The CEO's Delicate Wife

fted to the ceiling, and a familiar scent, soft and floral, teased her senses. Lavender. Julia

as she lost their child, the searing pain of acid eating her skin away, the maniacal laughter of he

am-filled bathroom, droplets of water tracing paths down his skin. Julian stood before her, a towel slung low around

erness she could never fully comprehend. But Erica had never returned that affection. She'd met his love with coldness, and resentment. His grand

y as the memories of all the ways she had wronged him overwhelmed her. She had betrayed him, leaked the company's secrets, and fallen f

dy stiff with surprise. Her skin felt like ice

ight of her sins with it. Julian stiffened, his mind racing-what could she be a

to answer the call, and Erica watched him, her mind whirring as her situation sank

rked by the horrors she had endured. Long brown hair fell in soft waves, framing a face that was smooth and

ttling on Erica as he approached the

as he studied her. He had always hated to see her cry. She looked up at him, str

Instead, she forced a smile,

," she whispered,

his voice. Erica had always kept her distance, recoiling from his touch and presence. Bu

ure she had in Julian. He had loved her, protected her, and she had repaid him with betrayal. But no

e I last saw you." The sincerity in her voice surprised even her,

s followed him, drinking in the sight of him-his broad back, the ripple of muscles under h

one. "As much as I enjoy having your eyes on me, I have business to attend to

wasn't ready to let him out of her sight. But she knew she neede

own, kissing her forehead, his lips lingering against her skin. "I'l

e watched as he turned away, her heart heav

ian's voice was sharp as he said, "Come in." A ma

tairs. She says there's something ur

, starkly contrasting the affection she had just shown Julian. He noticed the shift, hi

id, calming her voice. She needed to keep h

skin. "You should freshen up, my love," he murmured, bef

ealousy and how she had tried to tear Julian away from her. Julian's death had been Ophelia's doing, and it

ocent face greeted her as she entered the living room, a mask of sweetness that hid the venom be

ipping with sarcasm that went unnoticed by