chapter132

Suzanne was paralyzed by a mixture of shock and disbelief as Nathan leaned over her. He balanced his weight on one elbow, his presence commanding and irresistible. His face was mere inches from hers, their breaths intermingling in the quiet room.

A surge of tension rushed through Suzanne. Her voice was a mere whisper, trembling with uncertainty. “What are you doing?”

Nathan didn’t answer with words. His gaze held her captive, his presence providing a sturdy, overwhelming warmth. In the proximity of the man she had admired for years, Suzanne’s rational defenses began to crumble. Her mind was clouded by a whirlwind of shyness and a quiet, nervous anticipation.

Nathan’s expression was focused, his breathing heavy as he looked at her. Slowly, he began to bridge the final distance between them. Suzanne’s nerves tingled; she gripped the bedsheets, her eyes closing instinctively. Even though she knew his heart had belonged to another, and even though their marriage felt like a fleeting arrangement, she couldn't help but cherish this moment of closeness. To her, if Nathan was willing to share this space with her, it felt like a rare, blessed occurrence.

His hand moved to caress her cheek, his fingers threading through her hair to steady her. Suzanne’s breath hitched, her heart pounding with a sudden, sharp excitement.

But just as the gap vanished, a sharp knock at the door shattered the silence.

“Nate, are you asleep?” Sally’s voice called out from the hallway.

The interruption was like a douse of cold water. Frustration flickered across Nathan’s face, and he let out a heavy sigh, resting his forehead against Suzanne’s for a moment as he struggled to regain his composure. The moment was lost.

The knocking grew more insistent. Suzanne quickly turned her head away, her composure returning as the reality of their situation set back in.

Reluctantly, Nathan pulled away and reached for his phone. He recorded a brief, clipped voice message. “I’m sleeping. Please stop disturbing me.”

After sending it, he glanced at Suzanne, who had already slipped under the covers and turned her back to him.

Sally, undeterred, knocked again. “Nate, perhaps you should come to the guest room. I can take care of you properly if you’re unwell.”

Nathan’s jaw tightened. He began to type a blunt command for her to leave, but he hesitated. Knowing that Sally could cause further friction within the Morrison family if provoked, he deleted the text and sent a softer, more calculated message instead. “Sally, my injury is manageable. Please, go back to your room and rest. I need my sleep.”

“Good night, Nate,” Sally’s voice chirped back tenderly.

Under the blanket, Suzanne felt a bitter ache in her heart. She couldn't help but wonder if men were perpetually drawn to the calculated vulnerability of women like Sally. Despite their awareness of such manipulative tactics, they still seemed to offer affection and patience. The warmth of a few moments ago was gone, replaced by the cold reminder that she was still navigating a path filled with shadows.