Chapter 10 Who Is Monica

When Christopher finished his shower and got into bed, Adeline was still awake. She deliberately turned her back to him. A thin silk blanket was draped over her, while her black hair cascaded down in soft waves. Christopher sat on the edge of the bed and glanced at her bandaged hand. "Does it hurt?" he asked. Adeline didn't respond. Christopher's patience lasted only a few seconds. He raised his hand and smacked her on the backside through the thin blanket. "I'm talking to you!" Adeline was caught off guard by the slap. Although it didn't hurt, it still irritated her. She was angry at Christopher for coming and going as he pleased. Was this a hotel to him? Her temper flared. "It doesn't hurt!" she snapped. Christopher frowned at her raised voice. "Adeline, what's with that attitude?" He was concerned about her, but she didn't seem to notice. It was as if she carried herself like a ticking time bomb every day. Larry had probably picked it up from her. Adeline turned to face him. He sat on the edge of the bed with his chestnut brown hair falling messily over his forehead. Paired with his fair, handsome face, he did look good. If he didn't speak, he could almost pass for a college heartthrob. Adeline forced a fake smile. "I know I have a bad temper. If you can't stand it, maybe you should reflect on yourself. How is it that everyone else can put up with me?" Christopher frowned, and his expression darkened. "Who are these other people?" Adeline felt a twisted sense of satisfaction when she saw his disappointed face. "Everyone else except you!" She enunciated every word, raising an eyebrow with a challenging look. Christopher suddenly flipped over, pinning Adeline beneath him firmly as his hands secured her wrists against the bed. His eyes caught the delicate curve of her collarbone, and his gaze darkened. Without hesitation, he leaned down and bit her there. Adeline inhaled sharply at the sting. A small, dark mole rested delicately on her right collarbone, contrasting against her flawless skin. It added a sensual allure that Christopher seemed particularly drawn to. Hearing her soft gasp, Christopher raised his head, smirking faintly. "You're lucky you're hurt today, so I'll let it slide," he said in a low, magnetic murmur. "If you keep running your mouth, I'll make you beg for mercy." The gravelly timbre of his words left her momentarily breathless. Before she could retort, he leaned closer and nipped her lips gently. "I don't make empty threats," he added. Adeline fell silent. After switching off the lights, Christopher pulled her into his arms. She struggled briefly but soon realized it was futile. His six-foot frame and long limbs enveloped her effortlessly, holding her as though she weighed nothing. In the quiet darkness, Adeline's voice broke the stillness. "Christopher, were you really alone when you were abroad as a child?" She felt his arms tense slightly around her before his reply came. "No," he said simply. After a pause, he added, "There was Monica." Adeline's chest tightened at his response. "Who is Monica?" "A woman," Christopher said evenly. "A kind and gentle woman." Though she couldn't see his expression in the dark, she could clearly sense the rare tenderness in his tone—a tenderness she hadn't experienced in their three years of marriage. The realization settled uneasily within her. Christopher valued someone as gentle as Monica—a type entirely different from herself. "We used to sleep together every night," he added, giving a playful squeeze to her soft waist. With a low chuckle, he continued, "She's much better than you." Smugness practically dripped from his words. "So, you got what you wanted, and now you're showing off?" Adeline snapped and delivered a sharp kick to his shin. "Get out of my bed!" Instead of letting go, Christopher pulled her even closer. "Are you jealous?" "Yes," Adeline admitted bluntly. In the darkness, Christopher suddenly opened his eyes and looked at her with a sly smile. "I'm jealous because my husband slept with someone else, not because I care about you!" Adeline said bitterly. Her words carried the sharp sting of resentment. She truly felt she had gotten the short end of the deal. If she had known this would happen, she might have slept with a few men herself before marrying Christopher. Almost as if he could read her mind, Christopher's low, dangerous voice rumbled in her ear. "Adeline, if you dare sleep with anyone else, I won't let you off." … When Adeline woke up the next morning, Christopher was no longer by her side. The spot where he had been lying had long lost its warmth. It felt as though he had never come back last night. After finishing her morning routine, Adeline went downstairs. Martha had already instructed the kitchen to prepare breakfast. As Adeline entered the room, Martha reminded her, "Mrs. Lambert, Mr. Lambert asked me to let you know that the driver will take you to work today since your hand is still injured. He'll pick you up from the office this afternoon and bring you to Mr. Keller's place for dinner." Adeline sipped her milk and asked, "When did he leave?" She wasn't sure if it was because Christopher had left quietly or if she had simply been in such a deep sleep that she hadn't heard a thing. Martha replied, "Mr. Lambert left early this morning. He didn't have breakfast at home." Adeline casually flipped through the magazine in her hands. "He won't starve." Martha smiled warmly at her muttering. She had been taking care of the household since they first moved into this home after their wedding. Adeline was always easygoing, but she liked to tease Christopher, especially when they were alone. Although Christopher wasn't particularly talkative, he showed more emotion and expression around Adeline than he did with anyone else. Martha privately thought of their dynamic as a bit of youthful charm between a married couple. … After breakfast, Adeline drove to the office. As soon as she entered, Debra and Janet hurried over to her. "Adeline! Are you alright?" Debra noticed the bandaged hand and quickly asked, "What happened to your hand? Did you get hurt yesterday?" Adeline smiled. "It's just a minor injury." It was indeed a minor injury, but with the bandage wrapped around it, it made it seem much worse than it really was. Janet bit her lip, looking like she was about to cry. "Your hands are the most valuable part of a designer's work. It's all my fault. I've caused you to get hurt." Just as Adeline was about to comfort her, an attention-grabbing voice came from behind. "Adeline, I heard that you offended the Lambert Group yesterday." At the sound, Adeline turned around to see a graceful figure at the door. Melissa walked in, wearing a striking red bodycon mini skirt and towering 6-inch heels. Her perfectly done makeup highlighted the smug expression on her face. "Good morning, Melissa," they greeted. Melissa shot them a disapproving look. "How many times do I have to remind you? Be more respectful and address me as Ms. Rosales. I am your deputy director!" Adeline chuckled. "Melissa, it's been three years, and you're still hung up on that position." Three years ago, Gee Maison had offered her a lucrative contract to take on the role of Creative Director, a position Melissa had been poised to receive. Since then, Melissa had consistently made veiled remarks and subtle jabs at her. "The director position should have gone to Ms. Rosales," Melissa's assistant, Charlene Baker, added. Debra couldn't take it anymore and argued back, "Everyone knows Adeline's capabilities. She's been responsible for most of the company's projects..." A loud smack sounded, cutting Debra's words short. Debra's fair face flushed with a bright red, and she stared at Melissa in disbelief. "How dare you speak to me like that? Are you saying that Adeline is the only one who supports the company, and the rest of us are just useless?" Before Melissa could finish, another sudden slap hit her, leaving her stunned.