?Chapter 68:


    Eileen’splexion faded to a ghostly white as she bit her lip. Bryan’s hand sped her wrist, causing her to wobble before regaining bnce and returning to the room. He rxed his hold, casually opening the top of his shirt.


    Gloom shadowed his expression once more. He gazed at her and questioned, “Aside from money, is there anything you truly cherish?” A subtle tang of blood tinged the air from Eileen’s bitten lip, a testament to the ache she fought within. With effort, Eileen mustered a smile, heavy with irony. “Does it let you down, Mr. Dawson, to have an assistant of such character?”


    “No,” Bryan sat down on the couch, shadows enveloping him. “Skilled professionally, and that’s what counts here. Personal virtues don’t matter.”


    His words struck a deep blow to Eileen’s pride. She was unable to pinpoint what she had done wrong to offend Bryan. He was always the one who took the initiative to give her money. She had just asked him for money once.


    Frozen in ce, Eileen watched Bryan, motionless in the couch’s embrace. Neither of them dared to lock eyes, yet each was acutely aware of the other’s slightest movement. After a long while, Eileen moved and said, “It’s gettingte. I’m going to take a shower.”


    Feeling weary, she retreated to the solitude of the bathroom, shedding her attire. The moment the shower sprang to life, the door swung ajar. She watched Bryan take off his clothes. The allure of his well-toned skin and sculpted form was evident. He appeared a quiet force and pinned her against the chill of the wall.


    His kiss was a fervent blend of tenderness and reproach. Exhausted fromst night, Eileen repelled his advances with a firm push. “Not tonight,” she implored.


    Bryan’s demeanor sharpened, his voice dripping with disdain. “Aren’t you here to earn? Don’t you want the money?” His words were like a p on Eileen’s face.


    Eileen’s resolve waned. She needed the money, but… Her eyes turned red, tears welling up. But Bryan didn’t seem to notice this; he nestled into the crook of her neck, lost in the allure of her. He had uncovered a gem, as Jacob had so inly spoken.


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    Eileen stood, the epitome of grace, her slender waist suggesting fragility. Her belly, devoid of excess, bore the softness of youth, a sensation Bryan found pleasing. Bryan was obsessed with her body, but he was not sure how he felt about her. It might have been because he had been sleeping with Eileen for a long time; the mere thought of her closeness to another kindled a wildfire of jealousy.


    Bryan embraced Eileen with a fervor that whispered of bing inseparable. She was off-limits to anyone else. The bathroom was small; Bryan’s adoration for Eileen was so fierce that he seemed unable to release her, treating her as if she were a toy just for him.


    Embarrassment bit at Eileen, drawing her teeth to her lip with such force it nearly bled, yet she refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing her voice. In a mischievous act, Bryan yfully nipped at her shoulder. Despite his gentleness, she let out an involuntary sound. The next second, silence fell as his kiss stole her protests.


    Time sprinted by, and dawn found Eileen sprawled on the bed, her arms limp beside her. Bryan had already gotten out of bed. He slipped into his clothes, approached, crouched by her side, and tenderly brushed aside her hair.


    His hands, though marked by life’sbors, caressed her skin with surprising softness. Eileen was lost in the tenderness of his gaze. But the next second, the chill of his words jarred her back to reality.


    “How much money do you want this time?” Bryan asked.


    Eileen’s throat tightened, a slight frown betraying her difort. Her breath turned so fragile, threatening to vanish like mist. “Name your figure, or I shall—half a million dors, would that suffice?” Bryan said,ying a card next to Eileen while his touch lingered on her skin.


    After a pause, he added, “You must remain untouched by others. I can provide the money, but you must reserve your body only for me.”


    Eileen’s eyes widened in disbelief. Did Bryan think she would sell her body to others for money? Was that how he thought of her? If it hadn’t been for the ident when he was drunk and if it hadn’t been because he was her husband… she wouldn’t have been his sexual partner for two years.


    Bryan took a deep breath, withdrew his touch, and rose to his feet. He knew he had just humiliated Eileen. But after doing that, he still felt depressed. Seeing Eileen like this, he only felt worse. He turned and descended the stairs.


    Out the door, into the car, he drove off. The light of the car came through the French window and reflected in the lifeless eyes of Eileen. Tears, the size of beans, absorbed silently by Eileen’s pillow, soaked through. The ache was hers to cradle. The sadness was hers to bear. At least Ruby’s impending medical bill would be another month reprieved.


