Winning Her Heart Back (Emelie Hoven )

Chapter 835 Feel Something?

Elias had missed her so much.

Over the past three years, he had grown quiet, reluctant to communicate with anyone. The only time he felt the urge to talk was when he was at home, sitting by Ashley's bedside.

He would share everything with her, from what he had for breakfast to the amusing encounters on his way to work. He'd complain about how annoying clients were, and how disgusting Beathan was. He would talk about the sudden rain on his way home and the soothing raindrops on the windshield.

All he wanted was to talk to her, to hear her respond.

Elias wrapped his arm around her waist, instinctively sliding his hand along her back.

Ashley felt something against her waist and instinctively reached to touch it.

As she heard the deep, sensual sound that escaped his throat, she realized what it was. Her body tensed up in awareness and she immediately pushed him away.

She instinctively stepped back, gripping the sink as she tried to catch her breath.

Elias' lips were flushed, and his eyes darkened with desire as he looked at her. "Feel something now?"

"No!" Ashley wiped away the dampness from the corner of her mouth.

"That's alright. A few more tries, and you will. Besides, I definitely feel something. Look. If I didn't love you, why would I react like this?" Elias said shamelessly, clearly pleased with himself.

"Who knows! Now get out and stop bothering me." Ashley didn't want to continue the conversation further.

"Are you going to wash your face and brush your teeth?" Elias asked.

"Obviously," she replied.

"Me too. It's a double sink and has plenty of space. We can share. No need to get in each other's way," he said.

Ashley had no energy to argue with his relentless persistence. She turned on the faucet, filled a cup with water, and brushed her teeth.

Elias was determined to be close to her. Wherever she went, he would follow.

When she needed to go out, he would insist on driving her and would drop her off at the law firm. While she reviewed Beathan's case files, he'd be right there to bring her tea and coffee. At lunchtime, he'd head to the firm's kitchen to cook for her. He would follow the plans Ashley's nutritionist had sent him and prepare a meal for her.

In the middle of cooking, his phone suddenly rang. It was his mom calling.

The nutritionist mentioned that it was important to eat three meals a day on time. With that, the body can absorb nutrients effectively.

Elias was keeping a close eye on the clock. He was too busy to stop and handle the phone, so he put it on speaker.

"Mom?" he said.

"Elias, where are you right now?" Maya's voice was tinged with barely contained excitement. Without missing a beat, Elias replied, "In the kitchen, cooking for my wife."

Her tone instantly changed, rising in disbelief. "What? You're cooking? Is that really the best you can do?"

Elias clicked his tongue. "If you've got something to say, just say it. No need to nag."

"We were just having dinner, and your father mentioned that Xanther isn't doing well. Are you going to keep staying out there?" Maya said.

"What else would I do?" Elias asked.

Maya said, "Well, come home then! We have our family company, you know. Your dad said that he'd let you be the vice president if you come back."

No wonder Maya was so excited.

Elias heated the pan, added oil, and tossed in some vegetables with a loud sizzle. He narrowed his eyes, quickly stirring the food.

"I'm not going back. Right now, my priority is taking care of my wife. I'm not interested in anything else. Besides, hasn't he always favored his two illegitimate sons? He should let them run the company then," he replied casually.

Maya was exasperated. "Are you trying to drive me crazy? You built your career, and now your father finally recognized your success. He wants to hand the company over to you!

"If you come back, no one else will have a chance! I've been waiting for this day! And now you want to throw it all away for a worthless deadbeat? Are you out of your—"

Elias slammed the spatula down. The sound cut Maya off abruptly, startling her into silence. Elias picked up the phone. "Who are you calling a deadbeat? Go ahead, say it again." "I... I'm your mother!" Maya gasped, her breath coming in angry spurts.

"Ash is my wife. If you keep insulting her like that, don't be surprised if I stop playing the good son. I'm not going back to the company, and I'm not coming home. Don't call me if you have nothing important to say," Elias said.

Maya angrily said, "How dare you-"

However, Elias directly hung up the phone.

He turned off the stove, plated the food, and carried it to Ashley's office.

Like flipping a switch, the defiant look on his face melted into a bright, cheerful grin. A moment ago, he was a fierce, untamed wolf. But now, he was as sunny and playful as a golden retriever.

"Honey, dinner's ready," he said.