Chapter 759

She knew that he was here. Anabelle couldn't describe the feeling; he seemed strange, unusual. Alpha hugged her tightly, slowly closing his beautiful eyes. "I'm okay," he said, "but… a bit tired. Let me hold you for a while, then I'll be fine."

A ripple stirred in Anabelle's heart. Even he felt fatigue. For such a strong man, this vulnerability left her feeling lost, confused, insecure, and a little miserable. He said he was so happy. Olive's efforts to prove his innocence had cleared his name; he knew nothing had transpired between her and Rory. He'd carried the burden of guilt for his sister, Bounty, for years. He was so happy.

Anabelle moved her hands from his chest to his hard waist, touching it slowly and silently. She wanted to hug him. She'd wanted to hug him when she learned of his heart attack. Since they met, she'd never initiated a hug. It wasn't that she didn't want to; she didn't dare. He was her greatest luxury and a forbidden desire. She couldn't afford him.

Her hands were already on his waist. She was about to hug him when the maid announced, "My lady, dinner is ready." Anabelle withdrew her hands.

Alpha released her, his arm still around her waist. "Let's go to dinner together," he said. She had no chance to refuse; he led her downstairs.

In the dining room, Mrs. Samantha and Rory were absent, dining with Bounty. Olive was also present. Anabelle had no appetite. The servant brought carp soup; the fishy smell made her nauseous.

"Madam, what's wrong?" Reuben asked, concerned.

Olive looked at Anabelle, a twinkle in her bright eyes, but remained silent.

"I'm fine," Anabelle replied. "I have no appetite. Enjoy yourselves." She tried to rise, but Alpha grabbed her arm, picked up a spoon, and began to feed her. "You have to eat," he said. "Open your mouth."

Anabelle blushed. Surrounded by people, and with Olive's intense gaze, she felt acutely embarrassed.

"I won't eat," she refused.

Alpha was patient, his deep voice warm. "Be good. Be good—"

Olive, across from them, seemed suddenly full. She lowered her guard, witnessing the unfolding emotional scene. Olive had always viewed Alpha as the quintessential domineering CEO, but never expected this display of unrestrained affection in middle age.

Anabelle, caught between conflicting emotions, opened her mouth and ate the food he offered. "I'll eat by myself," she said.

Alpha continued to feed her, carefully removing bones before bringing the soup to her lips. "Open your mouth," he murmured.

Anabelle looked at him suspiciously. What had changed? Though he had fed her as a child, this felt different, strange.

Olive, however, understood. He was treating Anabelle as if she were pregnant.

Olive quickly finished her meal and said sadly, "Uncle Augustine, Aunt Anabelle, I'm finished. I'll go first." She left quickly.

Anabelle watched her go, her confusion deepening. She sensed Olive was hiding something. She gave in.

"Alpha, I'm full. Don't feed me anymore," she said, gently pushing him away.

Alpha put down his bowl and chopsticks, then placed his hand on her stomach, stroking it twice.

"Alpha, stop it. Others are watching," Anabelle said, blushing crimson. He touched her stomach again, then looked up at her. "Let's stay here tonight," he said. He hadn't made such a request since her return. Her heart pounded. She stood up and refused. "No, Olive and I will go." She ran upstairs.

Back in her room, there was a knock. Olive entered. "Aunt Anabelle—"

Anabelle took Olive's hand. "Oh, it's getting dark. Let's go."

Olive blinked mischievously. "Aunt Anabelle, why the rush? Maybe… Uncle Augustine wants you to stay overnight?"

Anabelle tapped Olive's forehead. "Don't be silly. He and I… are a thing of the past. He was injured before; I saw him at the doctor's last time…"

Olive raised her eyebrows, smiled, and said nothing. The cunning Alpha would deceive the naive Anabelle.

"Olive, why are you smiling? Tell me honestly, what are you hiding?"

Olive produced a small pill and offered it to Anabelle. "Aunt Anabelle, drink this."

"What is this?"

Olive smiled mysteriously. "Aunt Anabelle, you will know everything after drinking it."

Anabelle took the pill. Olive left. Doubt filled Anabelle's heart. Soon, her eyelids felt heavy, and the familiar feeling from previous encounters returned. She lay on the bed, quickly closing her eyes, but this time it was different. Although asleep, she felt acutely aware.

What did Olive mean?

Suddenly, the door creaked open. Someone entered. Anabelle's heart tightened. She remained still, pretending to be asleep.

Footsteps approached, the bed dipped, and soft lips kissed her. In Anabelle's life, there was only one man, Alpha. She'd followed him since she was nineteen. He left an indelible mark. Though her eyes remained closed, she knew it was him.