    The weekend offered a respite, and with it, the relief of not facing the office or Bryan. At dawn, Eileen rose and set about erasing the remnants of the previous night. The bathroom air, once thick with Bryan’s presence, cleared with the simple act of opening a window. The fresh air brought sce.


    Garbed in fresh attire and with makeup lightly applied to mask the dark reminders under her eyes, Eileen made her way to the hospital to visit Ruby. Ruby’s words were a familiar tune, yet today they yed a different note.


    “My fifty-second birthday ising up in two days. I’m looking forward to a celebration, Eileen,” Ruby said.


    Eileen responded promptly, “Get Bailee to join us and bring cake here. Tell me, what present would bring you joy? I’ll buy it for you.”


    “A birthday locked in here isn’t what I yearn for. You’re free today. Let’s go out and find a restaurant to celebrate. Buy me some new clothes for me to wear before that,” Ruby said.


    Ruby’s prolonged stay in the hospital had been punctuated by brief returns home, which always ignited genuine happiness in her—a stark contrast to the muted joy of the sterile hospital environment. Ruby’s plea found no resistance. Eileen replied, “Okay, I’ll speak with Emilio about this. Just a moment.”


    “Go ahead!” Ruby said happily.


    Emilio’s nod was as good as given. In the mall, Eileen picked out a dress for Ruby’s delicate frame. d in her new attire and leather ts, Ruby’s transformation was remarkable. Ruby, brimming with anticipation, shared her ns. “I’ve arranged for a cable and invited a couple of friends to join us for my birthday. Is that alright with you, Eileen?”


    Eileen responded with a smile. “Yes, your happiness is all that matters.” Ruby told Eileen the name of the restaurant.


    On their way to Lliothea, Eileen and Bailee exchanged updates via phone, nning their meet-up at the eatery. “Huey’s heading that way for an errand—I hitched a ride with him,” Bailee told Eileen.


    Later, the group met at Lliothea, where they were met with warm hospitality and escorted to the private room Ruby had reserved. Upon entering the room, Eileen met a stranger—a woman with an amiable aura. The woman warmly weed Ruby, her gaze often drifting toward Eileen.


    Ruby said, “Eileen,e over and introduce yourself. Meet Mrs. Baker.”


    “Greetings, Mrs. Baker.” Eileen offered a polite nod. Almost immediately, the woman grasped Eileen’s hand, guiding her to a seat. Ruby took a seat beside Eileen, seizing her other hand and striking up a conversation with the woman.


    The atmosphere held an odd tension. When Eileen shifted ufortably, Ruby’s grip tightened. Before Eileen could voice her concerns, Huey and Bailee entered the room, their expressions mirroring the oddity they walked into. Spotting the pair, Eileen turned, seeking an ally in Bailee.


    At that moment, she heard Huey say, “Mom, what brings you here?” Eileen was taken aback. The woman was Huey’s mother? Recognition dawned on Eileen. No wonder the woman’sst name was Baker.


    Winona Baker released Eileen’s hand and stood up. “Come sit beside Eileen,” she said, stepping aside to make room for her son. Under the weight of the moment, Huey’s expression soured as he sought Eileen’s gaze.


    Winona’s exnation for summoning Huey here had been straightforward—she had told him she intended to show unyielding support for his passion for gaming. But clearly, that was not the case. Huey fretted over the consequences of honesty. If he and Eileen told the truth today, he would probably face a scolding and be forbidden to y games anymore.


    “This is all too sudden. I need a word with Eileen alone now,” Huey said.


    Before Winona or Ruby could process the situation, Huey seized Eileen’s arm, guiding her out with haste. Winona and Ruby made to follow, but Bailee intervened and stopped them. “No need for concern; they’ll return. They just need a moment,” Bailee said.


    Once out of sight, Huey released Eileen’s arm, pacing with nervous energy before facing her with a plea. “I’m asking for your help again, Eileen. There’s a contest soon—a rare chance for me. Winning that contest would mean everything to me. But it all hinges on my mother’s approval to let me participate,” Huey said.


    Eileen grasped the stakes at hand. A convincing performance today was crucial for Huey’s gaming future. Huey’s passion was a rare me, and Eileen admired his intense dedication. “‘It’s just a dinner, and I’ll manage the act,” Eileen assured him. “But keep in mind, we could only show that we’re willing to get to know each other more—no grand fabrications.”


    With relieved nods, Huey signaled his understanding, and together they headed back. Meanwhile, Bryan watched the scene from the second floor, holding a cigarette, his gaze dark.


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