Sidney leaned back against the bathtub, his abdominal muscles tense.Both of them were drenched, water dripping from their bodies.He held her waist firmly, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he spoke.”Maria, do you like this?”Maria, exhausted, rested her head on his chest, her ears filled with the strong rhythm of his heartbeat. For some reason, her own heartbeat quickened.”I do,” she whispered.Sidney asked again, “Do you prefer it faster or slower?”Maria’s face flushed a deep red. She lifted her head to look at him, meeting his intense eyes, which were focused on her, waiting for her response. He hadn’t made any further move, just holding her in suspense, and it was driving her crazy. Maria said, “Sidney, when did you become so mischievous?”Sidney’s expression remained calm. “I’m not. I’m just asking for your opinion.”Still unmoving, the water in the tub gradually stilled.Maria couldn’t handle the tension any longer. Propping her hands on his shoulders, she straightened up, causing the water to ripple immediately, spilling over the edge of the tub and onto the floor. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Sidney’s throat tightened as he nearly lost control.Meeting her mischievous, triumphant gaze, he took a deep breath and reclaimed the initiative.”You didn’t answer, so I’ll do it my way.” Before Maria could respond, her voice broke into fragments.She felt like a small boat on the ocean, tossed by fierce winds and towering waves. Thrown up and down repeatedly, her mind completely surrendered to the sensation.The bathroom, filled with steam, resembled a misty, dreamlike paradise.Sidney held her tightly, kissing her flushed cheeks, feeling her tremble in his arms. His gaze was filled with emotion.”Maria, one day, you’ll have a place for me in your heart,” he silently vowed….Learning ofmotherSidney’s marriage, hismother was in excellent spirits, and her condition stabilized. She began insisting on being discharged from the hospital. l.neAfter days of repeated calls from Ruth, Sidney had no choice but to visit the hospital. After arranging full body check-up for her and confirming there were no issues, he went ahead and completed the discharge procedures. Maria came along to help.Ruth didn’t have much to pack, just a few pieces of clothing, and they arranged for a car to pick her up.However, Ruth insisted on returning to her rented apartment.Maria hesitated. “The living conditions there aren’t great, and it’s too far for us to visit you regularly. Why don’t you come live with us?” Ruth waved her hand dismissively. “No, no. I’ve been away for too long, I need to go back and check on the place.”Sidney agreed, “Alright, we’ll go back and take a look.”Maria still looked a bit troubled.Sidney added, “We’ll move her into the villa area soon.”With that, Maria nodded. “Alright.”The apartment was small and run-down, a basic two-bedroom with a layout visible from the front door.Ruth sighed. “It’s still nice to be home. After being in the hospital for so long, I felt like I was withering away.”Sidney said, “Mom, the landlord is planning to rent this place out again. You can’t stay here.””What?” His mother’s eyes widened in shock.She immediately swung her hand to smack him.”You ungrateful boy! How could you end the lease? We’ve lived here for so many years, I’m attached to this place!”Sidney let her hit him, and whenfinished, he calmly said, “We’ve prepared a new home. You’ll live withas in the house we bought for the marriage.”