CHAPTER 42

Lisa's POV

It was Adrianna Vineyard.

When Gabriel and his wife visited for supper three nights earlier, Damien offered them a wine by that name.

I take a drink of the wine, sighing with pleasure before setting it back on the coffee table as I sit on the couch with my legs crossed and a book in my right hand.

I like the wind. The flavor is special. Most likely because I haven't sampled many wines. I could discover more people who are excellent if I try more types.

But for the time being, I will continue to enjoy this wine and keep a bottle close by whenever I read.

Reading has a wonderful effect on me. It inspires me to construct my own universe. a place where there is only endless love, pleasure, and laughter. This is counter to the world we really live in.

the truth of difficulties and trials. filled with mingled tears of laughter and sorrow, pleasure and sorrow, love and hate.

Love would be my one current want if I had to choose.

real love. because I think that pleasure and satisfaction are brought by real love. You feel at ease and your face lights up when you hear it.

This is another reason I like reading, in addition to the fact that it keeps me occupied and prevents boredom.

I reach over to grab the glass cup to re-sip from as I hear the doorbell ring, feeling like a typical businesswoman.

I was so eager to put the glass cup back on the coffee table and uncross my legs that I almost spilled the wine's contents over my pajamas.

When I am calm enough to invite them in, I shout loudly, "Come in."

When the door opens, Damien enters holding his briefcase while wearing only his white long sleeves and a white coat over one shoulder.

He didn't knock, which surprised me. However, I suppose it was done out of politeness. He must believe that I am getting ready or in the restroom. I didn't expect him to be back from work this early, but knocking was the proper thing to do to save me from having to race around the room or dash back to the restroom.

I say "Welcome" and take up the book to resume reading. I'm done drinking wine. I would have removed it so he wouldn't see it if I had known he was the one.

But because he is already here, he will.

In actuality, he is gazing intently at the red wine bottle.

The question "How are you?" To my surprise, he asks. Although we have been polite to one another, we have not yet developed a loving relationship.

I do care, but he doesn't, so there's no need for me to ask him how his day was all the time.

I respond while trying to control my anxiety. I'm all right.

As soon as he stops talking, I start to consider what I should do next. How am I expected to get up and give him a hug or kiss on the forehead to welcome him home?

He is not my actual hubby, no!

Do I have permission to remove the coat and briefcase from him?

No!

Why do you have my favorite wine with you? He drags a chair over to me and slumps heavily into it he stares amusedly as he dumps his coat and briefcase on the couch next to me.

He reaches for the glass cup and adds more wine to it before downing it all.

I look about in awe. He used my glass cup, did he not? Did he just drink the whole bottle of wine? Am I seeing visions?

He grins when he raises his head. "I didn't know you also enjoy wine,"

I nod, being careful not to reveal my astonishment. "This one, in particular, I enjoy. It has a wonderful flavor.

He pours more into the cup and raises it to his lips after nodding in agreement. I see him take a sip and how the beverage causes his Adam's apple to jump up.

"What book are you currently reading?" He looks at the book I'm holding and asks.

I answer, "The Billionaire's Unwanted Bride".

He furrows his brow.

Finished with the other? If you like, I can also lend you this. I'm reading the book for the second time right now. I informed him.

He repeats while cocking his head back in a curious manner. The unwelcome bride of a billionaire? What's the matter?

I sigh carelessly. "You ought to investigate yourself." I extend it to him, but he doesn't accept it, despite my fervent desire for him to do so.

I'd want him to read it, but I'm not sure why.

All that this novel makes me think about is Damien and our legally binding union. It serves as a reminder of my situation. It relates to how I'm feeling right now.

Yet I adore it. I adore this book.

"When I finish the first, I'll grab it. You may keep it till then, he replies, getting up from his chair. "I have to get in the shower."

I quickly get to my feet as well. In order to prevent this laid-back environment from becoming uncomfortable, he wants to take a shower, and I believe it is about time I do the same. If he emerges naked as usual, I won't be able to resist drooling.

I attempt to go to bed while saying, "I should go to bed," but I wobble. Strong arms quickly grasp me as I nearly tumble to the ground.

I suddenly realize that I'm a touch tipsy at this point.

I only know these powerful arms belong to Damien because his face is just a few inches from mine and his breath is fanning my face.

This incident brings to mind what happened at the clubhouse a few weeks ago when we ran into one another just before I agreed to become his wife for a year. In actuality, I chose to accept his offer on that exact day.

I expect him to leave me as he did that day, but he hasn't. With his arms around my waist and my back bending slightly, he is closely observing me. He looks at my lips and I see my mouth is open.

I seal my lips instinctively and let out a big gasp. That seemed to break the effect because he immediately released me and made sure I got back to standing.

He spins around and says, "I should go take a shower," rushing out before I can digest what just transpired and question if it had happened or whether it was all in my head.

Damien, did you just glance at my dividing lips?

I'm startled out of my daydream by the door to the restroom slamming. I briefly blink before pinching myself to get out of the dream.

It's not a nightmare.

I'm inebriated, so maybe that's why I'm making up stories.

I dismiss it quickly and go to the king-sized bed. I crawl into bed and turn on my side, fervently begging for sleep to arrive before Damien comes out of the bathroom. I arrange the two pillows in the middle of the bed as usual.

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