Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 191 - Chapitre 200

Richard's POVThe lights were dim in the hallway as I walked upstairs, my mind still heavy from everything Vincent had said. Every step felt like I was walking straight into a trap I couldn’t avoid. When I opened the bedroom door, the warm scent of vanilla drifted toward me, and then I saw her.Melanie was on the bed, wearing a lingerie set I’d bought her months ago. Black lace, thin straps, the kind that always made my chest tighten. Her skin seemed to glow against it. She lifted her head when she saw me, her lips curling into a seductive smile that should’ve made my heart race.Instead, I felt my stomach twist.“I thought you were already asleep,” I managed, my throat suddenly dry.She shook her head slowly, teasingly. “I’m not sleeping unless you put me to sleep,” she said, her voice low, sultry. “And you know exactly how.”I swallowed hard. “I… yes.” My voice came out rough. I could feel her gaze roaming over me, reading me the way she always did, except this time I prayed she w

Darla's POVHe stood up, startled at my tone. “Hey… I—sorry. I tried calling, but you didn’t pick. I was around the corner and thought to say hi.”“I don’t like unexpected visits,” I said sharply, shutting the door a little harder than necessary. “You know that.”He winced. “You’re right. I should’ve called. I just… you didn’t come to work and people were talking. I got worried.”Work. Gossip. Perfect. Just what I needed after almost fainting over a pregnancy test.“I’m fine,” I said, dropping my bag on the dining table. “It was just a medical check-up. Nothing serious.”He stepped closer, the worry etched on his face. “You look pale. Did something happen?”I turned away. “I said I’m fine, Sam.”There was a beat of silence.Then, quietly, “Did someone upset you?”My chest tightened. If only it were that simple.“I’m just tired,” I managed. “I want to lie down.”He nodded, but his eyes were scanning me like he was trying to solve a puzzle. “I didn’t mean to show up like this. I just wa

Darla's POVXavier didn’t give me the chance to argue again. “Go and shower,” he said, turning me gently but firmly toward the hallway. “I’m taking you out.”I blinked. “Out where?”“Out of the country.”I froze. “Out… of the country?”“Yes,” he said, completely unfazed by my shock. “To another country. And we’ll be staying for three days.”I stared at him like he’d just spoken another language. “You want to take me out of the country,” I repeated slowly, “and you’re just telling me now?”“Because,” he said, stepping closer and brushing a strand of hair off my face, “I just made the decision now. You need a proper rest, Darla. And I’m making plans for that.”I shook my head, half confused, half overwhelmed. “Xavier… I can rest in my house.”“And,” he countered without missing a beat, “you can also rest outside the country.”My mouth fell open at his tone, so casual, so matter-of-fact, as if flying out of the country was the same thing as stepping outside to buy bread.“So hurry up and

Darla's POVHe placed his finger on my lips. "Don't spoil he fun, you'd find out soon."Xavier’s lips were warm against mine, and the more he kissed me, the more my body relaxed into him. Maybe it was the wine, or maybe it was the soft hum of the jet around us, but everything felt slow… gentle… easy. His palm held the side of my face, guiding me deeper into the kiss, and when he finally pulled back, I was out of breath.He smiled at me, brushing his thumb over my lower lip. “You taste like wine,” he whispered.I laughed lightly. “That’s because you gave me too much.”“Or maybe,” he said, leaning close again, “you’re just too easy to kiss.”I rolled my eyes and hit his chest softly. “Stop.”But he didn’t. He kissed me again, slower this time, softer, until my head felt light. My heart beat fast, and I had to put a hand on his chest to steady myself.“I think I’m drunk,” I mumbled.“I know,” he said, with that proud look of his. “And I like you like this.”I leaned against him and clo

Darla's POVI lifted my head, resting my chin on his chest so I could see his face clearly. “What kind of promise?” I added. half teasing, half cautious.“That you won’t hide things from me,” he said. “If something is bothering you, anything at all, you tell me. We deal with it together. I want you to see me as your partner, not someone you have to protect or tiptoe around.”For a second, I just stared at him.Then I laughed.It slipped out before I could stop it. Not mocking, not rude, just surprised and light. “Wow,” I said, shaking my head. “That sounds like you’re proposing to marry me.”He didn’t laugh with me.Instead, he stayed very still, his eyes never leaving mine. “I’m serious,” he said calmly. “I don’t make promises I don’t mean.”My laughter faded slowly. The air between us changed, became heavier, warmer. I swallowed, suddenly aware of how sincere he was being.“Xàvier…” I started, then paused. I didn’t know what to say at first. No one had ever said something like that