Lahat ng Kabanata ng Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford: Kabanata 91 - Kabanata 100

Vance yanked the curtains wide, sunlight blasting in and blinding her.He perched on the bed's edge, his voice laced with that familiar, deceptive gentleness. "Rise and shine, sleepyhead. I bought pizza for you."Rebecca blinked in confusion. Had yesterday's nightmare been just a bad dream? His next words shattered the illusion.He reached to turn her face toward him. "Come on, let me check if the allergy has subsided."She rolled away, hopped out of bed, and made a beeline for the bathroom. While brushing her teeth, she mapped out her day.The visa holdup left her with free time on her hands. Since she'd be jetting off abroad soon, she decided to visit Josette, who would surely miss her when she was gone.Today marked Day 15 in her countdown to leaving Vance.Freshened up, she stepped out to see him parked at the dining table. At this hour, he should've been long gone to the office. In five years, he'd never stuck around for a lazy breakfast.With him in the way, she nixed eat

"Where are you taking me?" Rebecca demanded, frowning.Vance drove on silently, then murmured, "You'll see soon."Her hand pressed down against the car door. "No dice. Take me to Josette's, or drop me off.""Rebecca!" Vance slammed on the brakes, fearing she'd jump.As she gripped the handle, he leaned over, pinning her hand. "Why so on edge? Don't you trust me anymore?""Should I?" she sneered.She had nearly died in that fire, and trust had been shattered.His eyes flickered, his brows knitting together. "I know your thoughts, but no matter my flaws, I'd never harm you."So, he knew he was flawed.In the confined car, his grip was tight, his body pressing close. The air was thick with his scent, and that unfamiliar smell of shampoo made her sick.She held her breath, shoving with her free hand. He stilled, gazing at her."Vance, you..." Before she could finish, his face descended abruptly.She dodged, his lips grazing her cheek instead."Stop this!" she warned as he pres

"This truly is our premier location, situated right along the lakeside," the agent chimed in with enthusiasm. "During the warmer months, swans migrate in. The epitome of pure bliss and serenity."Vance guided Rebecca out onto the terrace, allowing her to admire the expansive view.The lake's damp breeze enveloped her like a refreshing embrace, carrying with it the invigorating aroma of nearby trees and freshly cut grass. She drew in a deep breath, finding the atmosphere genuinely restorative."What do you think? Like it?" he asked, still holding her hand.She glanced down at his fingers laced over hers. Given just how perfectly the house suited her tastes, she decided she could overlook the gesture for now.She nodded, and his sense of contentment deepened."I like it quite a bit myself," he said. "Perhaps once the renovations are completed, we could even make it our primary residence. As for the setup intended for Emmett's wedding, we can always figure that out at a later time."

Vance certainly knew his way around a kitchen, but outdoor settings were a different story.Starting a fire proved to be his greatest hurdle. Even after his face was caked in layers of soot and ash, success continued to elude him.Rebecca was different. Her summers spent back in the village had taught her a wide array of practical skills—from kindling fires and climbing trees to hunting for eggs alongside her friends from the area. She had done it all.Positioned in the group adjacent to his, she eventually couldn't bear to watch him falter any longer. Stepping in to help, she cleared out the clogged stove and successfully kindled a blaze.He gazed at the lively flames dancing before him, appearing momentarily dazed. Perhaps he was keenly aware of his messy, unkempt state that he didn't even utter a word of thanks.But after that, he settled into a rhythm. The way he cooked proved his genuine expertise in home cooking, and that was the only time she had ever tasted his cooking.T

In a way, Vance wasn't entirely wrong."I just wanted to ask for your help with solving the problems," Rebecca clarified."Same difference," he interrupted.Before she could say more, the money found its way back into her pocket, and he breezed past her, leaving behind a teasing remark. "I haven't sunk that low just yet, you know."That casual exchange was his subtle acknowledgment of the fact that she had once sought his help with her studies. He likely only recalled it in a vague sense, without any of the surrounding context or details.She alone clung to the memories of those turbulent yet resolute days—times when they had witnessed each other's lowest moments and deepest struggles.But then again, such experiences were merely the dark stains in their youthful memories. Perhaps it was for the best that they remained forgotten."Rebecca..." Josette whispered, effectively snapping her out of the reverie. "Does he know about it yet?"Rebecca glanced at Vance's silhouette in the