Chapter 198

Verena chuckled at the phrase "knight in shining armor" as if it were both ridiculous and charming at the same time.

She lingered in easy conversation with Miranda, their voices weaving together in lighthearted chatter.

The silence in the bedroom was so complete that the faint echo from the phone's receiver stood out with striking clarity.

Isaac had emerged from the bathroom, still drying his hair, and caught the tail end of what was being said.

As the words drifted to him, his chest gave an unexpected jolt, and his heartbeat began to beat faster.

When Verena answered Miranda, her tone made his pulse stumble in disbelief. "He's my husband, Miranda. Trusting him isn't a choice-it's a certainty."

Her voice rang with pride, soft yet radiant with happiness, and every bit of it reached him.

Isaac realized she wasn't pretending for anyone's sake.She meant every word.

The corners of his mouth lifted in a smile as he let that truth sink in.

Contentment rolled through him, thick and warm,wrapping him in the certainty of her faith in him.

He had begun to notice subtle signs that she was thinking more about him lately.

Could it mean she was beginning to feel something deeper for him?

Isaac didn't dare to push his luck. Having this moment, just as it was, already felt like more than enough.

The two ladies' conversation drifted lazily between topics until Verena caught a flicker of movement in the glass of the windows.

There, in the reflection, Isaac sat motionless in his chair, his eyes fixed steadily on her.

His focus was so deep that he didn't realize she had already noticed him watching.

A playful curve touched her lips as she spoke into the phone. "Alright then. We'll stop here for now. We can talk more when we're both free."

With that, she ended the call and set the phone aside.

When she turned, her head tilted slightly, and a teasing lilt colored her voice. "Tell me, Mr. Bennett,how long were you planning to spy on me from over there?"

"I could spend my whole life watching you," said Isaac, his dark gaze locking with hers while a smile tugged at his mouth.

Not long ago, such a direct call-out from her would have left him flustered and tongue-tied.

Now, though, he had found his footing.

He could sense the shift in her, faint but unmistakable, as if she were beginning to care for him in ways she hadn't before.

That fragile spark was enough for him to cling to, and he silently vowed to let her see the depth of his devotion.

Verena's eyes widened slightly as she was startled by how smoothly he had turned her jab into something bold.

She had meant only to tease him, yet here he was,tossing back a line that made her heart skip.

She let out a soft laugh as she strolled over, lowering herself onto his lap as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Why didn't you say a word? You didn't even bother to ask me to come closer." Isaac's arms instinctively circled her waist, pulling her against him. "You were busy talking to your friend. I didn't want to cut in."

Her eyes glimmered with mischief as she tilted her head. "So you heard all of it, didn't you?"

He gave a slow nod, the corners of his mouth betraying the satisfaction he didn't bother to hide.

Catching that look, she arched a brow. "And now you're pleased with yourself, huh?"

Her lips curled into a teasing smile, and the playful gleam in her eyes reminded him of a child who had just pulled off a trick.

Instead of answering, Isaac bent forward and captured her mouth, his kiss making it clear how thrilled he was.

"Mmm..." A muffled sound escaped her throat,startled yet sweet, before his kiss swallowed the rest.

Feeling Verena's clear affection for him stirred something deeper in him, a need that grew harder to control.

His breath grew ragged as he pressed closer, desire coursing hot through him.

"Ah..."

The moment threatened to deepen, but Verena suddenly pressed against his chest and bolted toward the bathroom.

Isaac froze, staring after her in disbelief. Had she really just shoved him away?

Had she been so repulsed that she actually felt like throwing up?

Isaac's gaze lingered on the closed bathroom door,unease knotting in his chest.

Was she truly that uncomfortable with him?

No... that couldn't be it.

He brushed a hand across his mouth, remembering the sweets he had eaten earlier that evening. Maybe the lingering taste had turned her off?

But then again, he had already brushed his teeth and even used a freshener.

There was no way a trace of it should have remained.

Even so, a wave of embarrassment burned through him, tinting his ears pink.

After a moment of hesitation, he wheeled himself quietly to the bathroom and sat there debating.Finally, he raised his hand and gave the door a soft knock. "Verena, are you alright in there?"

Gripping the edge of the sink for support, Verena gagged a few times,though nothing came out.

When Isaac's voice drifted through the door, she glanced over her shoulder. "It's alright. My stomach just flipped for a bit."

