Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1298

Teresa listened quietly, her eyes settling on James. He made everything sound so simple, but she knew better. In their world, nothing ever came easy. Turning life as a former Special Forces soldier into a business empire, and doing it all while constantly watching your back, always on alert for the next threat… She felt a pang of sympathy for him. This young man had been through so much.

She gently patted Emmy’s hand, her tone gentle but sincere. “Emmy, James has so much on his shoulders. He’s always thinking so far ahead. I’m sure it’s not easy for him. If work isn’t too busy, try to help him out where you can. Marriage is all about support, you know?”

Emmy glanced over at James, just as James looked back at her. His dark eyes sparkled with so much warmth it made her chest feel light.

She couldn’t keep the smile off her face. Turning back to her mom, she said, “Don’t worry, Mom. I know. I promise.”

They all chatted on the sofa for a while, talking about this and that, just ordinary family stuff. Eventually, Andrew checked his watch and spoke in his ever-gentle voice. “Teresa, it’s getting late. We should head to the airport.”

Teresa snapped out of the moment and rushed to stand up, but Emmy clung to her arm, not ready to say goodbye. She leaned her head on her mom’s shoulder, just like she used to do when she was little. “Mom, can’t you stay a little longer?” Her voice was soft and stubborn.

Teresa just smiled and stroked her hair, a joking helplessness gleaming in her eyes. Who would believe it? The same woman who’d faced down world leaders yesterday so confidently was now here, pouting and acting spoiled with her mother.

Teresa patted her daughter’s back as if she were a child again, coaxing her softly. “You’re a grown woman now. Aren’t you afraid James will laugh at you? Besides, you and James will be back in the Capital before you know it.”

Emmy let go at last, though the reluctance was clear on her face. “Okay… You and Andrew take care on the way. Message me when you get there.”

Emmy held her shirt collar protectively, struggling to keep her voice steady. “I told you, I’m never wearing that dress again.” Internally, she swore she’d rather die than put it back on. Every time she even glanced at it, all she could think about was the way her mother had looked at her earlier—shocked, a little amused, totally unforgettable. It was horrific.

James wasn’t about to give up, though. He leaned in, bracing his arms on either side of her, trapping her between his chest and the headboard. His gaze was intense, his voice dropping low, almost teasing. “Come on, baby… just put it on for me. I promise, just one more look.”

Even though he’d only caught the briefest glimpse before, that image—her in that fiery red dress, her skin glowing and lips so red, calling him her husband—had completely knocked him senseless. The way she looked was almost too much to handle, making his heart race and his whole body tingle. He honestly couldn’t get enough of it.

But Emmy just turned away, her stance completely unshakeable. “Absolutely not. I mean it, James. That dress is on my blacklist forever.”