought her a sense of appreciation for Aldrich’s gesture, acknowledging the thoughtfulness behind it.
Deciding to check on Aldrich, Maggie opened the door and found him standing by the wall, unmoving. His gaze immediately swept over her, a mix of concern and relief evident in his eyes as he confirmed her well-being.
Aldrich’s attentiveness touched Maggie’s heart.
“Thank you, Aldrich,” she said sincerely, her voice filled with gratitude. “I appreciate your concern.”
Aldrich’s face softened, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I understand, Maggie,” he replied, his voice reflecting both respect and understanding. “Just know that I’m here if you need me. I’ll always support you.”
Maggie nodded.
Maggie looked at Aldrich in silence. She believed his words, but there were other concerns weighing on her heart, making it difficult for her to reciprocate an equally committed promise to Aldrich.
As they stood there, a comfortable silence enveloped them. Maggie could feel the warmth of Aldrich’s presence.
As Maggie prepared to retire for the night, she turned to Aldrich . “You know, Aldrich, if you promise to keep quiet, you can stay in the room with me from now on.”
Aldrich couldn’t help but feel a mixture of amusement and a touch of wounded pride. Throughout his life, he had never encountered someone who complained about him talking too much. With a wry smile, he replied, “Well, that’s a first. I never thought I’d be accused of being too talkative. But if it means I get to spend more time with you, I’ll gladly oblige.”
Their banter lightened the atmosphere, bringing a playful ease to their interactions. It was in these moments of teasing and laughter that their connection deepened, allowing them to truly enjoy each other’s company.
As they settled onto the bed, their bodies instinctively gravitated towards one another, seeking comfort and warmth. Wrapped in each other’s embrace, a sense of tranquility washed over them, creating an intimate ambiance that was both comforting and reassuring.
Maggie could feel the steady rhythm of Aldrich’s heartbeat against her chest, a comforting lullaby that soothed her restless mind. Their breaths mingled in the small space between them, forming a harmonious symphony of shared moments and unspoken emotions.
In the dimly lit room, their gazes met, and a surge of tenderness passed between them. The weight of the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in this intimate bubble of connection. Their eyes held a silent understanding, speaking volumes of the unspoken promises and uncharted territories their relationship held.
The soft touch of Aldrich’s hand against Maggie’s cheek sent shivers down her spine, igniting a fire within her. The electricity between them was palpable, radiating from their intertwined bodies, their hearts beating in sync. It was a moment of pure vulnerability and raw emotion, where words were unnecessary and actions spoke louder than any verbal declaration.
Just as Aldrich was about to be interrupted by Charlie again, Maggie used her shoulder to create some distance between them.
Aldrich’s eyes sparkled, “Is Maggie going to fulfill the promise herself?”
“What?” Maggie’s cheeks turned red. “You already kissed me when I woke up today.”
“That doesn’t count; you were teasing me, so I had to take the initiative and fight back!”
“But every time, it’s not a sneak kiss, it’s an overt one!”
Aldrich laughed, “Maggie is truly clever. Then you must know what I desire.”
Seeing the desire burning in Aldrich’s eyes, Maggie realized for the first time his strong self-control and danger. She shook her head, “No, I don’t want to, Aldrich. We have many uncertainties ahead of us.”
“Do you still not trust me?”
“No, there are many things I don’t trust myself with, but I trust you. You’re worthy of trust.”
“But you’re not willing to fully commit to me…” Aldrich buried his head in Maggie’s neck, his voice tinged with resentment. “Don’t talk to me about any contract partners or physical loyalty nonsense!”
It seemed Aldrich was truly frustrated. He probably had never encountered someone who could defeat him so thoroughly without any recourse.
Maggie lifted his face and thought for a moment before speaking, “I feel like there’s a potential danger of being attacked at any time, and I can’t fully relax.”
“You’re in my estate, I’ll protect you…”
“Aldrich, but I can’t stay indoors all the time. Even with all the precautions you’ve taken, with the bodyguards and Charlie, I still almost couldn’t see them, our babies…”
“No, that won’t happen. Don’t say that…” Aldrich regretfully placed a soft kiss on Maggie’s neck, as if to imprint his scent on her and make her completely belong to him, so he could feel a little more at ease.
