Buying My Forever Wife novel Chapter 173

Ivy pushed the master bedroom door open, stepping into the dim, golden glow of the room with the curtains drawn tight.

Knowing exactly what Alaric wanted, a wave of nervous anticipation washed over her, yet her feet moved of their own accord until she reached the edge of the large bed.

She looked at the man leaning against the headboard, dressed in elegant black silk sleepwear, exuding an aura of dark, unparalleled handsome nobility.

Ivy held her breath, wondering why she was suddenly so stiff and unnatural again.

Just two nights ago, she had been the one to take the initiative.

They had already explored every inch of each other.

Yet here she was, paralyzed by shyness, lacking even the courage to meet his eyes.

She felt utterly ridiculous.

Watching her flushed cheeks and timid demeanor, Alaric felt a primal, almost savage urge to pull her down and ravage her completely.

But wanting to respect her, he forced himself to hold back, his voice rough with restraint.

"Are you willing?"

Ivy knew exactly what he was asking.

She thought about how he hadn't just cleared her name, but had also paved the way for her to return to Metropolitan General, and even forced Summer to pay up.

That $200,000 legal compensation was already sitting in her bank account.

Now, she no longer had to lose sleep over her sister's medical bills.

She had no way to repay his immense generosity—other than to give herself to him completely.

Ivy lifted her head, her face burning, her breathing shallow.

"I'm willing."

Hearing those words was like a shot of pure adrenaline straight into Alaric's veins, setting his blood on fire.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he patted the space beside him. "Get in."

Ivy stepped closer to the edge, a soft plea leaving her lips. "Can we turn off the lights?"

Alaric indulged her request.

Once she slipped under the covers, he plunged the room into darkness.

That night, Ivy couldn't summon the courage to take the lead.

But she was incredibly compliant.

Alaric wasn't entirely satisfied. At the height of their passion, he murmured against her ear.

"I still prefer it when you take charge."

Several times, Ivy was so utterly exhausted she drifted off to sleep.

Yet he remained aggressively energetic, as if fueled by an endless reserve of stamina.

She honestly couldn't remember how she finally passed out for good.

When she finally blinked awake, the room was pitch black, the space beside her on the mattress long since cold.

Fighting through the intense soreness in her muscles, Ivy sat up and hit the switch for the curtains.

As the heavy fabric glided open, brilliant morning sunlight poured through the sheer inner drapes, instantly telling her it was well past dawn.

Then she remembered she was supposed to return to the hospital for work today.

Ignoring the heavy ache in her bones, she dragged herself out of bed to wash up.

When she snuck back into Stella's room to grab her phone, the screen glowed with the time: 10:00 AM.

Ivy felt her stomach drop.

Was there even a point in rushing to the hospital now?

Forget it. She would visit her sister today and officially report back to work tomorrow.

Wincing with every step, Ivy limped down the stairs, a grimace plastered on her face.