SWNOVELS Chapter 148: Rare Moments Of Calm
Chapter 148: Rare Moments of Calm
Soon, Isabella finished tonight's dinner with Lilly, setting the dishes on the table.
Observing the sumptuous spread, all prepared by Isabella, Emanuele found his appetite surging. He savored a piece of beef, finding it as delectable as his previous meals-perfectly seared steak, flavorful pasta; it seemed there was nothing on the table that wasn't delicious.
Emanuele, eyes half-closed, relished each bite, forgetting the work-related troubles. At this moment, he felt like the happiest person in the world.
Isabella, from Emanuele's wine cabinet, retrieved a bottle of wine. She might not recognize the brand, but she knew Emanuele's collection was undoubtedly valuable. However, being married, his possessions were also hers; no need to draw strict lines.
Isabella opened the red wine, pouring a glass for Emanuele and one for herself. "Cheers, Emanuele!"
Emanuele raised his glass, clinking it with Isabella's. The crystal glasses chimed like melodic music in the air. Under the crystal chandelier, Isabella's radiant smile expanded, resembling a moonlight goddess, shining brightly.
After their toast, Isabella tilted her head back, taking a sip of wine. Her slender neck seemed fragile, as if a slight pressure could shatter it.
Unable to resist, Emanuele reached out, pulling Isabella into an embrace. He lowered his head, capturing Isabella's lips, savoring the fragrance between them, whispering, "Drinking like this has no meaning. Drinking from your lips is sweeter and more fragrant."
Isabella blushed, uncertain if it was from the wine or Emanuele's actions.
After dinner, Isabella watched TV for a while, feeling tired. Spending the day preparing food had drained her energy. Ready to take a bath and sleep, she glanced at Emanuele. Despite his usual cold demeanor, she sensed his weariness. Inviting him for dinner was also her way of urging him to rest.
Isabella sighed. As his wife, there was so little she could do.
She went to the bathroom, and after a while, she emerged, telling Emanuele, "I've filled the bathtub; you can go take a bath first."
Emanuele initially planned to wait for Isabella to finish before entering. Hearing her words, he paused, surprised that Isabella would help him prepare the bath.
Isabella also took out Emanuele's robe from the closet. "You probably haven't had a good night's sleep these past few days. I genuinely worry you might exhaust yourself. Hurry up, undress, take a bath, and get some sleep."
Emanuele, unexpectedly, seized Isabella's hand, leading her towards the bathroom. "Bath together," he said suddenly.
Isabella hastily stopped him. "No, I'm afraid you'll wear me out again."
Of course, she wasn't afraid. In fact, she enjoyed it very much. However, she believed Emanuele was already fatigued, needing a proper rest. Sexual activity could be a form of exercise, and she didn't want to add to his exhaustion.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything. Just a simple bath together," Emanuele reassured, recognizing Isabella's concern.
Isabella suddenly felt a bit awkward-had she overthought things? Since that was the case, refusing again would be too embarrassing. So, once again, the two of them eased into the bathtub together. While they had bathed together before, today felt a bit different. Previously, Emanuele couldn't resist touching her, arousing her desires, leading to amorous moments in the tub. But today, Emanuele merely held Isabella, bathing together without any inappropriate actions.
This might be the first time they were pressed together, fully naked, yet devoid of any sensual movements. Isabella leaned against Emanuele, finding herself almost dozing off from fatigue.
His embrace was spacious, yet due to years of exercise, his muscles were firm, his chest solid. Though not as comfortable, it provided a unique sense of security.
Isabella couldn't pinpoint when she drifted off, but when Emanuele lifted her and gently dried her body, she groggily awoke. Watching Emanuele tenderly wipe her down, his actions delicate as if tending to a baby, warmed her heart. It seemed Emanuele did care for her; his actions spoke volumes.
Struggling free from Emanuele's hold, Isabella changed into her nightgown. Emanuele, too, put on his sleepwear.
Lying in bed, Emanuele naturally pulled Isabella close, cradling her in his arms. The two cuddled tightly; Isabella nestled in Emanuele's embrace, found a comfortable spot, and closed her eyes, letting herself relax.
The intense and domineering scent from the man brought her great peace. It was strange how thoughts could change. Previously, the scent emanating from Emanuele filled her with suffocation and fear, but now, everything was different.
They seldom spent such serene moments together, free from animosity, like countless ordinary couples in the world.
"Emanuele, rest well. I feel like you haven't had a good night's sleep in a long time," Isabella, leaning against Emanuele's chest, murmured softly, her consciousness becoming hazy.
Listening to Isabella's words, Emanuele reached out, gently stroking Isabella's hair, and softly hummed in acknowledgment.
During this period, he indeed hadn't rested much. The Sicilian faction had become active again, their covert actions increasing. He had captured more of their members, yet none were willing to divulge information about Frederick. Even after showing Frederick his granddaughter's photo, there was no response. Did this mean his granddaughter wasn't important to Frederick?
Emanuele wasn't sure, but he wouldn't easily let go of his granddaughter. At least, she carried Frederick's blood, and he would make her pay for what Frederick had done.
He had temporarily assigned this matter to James, but Clark, somehow informed about Frederick's granddaughter's age, wanted to visit the prison. Emanuele had James take Clark to see the girl.
Clark likely just wanted to see how pretty Madilyn was, Emanuele thought. Perhaps Clark might be attracted, but he couldn't allow Clark to take her away, at least not until things settled. Maybe Clark could help uncover Frederick's whereabouts. Emanuele didn't mind more people assisting him in this matter.