Chapter 49

The dropper slipped, and the medicine spilled all over Landon. Both he and Amelia froze in shock. Landon’s head had moved–a movement neither of them thought possible.

“Landon, can you…turn your head again?” Amelia asked, her voice a mix of surprise and excitement. Her eyes were glued to him, afraid she’d miss even the slightest movement.

Landon, who was gazing out the window, was just as thrilled. For the first time, he wasn’t staring straight ahead–he could actually see to the side. The magnolia trees outside were in full bloom, their lush green leaves swaying like butterflies in the breeze.

Seeing that he hadn’t moved for a moment, Amelia grew worried and urged softly, “Landon, come on, turn your head.”

She wondered anxiously, ‘What if he’s stuck like this? Oh no. Holding that position for too long will strain his neck…and he’d look ridiculous, like one of those crooked-neck trees.’

“Landon. Landon.” Amelia put the medicine aside and gently slid her soft, delicate hand behind his neck, ready to help turn his head back.

‘Take your hands off me,’ he barked inwardly. At the same time, he moved his head on his own.

“You did it. You can move now,” Amelia exclaimed, quickly pulling her hand back. Her bright, lively face was beaming with joy.

Landon, who had just been admiring the vibrant green trees outside, now turned to see the delicate “flower” right in front of him. His mood instantly lifted.

“You’re amazing, Landon. Look how far you’ve come. Your head and left hand are moving already–it hasn’t even been that long. Keep it up. You’ll be standing in no time,” Amelia encouraged sincerely, her eyes sparkling with hope!

Landon felt a warm surge in his heart, but his inner thoughts came out sharp. ‘You’re in a hurry to get a divorce so you and Lanny can ride off into the sunset together, huh?’

“Huh?” Amelia was momentarily stunned. The sparkle in her eyes dimmed. “I don’t care. If you’re better, then we can get divorced.”

‘Hmph,’ Landon scoffed inwardly, closing his eyes and ignoring her.

Amelia was utterly baffled, wondering, ‘Why is he mad now? Shouldn’t he be happy that he can move? Honestly, trying to figure him out is like solving a riddle blindfolded.’

She felt a bit awkward, her eyes flicking over the medicine stains on Landon’s chest. Left with no choice, she went to find him a clean shirt.

As Landon kept his eyes shut, pretending to sleep, he suddenly realized she was undoing his shirt buttons. His eyes snapped open, and he asked inwardly, ‘What are you…’

“Relax. I’m just changing your clothes.” Amelia leaned over slightly, carefully unbuttoning his shirt one button at a time.

From Landon’s angle, he could see her long, fluttering eyelashes, her petite nose, and her cleavage.

His throat felt dry, and he swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he quickly shut his eyes again. Memories of the soft, warm sensation of her body against his flashed in his mind–so vivid it was almost unbearable.

Amelia didn’t notice Landon’s discomfort and swiftly stripped off his shirt. But, as usual, taking the clothes off was much easier than putting them on.

She managed to get one sleeve on and then struggled to sit Landon up. Bracing him against her body, she reached around his back to pull the shirt into place.

To keep him from crushing her, Amelia used every ounce of her strength to hold him steady. Their shoulders pressed together, and her chin ended up resting near his neck. Their breaths mingled in the small space between them.

“Landon, have you gained weight again?” she grumbled, panting from the effort.

Landon was utterly perplexed, thinking, ‘What is she talking about? I’m so skinny now. Before the injury, I had solid muscle–strong, lean, and ripped. Perfectly defined.’

“Why is it so damn hard to get you dressed today?” Amelia grumbled under her breath, clearly frustrated.

As she moved, Landon could clearly feel her chest brush against him, pressing lightly before pulling away. The movement was subtle, but it was enough to spark something.

‘Ah. This is forced intimacy,’ Landon thought wryly. His Adam’s apple bobbed a few times as he swallowed hard.

“Phew. Finally done,” Amelia sighed in relief, wrapping an arm around his shoulders to gently ease him back onto the bed.

As she moved away, the warmth between them dissipated, and the moment of intimacy ended. Landon felt a slight pang of disappointment in his chest.

“Landon, try to move more often so you can get out of bed and walk sooner,” Amelia said, letting out a small breath. Just changing his clothes had taken so much effort that she was now sweating.

Her face was flushed, a gentle pink spreading over her skin, so lovely it practically begged for a playful pinch.

