Cheated Once Cherished Forever: The Billionaire's Bride novel Chapter 116

Theodore guided Isabella to the couch and sat her down, his voice soft and gentle. "Bella, they were involved in what happened yesterday. They helped to cover Queenie, so they're at fault too. You're my wife, and they need to be respectful to you."

Isabella stayed silent.

He continued, "They're here to apologize, but you're not obligated to forgive them. There's no need to let them inside."

She nodded. If Theodore said so, there was no reason for her to be so forgiving. She didn't like them to begin with. It was better to leave them standing outside than force herself to smile and play nice.

After dinner, he went to his study, and she went to freshen up. While showering, she noticed bruises forming on her wrists and shoulders, marks left by those two men. Just thinking about their hands touching her made her nauseated, and she rubbed the bruises hard.

The more she rubbed, the darker the marks became, making her even more frustrated. She felt like killing them!

She suddenly recalled Theodore's words. "Don't keep those two inside."

She put on her pajamas and stepped out of the bathroom.

It was still September, and the weather was hot and sticky. So, she chose to wear short-sleeved pajamas. She froze for a moment when she saw that Theodore had already returned to the room.

He immediately noticed the bruises on her wrists and shoulders and frowned. "Come here."

She obediently walked over, instinctively trying to cover the bruises. However, he pulled her close, leaning in to inspect them. "Do they hurt?" His tone was full of gentle concern.

Shaking her head, she replied, "No, they don't hurt."

They were just bruises, and she hadn't felt any pain all day.

"I'll apply some medicine on you."

He got up to fetch it, returning shortly with a small tub. "This is a homemade salve from an old doctor I know. It's especially effective for bruises and sprains."

She wanted to refuse, thinking two days of rest should be enough, but the concern in his eyes warmed her heart. She obediently sat and waited.

Noticing her pause, he kissed the bruises on her shoulders lightly, as if afraid to hurt her. "Tonight, I'll stay with you longer."

He nibbled her earlobe and said in a low and serious voice, "Allow me to spoil Mrs. Sinclair a little."

Her heart raced. She wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in the crook of his neck. His warm breath brushed her skin, and he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her.

The buttons of her pajamas had long come undone, and the fabric slid off her shoulders. It was her skin against his shirt. Even with a layer of clothing between them, she could feel the heat radiating from him.

"You're not done applying the medicine yet," she murmured against his chest, her voice carrying a faint trace of dependence.

He chuckled softly, gently tugging the hem of her pajamas. His movements were patient and tender. "No rush. Let's warm you up first before finishing."

His kisses trailed from her neck down to her collarbone. He avoided the bruises, leaving only faint marks on unblemished skin. The air in the room thickened, filled only with the rhythm of their intertwined breaths.