Chapter 256 A Taste of Sweetness
Once finished, the anxiety within Lilian began to subside.
Just wait a little longer, Lilian. All these nuisances will soon vanish.
And then, you'll be there for Darwin with all your gentle warmth. He’ll eventually be moved, realizing you're the one for him...
Lilian took a deep breath and exhaled.
On her way out, she passed by the flower shop where Darwin made his purchase. From a distance, she had only glimpsed the type of flowers Darwin had bought and decided to buy the same kind.
*
Inside the apartment, Darwin silenced his phone and tossed it aside.
"Why didn't you tell me? Worried I'd take Lilian's side?" he pulled her close and asked earnestly.
For five years, she had lived in Lilian’s shadow, a daily reminder that she was merely a stand-in and that Lilian was the more important one—a notion that had likely seeped into her very marrow.
This realization made Darwin wish he could travel back in time to give his younger self a good thrashing.
He knew it was essential now, more than ever, to remind her frequently that she was his number one, utterly irreplaceable.
"There's no need for this," Fiona said, attempting to wriggle free from the arm he had wrapped around her waist. "Don't hold me so tight!"
"Baby..." Darwin said, his head nestled against her chest.
Fiona sighed in exasperation, "I'm not your baby."
"Yes, you are!" Darwin retorted like a child throwing a tantrum. "Don't get it twisted. I told you, I was young and confused; I mistook the gratitude I felt towards Lilian for love. But it's you, Fiona. You've always been the one I truly and solely love."
After reevaluating their time together, Darwin realized he needed to lay his cards on the table.
Otherwise, Fiona's mind would inevitably spiral into negative territory.
Fiona was utterly blindsided.
By Darwin's sudden declaration of love.
"I was wrong before. I always thought about how she moved to Europe for me and suffered so much, and that I should take responsibility," Darwin whispered, "But after the plane crash, I finally understood just how egregious my mistake was... You are the one who means the most to me... Your feelings are what matter most."
"Nice words," Fiona muttered under her breath, her eyelids drooping.
So he did understand the heart of her grievances?
"So, what's the plan with this recent proposal issue?" Fiona inquired.
Darwin pondered for a moment.
"Even without this issue, I was planning on transferring her to Southeast Asia."
With several countries there experiencing rapid economic growth, Solomon capitalized on the timing and expanded operations.
Recently, a senior executive in that region had to step down due to health issues. Darwin was supposed to send one of the higher-ups from the Solomon headquarters to take over, and the first person that came to mind was Lilian.
There were two reasons for this. First, Lilian was capable. And second, he wanted to create some distance and give her the chance to move on—perhaps time and space would dilute old fixations.
This would be the outcome Darwin longed for.
A win-win resolution.
Upon hearing his plan, Fiona thought immediately, 'She won't agree to it."
But she kept that to herself.
"Darwin, just to be clear, your debt and obligations to Lilian are your business. If she crosses me, I won't pull any punches," she warned.
Like with this proposal debacle—Lilian was deliberately trying to undermine her.
It wouldn't matter if Darwin sent her to Southeast Asia or the outer space; she'd find a way to serve it right back.
"Understood," Darwin nodded.
"Let go now; I really need to leave."
From the moment Darwin walked through the door, he had steadily been closing the distance between them, and now he was pressed close to her heart.
If this continued, they'd end up in bed together.
"Let me drive you to the airport tomorrow," Darwin said, lifting his gaze to hers with a hint of reluctance. "Why not stay at my place tonight?"
"No way!"
Fiona raised her hand, her fingertips pressing against his forehead, pushing him back. "Get rid of those nasty thoughts. We aren't back together, and I have no plans to reconcile. Take care of your own needs."
Darwin was at a loss for words.
"At least stay for dinner before you go. I've learned to cook over the years. It's not as good as yours, but it's not bad either. Let me make you dinner, okay?"
He was playing the long game, cherishing any extra moment with his wife.
"You cook?" Fiona was astounded.
Darwin used to be quite pampered.
"Yeah." Darwin gazed at her. "I've missed your cooking so much. I've tried many chefs, but none could capture the taste of your dishes. I finally decided to stay home, recall how you did it, and try it myself."
As he spoke, Darwin withdrew one hand and presented it to Fiona. "I kept cutting myself at first. You can still see the scars."
Fiona's eyes traced over the faint scars on his fingers, picturing that scene, feeling an acute sense of pain.
"Clumsy." She pushed his hand away, but Darwin swiftly grabbed hers, interleaving her delicate fingers with his.
"There's nothing in the fridge. Will you go grocery shopping with me, please?" Darwin's voice was soft. "I promise, after dinner, I'll take you home. No funny business!"
Fiona looked at him, recalling the old Darwin who was always cold and unapproachable.
But now...
He had changed.
Clingy and sentimental, he gazed at her with the eager, wet-eyed look of a puppy, waiting for a morsel of sweetness from her hand.
"Maybe some other time." Fiona still wanted to maintain control over the pace of their relationship.
She couldn't afford to give Darwin too many treats, lest he get carried away.
Darwin deflated like a punctured balloon.
He reluctantly escorted Fiona to the door, and just as she was about to leave, he suddenly pulled her back in.
Shutting the door, he pinned her against it.
Grasping her chin, he kissed her fiercely. His advances unmet, his kisses were aggressive.
Struggling for breath, Fiona tried to pull away, but he quickly drew her back, resuming his fervent kisses.
After struggling for a moment, Fiona's head felt warm, her thoughts muddled.
Darwin softened his kisses, pecking lightly at her lips before moving to kiss her neck and the area behind her ear, his touches and breath hot.
Despite the years, he was still so fond and addicted to her body.
The buttons on her shirt had come undone long ago.
Darwin trailed kisses down her body, deliberately avoiding the spots that were most often in view. His lips clung to a patch of her pale skin.
"Darwin…" Fiona winced in pain, giving him a feeble push.
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