Landon glanced at Amelia a few times before turning his head away slightly. He responded inwardly, ‘Okay!’

Amelia stretched her body as she said, “Ugh, I’m so tired. I’m gonna shower–you can go to sleep first. Oh, and that medicine…”

‘I’m not taking it,’ Landon huffed inwardly, clearly annoyed again. Amelia stuck out her tongue playfully and slipped off to the bathroom to shower.

Resting on the bed, he moved his neck, rotating it left and right, testing its range. Everything felt agile and free.

For someone who had only been home for less than half a month after being discharged, this level of recovery was remarkable. Landon was confident it wouldn’t be much longer before he was back on his feet.

Just as he was lost in thought, the sound of running water–splash, splash–came from the bathroom. Soon after, a faint, delicate gardenia fragrance began to drift through the air, soft and soothing. It was the scent of Amelia’s body wash.

Landon, who had just calmed himself down, felt his emotions stir again. Unable to help it, he turned to look toward the bathroom. Through the frosted glass, Amelia’s silhouette moved gracefully, alluring in a way that tugged at something deep inside him.

Clearly, it aroused his sexual desire. He quickly tore his gaze away, fixing his eyes on the window instead. His heart pounded like a wild deer caught in a trap.

Unable to make sense of himself, Landon muttered in his mind, ‘What’s wrong with me? We didn’t even touch this time, and yet I’m all worked up again. Is it just because I’ve never had a woman before?’

Just then, his phone buzzed twice. He picked it up and saw Aaron’s message. It read: [Mr. Kingsley, Elizabeth is getting a lawyer to bail Zachary out. Should we intervene?]

Landon’s eyes instantly turned cold as he replied: [No need.]

On the other side of town, Sandra erupted the moment they drove away from Kingsley Villa in Elizabeth’s car. “Stop the car. I’m getting out,” she snapped.

“Ms. Edwards, I promised to take you home,” Elizabeth replied, steering the car with one hand, her driving casual and confident.

The entire car was filled with the scent of Elizabeth’s perfume. It was a sophisticated fragrance, but Sandra found it off-putting. The thought of this old woman’s scandal with Zachary made Sandra sick to her stomach.

“Elizabeth, don’t think for a second that picking me up today means I’ll forgive you,” Sandra said, her face stern, her tone self-righteous.

Elizabeth chuckled, “Forgive me? What have I done that needs your forgiveness?”

“You and Zachary…”

“That’s between him and me. What does it have to do with you?”

Sandra was so shocked she couldn’t close her mouth. “You—you have no shame, do you?”

“Oh no, honey,” Elizabeth said with a mocking grin, glancing at the mirror. “Just look at how gorgeous I am. Why would I ever be ashamed?”

Sandra was furious. “He’s my man.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “You’re married to him…”

Sandra was at a loss for words.

Elizabeth pressed on. “Or are you guys engaged?” Again, Sandra had no answer.

“Then what makes you think you have the right to call him your man?” Elizabeth asked, her tone sharp.

“He, I…” Sandra stammered, her anger making her words falter, “We have a child together.”

Elizabeth let out a dismissive laugh. “Who doesn’t know how to have kids? If I wanted–“

“Shut up.” Sandra cut her off, thoroughly panicked. She couldn’t believe this old woman actually had the audacity to dream of having a child with Zachary. “You’re old enough to be his mother. How can you be so shameless?”

Elizabeth’s expression didn’t change as she said, “And what about you? Didn’t you sleep with your sister’s fiancé?” Her words hit Sandra like a slap, leaving her speechless.

“Ms. Edwards,” Elizabeth continued coolly. “I’d advise you to understand the situation. If it weren’t for me today, do you really think you’d have walked out of Kingsley Villa unharmed?”

Sandra snorted, “Of course, I would. Amelia’s all talk and no action. She wouldn’t dare touch me.”

Elizabeth scoffed, pulling out a compact mirror and handing it to Sandra. “Take a look at yourself then.”

Sandra looked into the mirror and saw her face–swollen, red, and bruised on both sides. Realizing that Amelia had done this, Sandra felt her arrogance immediately deflated.

“Do you want to bail Zachary out?” Elizabeth asked, her tone turning almost casual.

“Of course, I do,” Sandra replied without hesitation.

Elizabeth’s lips curved into a seductive, knowing smile. “Then let’s make a deal.”