Chapter 123
Zabelle climbed the stairs, her nerves still buzzing from the email she had just sent
Her thoughts swirled as she replayed Antonio’s words in her mind, and she couldn’t stop smiling due to him calling her beautiful.
When she reached their bedroom, the door was slightly open. She peeked inside and saw Antonio standing near the dresser, shinless, with his back turned to her.
He was holding a crisp white shirt in one hand, about to slip it on.
Her breath hitched for a moment. She wasn’t sure if it was because of the sight of his toned back or just how effortlessly commanding he looked. Antonio glanced over his shoulder and noticed her presence.
asked, his tone casual, and she cursed herself for getting caught.
“Are you planning to stand there all day, or are you coming in?” he a
Zabelle blinked and stepped inside, trying to act natural. “I wasn’t expecting to walk in on… this,” she muttered, gesturing vaguely,
one arm into the sleeve of his shirt. “Why are you red? You’ve seen me shirtless before.”
He chuckled, slipping one arm into th
Her cheeks further flushed, and she decided not to dignify that with a response. Antonio, however, smirked knowingly as he slipped the other arm into the shirt
“Come here,” he said, beckoning onto her.
It was as though he had used a spell on her, as she immediately moved toward him.
He stopped fiddling with the buttons and stepped closer to her, his expression unreadable.
- e. “Help me with this,” he said, his voice softer How
She looked at him, startled. “You want me to…
“Yes,” he interrupted, his lips. “Button the shirt, Zabelle, I’m not asking you to perform surgery.
He couldn’t help but want to get close by all means to her. It was frustrating that he loved her and had not told her.
Why hadn’t he? He wondered
“You’re so mean Rolling her eyes, she stepped closer and began fastening the buttons of his shirt.
Her fingers brushed against the fabric, and she tried not to think about how close they were
As she worked, Antonio watched her quietly, his gaze steady but not overbearing
The room felt hot under the intensity of his stare. The fact that the air conditioner was on did nothing to help her.
“I sent the email,” she said softly, breaking the silence and to stop the dangerous thoughts that were creeping into her mind.
“That’s good.” Antonio replied, and a smile appeared on his face. “And?”
“They replied quickly. The meeting is confirmed for today, at their office in the city center. They seem serious.
Antonio nodded, the smile still on his lips. “Thut’s a good start.”
the finished b
buttoning his shirt, he stepped back slightly, picking up his tie from the dresser. He handed it to her without a word. Zabelle took it hesitantly. “You want me to
in
“You’re catching on,” he said, his tone teasing but light.
She let out a small laugh, shaking her head as she looped the the around his collar. You could’ve just done this
done this yourself, you know.”
Plus, I’d like you to do this for me?
“Maybe,” he admited “But you seel like you could use a little distraction. Zabelle’s hands paused for a moment before the resumed lying the knot. What was wrong with her heart and why was it pounding just because of a few words.
1/2
11:14 PM
Chapter 123
As she finished adjusting the tie. Antonio’s hand reached up and gently stroked her head. The unexpected gesture made her freeze momentarily,
“I’m proud of you,” he said, his voice low but sincere. “Taking the first step, even when you’re nervous, isn’t easy. But you did it.”
Zabelle’s cheeks warmed, and a small, genuine smile crept onto her face.
His words carried a weight that she hadn’t expected, and the simple acknowledgment sent a flutter of happiness through her chest.
“Thank you.” she said softly, looking up at him.
Antonio nodded, his hand dropping back to his side. “You’re stronger than you think. Zabelle. Don’t forget that.”
“You’re holding me to a high standard,” she muttered.
“You’re my wife. Who else would I hold onto a high standard?” He raised his brows.
