The throbbing pain in his head disappeared the moment he heard the threats made against Mariely.
I warned him before not to push me this far, he thought grimly.
"Zean," her gentle voice called him back.
He turned to look at her worried face and simply wrapped his arm around her, kissing her softly on the cheek.
"I'll rest for a while. Don't worry," he assured her.
She sighed, only nodding in response. The medicine he had taken was beginning to work, easing the headache. Yet the thought lingered—just when his fiancée's life was finally becoming peaceful, Edward had returned to disrupt everything.
He was in his room when a knock sounded on the door. "Come in," he said.
"I've got a headache; my wife is sleeping in the other room. But before I lie down, I already told the manager what you asked for," Clover said as he stepped inside.
Zean gave a small nod. "Make sure that man never bothers my fiancée again. Didn't you mention you have a contact where he works?"
"Yes," Clover confirmed.
"Then monitor him." Zean's tone left no room for question.
"God, Frank, I have a family now," Clover muttered in protest.
"I know. But right now, I need to rely on you."
"Are you really fine with spending that much money? Millions? You've never in your life wasted such a huge amount." Clover scratched his head, disbelief clear in his tone.
Zean's lips curved slightly. "Clover, sometimes you need bait for the enemy to bite. Don't worry about the money. I can earn it back."
Clover only shook his head. "You're lucky your fiancée isn't the type who's after money."
"That's why I chose her," Zean replied firmly. "And I can spoil her as much as I want. I'll spend anything just to make her happy."
"Whatever. But you'd better talk to Andrew and Nathan—those two are already suspicious of you," Clover reminded him.
Zean only nodded, letting Clover leave before closing the door behind him. He laid back down on the soft bed, his phone buzzing with confirmation—the transfer had been successful.
Dad would kill me if he knew. But he'd understand why I had to do it. Besides, it's my savings, Zean thought before the heaviness in his eyes overtook him. The medicine and exhaustion lulled him into a deep sleep.
When he stirred awake, there was weight on his body. He glanced down and smiled—Mariely had curled up against him, fast asleep in his arms. His headache was gone, and he felt rested.
"It's already three in the afternoon, huh?" he muttered as he checked the time.
Carefully, he slipped away and looked through Mariely's phone. Edward's messages were still there.
Let's see if you still dare disturb her, he thought with a quiet edge.
He needed a shower before going home, so he gently tapped Mariely's cheek.
"Hon?" he whispered.
She stirred, her lashes fluttering. "Hmm?"
"I'll just take a quick shower," he told her.
"You haven't eaten all day—no breakfast, no lunch. Eat first," she said, sitting up.
He nodded, but his gaze lingered on her.
Damn, I'm so attracted to her. His hand reached out to caress her cheek.
Before she could react, he captured her lips in a sudden, deep kiss. Surprised, she stiffened for a second—but soon melted into him, returning his passion.
His hands roamed down to her soft thighs, gently squeezing them until she lost her balance and they both fell back onto the bed.
"Faith," he whispered her name with longing.
Her cheeks flushed under his gaze. Slowly, he slid off her top, revealing her curves. His hand caressed her, his breath uneven.
"Can I… taste you?" he asked huskily.
Blushing furiously, she only nodded. "Let me know if you don't like it," he murmured against her skin.
His lips traveled to her neck, leaving tender bites that drew soft moans from her. His mouth found her breast, sucking gently, while his fingers kneaded her softness.
God, I will marry this woman. I will make her mine forever, Zean swore silently, tasting the untouched innocence that only fueled his desire.
Her moans grew sweeter, her body trembling as he explored her. Sliding his hand lower, he teased her over her panties before slipping a finger inside her warmth. She gasped, already wet from his touch. Soon, two fingers stretched her gently, her body responding with shivers.
"You're beautiful," he whispered as he watched her fall apart beneath him.
She blushed deeper when he guided her trembling hand to his hardness.
"Hon, it's… really big. Won't it hurt me?" she asked shyly.
He chuckled softly at her innocence, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'll be gentle. It might hurt at first, but our bodies were made for each other. Trust me."
As her hand stroked him clumsily, his groans filled the room. He kissed her lips again, whispering, "That's it, hon. Just like that…" until he came in her hand, breathless.
But he was still hard.
"Can I… go inside you?" he asked, his voice rough with restraint.
Mariely swallowed nervously, but after a moment, she nodded. "Please… just be gentle."
"I will." He kissed her tenderly, then pressed into her slowly. She gasped in pain as her body tightened around him, tears pricking her eyes.
"Faith… you're mine now," he whispered, kissing away her tears as he moved carefully within her.
Her moans soon replaced the pain, her body adjusting, meeting his every thrust.
"Let it out, hon. Don't hold it back. I want to hear you," he urged softly against her ear.
Her cries of pleasure only drove him further.
"Zean…" she moaned, clinging to him.
"You're mine, Mariely. Only mine."
When her body trembled around him, he groaned, reaching his limit. "Faith, I'm close. Is it safe?"
She nodded breathlessly. "Yes… it's okay… I'm close too…"
Together, they fell over the edge, collapsing in each other's arms, sweaty and trembling.
"It's warm," she whispered, still blushing.
"I love you, Faith."
"I love you more."
He brushed her hair back, kissing her lips tenderly. Then with a playful smirk, he murmured, "Another round?"
She turned crimson but nodded shyly.
"Damn, Faith, I want more," he groaned, already ready again.
They laughed softly, but their bodies soon tangled once more, losing themselves in the rhythm of passion. Later, when they were finally dressed, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, leaving the room hand in hand with her—looking as though nothing had happened.
But within those four walls, they had sealed something sacred: their love, their vow, their forever.