“Her face is deeply etched in my heart; I can’t let it go…”
“Who?”
“The leader of the attackers, that woman. She hates me.” Maggie stared straight into Aldrich’s eyes.
Aldrich’s eyes met Maggie’s, a mixture of sorrow and determination flickering within them. “Charlie confronted the attacker, and it appears that it was my former mate, Grace, behind the assault. However, something has changed within her, and she’s no longer the same person. We need to delve deeper into what caused her transformation. That’s why I need you by my side, Maggie. Together, we can ensure your safety.”
Shock washed over Maggie as she processed Aldrich’s revelation. The fact that Grace, someone who once held a special place in Aldrich’s heart, could be responsible for the attack sent shivers down her spine. She couldn’t fathom the complexity of the situation and the danger that loomed over their lives.
Aldrich looked at Maggie with concern. “I’ve been hesitating to tell you before, afraid you might overthink things.”
“Overthink what?”
“I don’t know. I can’t figure you out. The books on taking care of pregnant women say they should be exposed to relaxing things and not worry.”
“If you could talk to me, then… we wouldn’t have had the jealousy, arguments, and cold wars before.”
“What?” Maggie shook her head. “Aldrich, I’m not a weak hothouse flower that can only survive by clinging to you. This version of me isn’t qualified to be your Luna, let alone accompany our baby.” Not to mention the difficult journey she had to undertake to find her mother.
“I know, my Maggie has always been strong.”
“So, you don’t need to hide things from me because you’re worried about me. It only makes me more suspicious.”
“There’s one concern in front of me right now,” Aldrich pondered and said. “Since you’ve made your stance clear, I’ll just say it directly.”
Maggie smiled. “Of course.”
“I hope in the days to come, you can be with me all the time.”
“Be each other’s shadow?”
“Yes!”
“That won’t work. I don’t want to accompany you to the company and be stared at curiously by your employees like a monkey from the forest.”
Aldrich chuckled. “It won’t be that exaggerated.”
“Oh, it will! And, if you go to the men’s restroom, do I have to go with you?”
“If you want to…”
Blushing, Maggie pushed Aldrich away. “No way!”
“Maggie, I can’t take risks anymore. One experience like that is enough to leave a lasting impression. I can’t gamble with it again.”
The usually proud top alpha actually showed vulnerability and used the word “dare not.” Maggie’s icy heart melted in an instant.
“I understand your concerns, Aldrich,” Maggie finally spoke, her voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and determination. “But going to Barrett Group with you… It’s a lot to handle. The scrutiny, the judgment… I’m not sure if I can handle it.”
Aldrich’s expression softened, his eyes filled with empathy. He reached out, gently brushing his fingers against Maggie’s cheek, as if trying to reassure her. “I understand, Maggie,” he whispered tenderly. “I won’t force you into a situation that makes you uncomfortable. Your well-being and peace of mind are of utmost importance to me. Just know that I’ll support you, no matter what you decide.”
Maggie’s heart swelled with gratitude for Aldrich’s understanding and unwavering support. She knew he would protect her, but she also needed to assert her own independence and carve her own path. She needed time to gather her thoughts and find the strength within herself to face the challenges that lay ahead.
With a determined look in her eyes, Maggie met Aldrich’s gaze. “I want to be a part of this,” she declared with conviction. “But I need to find my own way to contribute. I’ll find a way to aid in the investigation and uncover the truth about Grace. And when the time is right, I’ll stand beside you.”
Aldrich’s admiration for Maggie grew, witnessing her strength and resolve. He knew she possessed a spirit that refused to be broken, and he respected her desire to maintain her independence. With a gentle squeeze of her hand, he conveyed his support and acceptance of her decision.
In that moment, Maggie felt a surge of determination coursing through her veins. She wouldn’t allow fear or the prying eyes of others to hinder her quest for the truth. She would find her own path, unravel the mysteries surrounding Grace, and stand alongside Aldrich when the moment called for it.
As they held each other in a tender embrace, a whirlwind of emotions enveloped Maggie. Uncertainty intertwined with newfound purpose, and a spark of courage ignited within her soul. She was ready to confront the challenges that awaited her, to unearth the truth, and to fight alongside Aldrich for their shared future.