Chapter 536 You Are Injured, I'll Take Over Today
Aurelia's trust in Nathaniel had become absolute. How could she not believe in a man who had risked his life to help her find her family?
Cathy remained noncommittal for a moment before sighing. "After everything that's happened, I can see that Nathaniel truly cares for you. We owe him a debt of gratitude for Burry's safe return. Once he's recovered, I'll host a dinner in his honor."
"Grandmother, he doesn't care about such formalities," Aurelia replied softly.
"Whether he cares or not is beside the point. It's about proper etiquette. We should do things properly, especially after he's suffered such serious injuries on our behalf."
Aurelia thought of Reed's death but kept it to herself, a painful knot forming in her throat.
Lately, Cathy had been consumed with worry, barely eating or sleeping. None of the family members had proven to be suitable bone marrow donors for Burry. Health, she had discovered, was something money couldn't simply purchase.
She was desperate to find a match for Burry, but such things couldn't be rushed. Looking at Aurelia, Cathy's eyes welled with tears as she thought of her grandson lying in the hospital bed.
"Burry's life has been so difficult," she whispered.
Aurelia hadn't yet had a chance to visit Burry in the hospital. The recent cascade of bad news had left her feeling overwhelmed, barely able to catch her breath.
"Grandmother, my brother is exploring every possible avenue. Let's wait to see what he finds," she offered gently.
"What else can we do but wait?" Cathy replied, her voice heavy with despair.
"We'll find someone," Aurelia assured her, then added after a pause, "I'm taking Dahlia with me too. Jacob and Dorothy need her."
Cathy looked startled. "You're taking the children as well? Are you planning to move in with him permanently?"
Aurelia moistened her lips, aware of how protective Cathy was about her romantic life. Her grandmother feared she would be hurt again by another man. The only reason she'd agreed to let Aurelia care for Nathaniel was because she felt indebted to him.
Now that Aurelia was formally proposing to reunite their family under one roof, Cathy's hesitation was palpable, though unspoken.
Aurelia had made up her mind, however. No one could dissuade her. "Grandmother, please stop trying to introduce me to other men. I've only ever loved one person—I loved him then, and I love him still. No one else will do. He's been gravely injured because of me, and I won't let him face recovery alone. He needs me, and the children need their father. We should be together as a family. That's what a normal household looks like, and it's the life I want."
Aurelia rarely spoke with such conviction. Cathy understood that her granddaughter had made her choice.
"Alright then," she conceded. "Go to him."
Cathy said nothing more as Aurelia left the room. Downstairs, Dahlia waited with the packed luggage. Together, they departed the house.
The journey—one Aurelia had made countless times over the past four years—felt different today. They were finally going to be together.
Back at Seaside Estates, Nathaniel was helping the children with a craft project on a cartoon-patterned rug that had appeared from somewhere. The scene was one of domestic harmony.
When they heard the door open, all three looked up.
"Mommy, you're back so soon! I thought you'd be gone until evening," Dorothy exclaimed happily.
"I packed up and came straight back," Aurelia replied. "I only brought your everyday essentials. We can get the rest of your toys next time we visit."
Her gaze found Nathaniel's, and they shared a silent exchange.
Nathaniel's emotions were complicated. He'd both longed for and dreaded this moment. She was perceptive—would she notice something amiss in their day-to-day life together?
Aurelia showed Dahlia in. "There are two empty guest rooms. Choose whichever you prefer."
Dahlia selected the one in the corner, furthest from the master bedroom, and took her belongings there.
After everything was settled, Nathaniel ordered dinner from a nearby restaurant. Back in their bedroom that night, he experienced a sense of unreality. Watching the house gradually fill with her possessions, he realized this place finally had a mistress. He was no longer alone.
Days passed. Aurelia worked from home all week, conducting meetings online and having documents delivered for her signature. Nathaniel did the same.
His gunshot wound was healing well, and he could now bend his knee slightly. Yet a noticeable pallor remained on his face. Concerned, Aurelia prepared different meals each day to tempt his appetite. He ate plenty, but continued to lose weight.
Though Aurelia had been vigilant, she hadn't noticed him getting up during the night again, nor had anything unusual occurred. She wondered if perhaps she was being overly suspicious, always expecting the worst. Surely no one could be unlucky enough to face every possible misfortune.
That evening, after settling the children and helping Nathaniel with his evening routine, the atmosphere between them grew intimate. It had been some time since they'd been together.
Aurelia retrieved a silk nightgown she'd bought recently—a thin, smooth fabric in a style Nathaniel favored. After changing, she locked the bedroom door and entered the bathroom where Nathaniel waited. His gaze faltered momentarily at the sight of her, his throat working as he swallowed.
She took a box of condoms from the storage cabinet and placed it beside him. Since his injury, Aurelia had purchased a small leather sofa for the bathroom, which now seemed particularly useful.
Nathaniel reached for her, desire kindling in his eyes.
Aurelia approached and, without waiting for him to act, straddled his thighs, her arms winding around his waist like vines. "You're injured. Let me take the lead tonight."
Nathaniel chuckled softly. These past weeks, she'd been like a powerful CEO doting on a fragile spouse, while he played the role of someone too delicate to care for himself. Even their lovemaking had become her domain.
"Alright," he said, his voice husky. "You set the pace."
His hands settled on her lower back, drawing her closer until they were pressed together. Aurelia felt his heat against her. She ran her thumb lightly over the prominent ridge of his Adam's apple before leaning in to capture his lips.
Nathaniel watched her with open eyes, savoring her passion. Never had he felt such contentment. Everything seemed worth it for this moment.
Her teasing quickly undid his restraint. He took control of their kiss, his tongue entwining with hers.
Feathery kisses traced a path downward as his hands lifted her to the perfect height. He alternated his attention between her sensitive peaks, his technique gentle yet electrifying.
His skill was evident—he never caused her pain, only waves of tingling pleasure that radiated through her body.
In her haze of desire, Aurelia could only anchor herself by threading her fingers through his hair, lost to everything but sensation.
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