Chapter 643 I Love You
In the warm bathtub, gentle steam rose into the air.
The mist curled around the edges of the tub, drifting upward and filling the bathroom with a soft haze.
Yvette lay with her eyes closed, surrendering to the water's tender caress. Her skin appeared even more delicate through the veil of steam. The mist brushed against her cheeks, softening her features into something ethereal.
Her entire body had taken on a pale rose hue, like a newborn's tender skin, utterly enchanting.
Yvette felt completely drained, barely able to grip the edge of the tub. She leaned back against Albert's solid chest, the only thing keeping her from slipping beneath the surface.
Water droplets traced paths down her body, leaving brief, shimmering trails in the misty air.
When Yvette shifted slightly, the bathwater rippled gently around them.
Albert's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "Feeling better?"
The bathroom was filled with a delicate fragrance that mingled with the steam, making even Albert's deep, melodious voice sound dreamlike and distant.
Yvette's body tensed slightly. Her long lashes fluttered, sending tiny droplets of condensed mist cascading down. Through the haze, she shot Albert a withering look, her silhouette ghostly in the swirling vapor.
"No!" she snapped, though her voice lacked any real bite.
Albert chuckled softly, his mind involuntarily drifting back to what had just transpired in this very spot.
He couldn't let this continue—she was truly exhausted.
Albert reached out to caress her flushed cheek, then pulled her fully into his embrace.
"Tired?" he murmured soothingly.
"Don't play dumb!" Yvette's voice cracked with exhaustion, barely above a whisper. "I want to sleep. Now. This instant!"
Albert looked down at her, his gaze lingering on her face, on those lips that parted with each breath. He clenched his jaw, forcing himself to regain control.
"Alright, let's get you to bed."
Albert rose and lifted Yvette from the mist-shrouded tub, grabbing a towel to gently dry her off.
He carried her out of the bathroom, and suddenly everything came into sharp focus.
When Albert looked down at Yvette again, she had already fallen asleep in his arms, her cheeks still flushed pink.
Albert smiled tenderly and placed her on the bed.
In the quiet of the night, moonlight filtered through half-drawn curtains, casting everything in a soft silver glow.
Yvette lay peacefully, her breathing shallow and even—she had fallen into a deep sleep.
She had truly been through so much.
In the moonlight, Yvette's face looked impossibly pure, like a lily untouched by the world's harsh realities, blooming quietly in night's garden.
Albert sat beside her, his gaze drawn to that beloved face.
He studied her closed eyes, her peaceful lashes, the soft curve of her lips.
Albert reached out tentatively, barely grazing her cheek. His touch was feather-light, as if he feared disturbing her dreams.
Those beautiful eyes of hers had gradually lost their sparkle after everything that had happened.
But today—on the beach, in the sunshine, with BoBo and CiCi, and with him—that light seemed to have returned.
Those eyes could steal his very soul; they held the radiance he wanted to protect forever.
He never wanted to be the bastard who made her cry again. He would protect her and the children, and any children they might have in the future.
Albert leaned down, wanting to kiss her forehead but afraid of waking her.
"I love you," he said softly.
The Valdemar Villa.
Sunlight danced across vibrant flower petals while a gentle breeze carried the intoxicating scent of blooms through the air.
Cheryl wore a wide-brimmed sun hat, watering can in hand, carefully tending to each flower with loving attention.
She fussed over the blossoms, pausing occasionally to admire her handiwork with a satisfied smile.
A nearby servant watched Cheryl with growing concern, starting to speak several times before thinking better of it.
Cheryl was getting on in years, and after suffering several devastating blows, her health wasn't what it used to be.
The weather was beautiful today, but the sun was intense, and the servant worried about her spending too much time in the heat.
Yet Cheryl hadn't shown this much enthusiasm for anything in ages.
The servant found herself torn, watching Cheryl with obvious hesitation.
After finishing one flower bed, Cheryl straightened up. Despite her best efforts to appear steady, she swayed slightly on her feet.
She sighed, noticing the servant's expression. "I suppose age catches up with all of us eventually," she said gently. "Even this little bit of gardening wears me out now."
Surprised that Cheryl had brought it up herself, the servant quickly stepped forward. "Mrs. Valdemar, you really should rest now. Your health comes first."
Cheryl smiled up at the servant and shook her head. "Don't worry about me—I can handle it. You know, BoBo and CiCi love playing here. They adore these flowers. I want to keep working a little longer so the garden will be at its most beautiful when they visit."
The servant understood perfectly—everything Cheryl did was for those innocent children.
It was clear that Cheryl genuinely adored BoBo and CiCi, not simply because they were Albert and Yvette's children.
"I understand, but you could have the gardeners help you," the servant suggested gently. "You should save your energy for playing with the children."
Cheryl laughed and waved her hand dismissively. "I'd love to play with them, but they're still on vacation abroad!"
At this, Cheryl suddenly looked up at the servant. "Speaking of which, has Beatrice said anything to you? Has Albert sent her packing yet?"
"Not yet," the servant explained. "Mr. Valdemar probably doesn't want Beatrice interfering with their family vacation."
"Then he's being an idiot!" Cheryl scoffed. "He's nothing like his grandfather. When Hayden took us on trips, he always made sure we spent the days together as a family, then had the staff take the children far away at night!"
"Exactly," the servant chuckled. "Otherwise the Valdemar family wouldn't be nearly so... prolific."
Cheryl's eyes softened with fond memories of Hayden.
After a moment's thought, she removed her hat and settled into the gazebo. While sipping her water, she pulled out her phone and began texting Albert.
Cheryl: [How's the vacation going? If you really think Beatrice is in the way, I'll have someone call her back.]
She expected Albert to take hours to respond, but her phone buzzed almost immediately.
Albert: [No need. Thanks, Grandma.]
Cheryl triumphantly showed her phone to the servant. "Albert's finally on the right track!" she said with a satisfied grin.
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