She twisted the faucet on, cupped her hands beneath the stream, and rinsed her mouth with cool water. While the water slipped through her fingers, a sudden thought struck her.

For someone as meticulous about her health as she was, random nausea wasn't common. Regular checkups always kept her in the clear.

Could it be...pregnancy?

The idea startled her, leaving Verena staring at her reflection in disbelief.

Her cycle was already three days late, but three days alone wasn't proof of anything.

With a quick shake of her head, she told herself she would schedule a hospital visit tomorrow to be certain.

There was no need to mention it to lsaac yet. She didn't want to spark his excitement only to have it mean nothing.

After taking a steadying breath, she turned off the tap and stepped out of the bathroom. The moment he saw her, lsaac's voice came out tense. "Are you really okay? Should I call a doctor to check on you?" She dismissed the suggestion with a wave of her hand. "No, don't fuss. I just need some water, and I'll be fine."

Relieved but still cautious, Isaac gave a slow nod.

Once she stepped out to get a glass of water, Isaac slipped into the bathroom, grabbed a cup, and began scrubbing at his teeth all over again without a word.

By the time Verena came back carrying a glass of water, she caught sight of him still bent over the sink,toothbrush in hand.

Setting her glass down, she frowned in amusement."You've been at it forever. What on earth are you still brushing for?"

At the sound of her voice, he turned his head, letting out a muffled "Hmm?" through a mouthful of foam.

The bristles kept moving, his words swallowed in toothpaste and bubbles, making his usually composed self look surprisingly awkward.

The sight made him seem far less intimidating than usual, and oddly enough, there was something almost adorable about it.

Before he could get another word out, she pieced the whole thing together, remembering how she had rushed off earlier.

Leaning casually against the doorframe, she let out a laugh. "Wait... do you honestly think I ran off to throw up because of our kiss?"

His toothbrush stilled, and he muttered through the foam,"Wasn't that it?"

His·brows knitted together, a faint shadow of hurt flickering in his expression, leaving him looking both troubled and strangely pitiful.

Unable to stop herself, Verena stepped forward,resting a hand on his shoulder as her laughter softened. "Of course not. We've kissed plenty of times. Why would I suddenly feel sick from that? As for the real reason-well, I'll tell you tomorrow."

Verena studied the sharp lines of his face, and then gave his cheek a teasing poke before leaning close to whisper, "Rinse that foam off first."

The moment her words confirmed it hadn't been about the kiss, relief washed over lsaac, loosening the tension that had gripped him.

A faint grin tugged at his lips, unguarded and genuine.

Without protest, he bent over the sink, swished water around his mouth, and wiped away the last traces of toothpaste.

Before he could straighten fully, Verena brushed a quick kiss against his lips, light as a feather.

"My husband is the cutest," she said, her tone sweet but threaded with playful warmth. Color bloomed across his ears at the unexpected praise, betraying the shyness he couldn't quite hide. Noticing it instantly, Verena tilted closer, pressing a soft kiss against his ear just to fluster him more.

That playful kiss against his ear unraveled him completely, sparking a rush he couldn't contain.

His chest tightened, and in one swift motion, Isaac hauled her into his embrace, clutching her as though she was the only thing that could steady him.

Holding her like this felt like staking a silent claim-like she was his, and would always remain so.

"You're the one who started this," he murmured, his voice low and rough, before pressing a trail of kisses -first to her forehead, then the tip of her nose, and finally her lips.

In an instant, the balance between them shifted,and it was he who pressed forward, leading the moment.

Verena sensed exactly where his touch was headed,yet she caught his wandering hand and shook her head. "Not tonight, Isaac."

Her voice trembled, raw and breathless, betraying both want and restraint. He lifted his gaze, eyes slightly bloodshot, a question flickering in the depths.

Why pull away now, after teasing him like that?

Noticing the frustration in his expression, she leaned close, her lips brushing his ear. "Wait until after l've had my checkup tomorrow. I'll tell you everything then."

Silence lingered as he processed her words, his jaw tight, his thoughts racing.

Could it mean...

A spark lit in his gaze, the possibility striking him al at once. "Could it be that you..."

Before he could finish, Verena pressed a finger gently against his mouth. "Shh. Don't let your hopes run too high just yet-it might turn out to be nothing."