?<strong>Chapter 514:</strong>


    As he approached, Carrie suddenly frowned. Her nose crinkled slightly as she sniffed the air. “Why do you smell like someone else’s perfume?” She had be more sensitive to smellstely, and the sweet, fruity scent on him stood out sharply against his usual cool, woody cologne.


    Kristopher knelt down beside her, his smile widening as he gently wiped a droplet of water from her cheek. “Isn’t that the smell of jealousy?”


    Carrie leaned in slightly, her brows knitting in suspicion. “Don’t change the subject,” she said, her eyes flicking to the bag in his hand.


    Kristopher let out augh, one that echoed warmly in the quiet of the yard.


    Carrie’s expression grew stern as she realized the meaning behind his teasing. Standing up, she crossed her arms, her hands still stained with soil, and red at him. “I’m not jealous! But if you’re sneaking around behind my back, I’ll—”


    Before she could finish, Kristopher rose and covered her mouth with his hand, cutting her off with a yful grin. “Alright, alright.”


    “Don’t say that word. You’re sounding more and more like Camille these days, saying whateveres to mind. You know, sometimes your words can really sting.”


    Carrie’s re didn’t soften. “And you’re starting to sound like Albin, smooth-talking your way out of trouble.”


    Kristopher raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. “Smooth-talking? Whether I am or not, that’s something you’ll have to find out for yourself.”


    Before Carrie could react, he captured her lips in a deep kiss, his movements confident and unyielding. Caught off guard, Carrie barely managed to nce at the soil on her hands before mischievously pressing them against his face. She pulled away just enough to admire her handiwork.


    Kristopher’s wless face now bore several dirt smudges, and despite the mess, his charm somehow remained intact. In fact, the rugged look only enhanced his appeal. Fate really had a way to make a handsome man remain handsome no matter how disheveled he might look… same goes for unattractive men.


    Kristopher chuckled, his deep voice reverberating through her. He pulled her in for a longer kiss. “You’re getting bolder, aren’t you?” he murmured.


    Before she could respond, he scooped her up effortlessly, hoisting her over his shoulder and headed inside, to their bedroom. Startled, Carrie let out a yelp and began pounding on his back. “Put me down, Kristopher!”


    He delivered a yful smack to her rear and said teasingly, “Do you admit your mistake?”


    “Put me down first! I hate being upside down!” Carrie snapped, her tone sharper than usual. She was being extra cautious—not because she was being fussy, but because of the fragile little one growing inside her.


    Kristopher immediately picked up on her unease. Lowering her carefully, he adjusted his hold, cradling her in his arms instead.


    His expression softened as he looked down at her. “You’re getting more delicate these days.”


    Carrie almost blurted out, “It’s not me—it’s your son,” but she bit her tongue. The lingering fruity scent on him snapped her back to her earlier concern. She fixed him with a pointed look and said, “Kristopher, I’m serious. Where did that perfume smelle from? Don’t try to change the subject again.”


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