Buying My Forever Wife novel Chapter 172

"Are you hungry?"

Stella wiggled her nose, catching the mouthwatering aroma drifting from the house.

She nodded vigorously. "Starving! What's for dinner?"

"I have no idea. Let's see what your mom whipped up."

Alaric carried her inside.

Trailing behind them, Mrs. Gable couldn't help but notice her boss was in unusually high spirits.

His perpetually stoic features had softened, and a faint, genuine smile played on his lips.

It seemed the young couple was finally heating up.

Mrs. Gable felt a surge of warmth for them both.

Ivy was just straightening the silverware when Alaric walked in with Stella in his arms.

She greeted them with a bright smile. "You two arrived together?"

Stella launched herself at Ivy. "We bumped into Daddy at the door! Mommy, what did you make? It smells amazing!"

"You'll see in a minute."

Ivy took the little girl's hand and glanced at Alaric. "Dinner is ready. Go wash your hands."

She led Stella to the sink first.

Alaric took in the perfectly set table and the steaming, fragrant dishes.

He went to wash up, then took his seat.

Staring at the feast, Stella's eyes practically sparkled. She kicked her little legs in delight and chimed, "Wow, Mommy, you're the best! Everything looks so pretty. You're the most amazing person ever!"

Ivy sat beside her, serving her a portion.

"Taste it first and tell me if you like it."

She then used the serving utensils to place a choice piece on Alaric's plate, completely failing to hide the radiant smile on her face.

"You try it, too."

Alaric didn't say a word, but he dutifully took a bite.

The flavor was distinctly unique.

It wasn't the mild, straightforward style Mrs. Gable usually prepared.

Ivy's cooking was rich and robust, bursting with savory depth without being overly heavy.

There was a subtle, appetizing zest to it.

Ivy's eyes widened as the scandalous implication hit her.

She immediately ducked her head, shoveling rice into her mouth to hide her burning face.

Was he seriously complaining about her stamina during sex right now?

What an absolute jerk, reaping all the benefits and still acting smug.

The more she thought about it, the hotter her cheeks burned and the faster her heart raced.

After dinner, she took Stella out to the garden for a walk and a game of hide-and-seek.

When it was time for bed, she tucked in with the little girl.

Stella was worried her dad might bully her mom again, so she insisted Ivy stay.

Ivy was more than happy to cuddle up with her.

But in the dead of night, her phone buzzed with a single text from Alaric.

[Come here.]

Staring at those two words, Ivy's entire body tensed, her heart doing wild palpitations in her chest.

She carefully untangled herself from the sleeping child, slipped out of the bedroom, and made her way down the hall toward the master suite...