Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217 Just Holding You Is Enough

Finished

Dorian glanced at the blanket that had been placed between them like a barrier. Annoyed, he reached over, picked it up, and tossed it to the sofa. Then he wrapped an arm around Arden’s waist and gently pulled her toward him.

She turned in her sleep, and with just that small nudge, she rolled right into his arms.

He held her there, his hand resting on her waist. She curled naturally against his chest, her breath warm against his skin.

Dorian pulled the covers over them both. His eyes fell on her long lashes resting against her cheeks. He brushed them lightly with his fingertips, then gently pinched her cheek. The glow from the bedside lamp washed her features in a soft, golden warmth. She looked peaceful and beautiful.

It was the first moment of calm he’d had in what felt like forever.

He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead, then finally closed his eyes, holding her close.

Whatever came next, he knew that for these two or three days at the Vale estate, he’d sleep well–for once.

And that was enough. He had no plans to touch her. If she got pregnant and something happened to him… it’d be unforgivable.

Just holding her like this was enough.

Arden thought she’d sleep terribly, but she woke up in the morning feeling well–rested. Her body was warm, pressed against something solid. Confused and a little dazed, she slowly opened her eyes–only to realize she was wrapped in Dorian’s arms. One of her legs was even draped over his.

Panic struck her like a cold wave.

She held her breath and began inching away, careful not to wake him. Every movement was deliberate, her eyes glued to his face, praying he wouldn’t open his eyes.

But Dorian had already woken up when she did. He’d been curious what she would do.

He watched her sneak out of his embrace, tiptoe over to the sofa to retrieve that separating blanket, and gently lay it between them again. As soon as she sighed in relief, thinking she hadn’t woken him.

His voice broke through the silence, low and laced with amusement. “Arden. What are you sneaking around for?”

She froze. Then turned her head, wide–eyed. “Huh? Oh. You’re awake?”

“Let me guess–you took advantage of me last night, and now you’re trying to cover it up?”

Her face flushed. “I did no such thing! Absolutely not.”

“It’s already seven–thirty,” she stammered. “Mr. Vale, you better get up and get ready. You’re gonna be late

Before he could say anything else, Arden bolted into the bathroom to brush her teeth and change.

11:08 pm DDD ·

Chapter 217 Just Holding You Is Enough

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Finished

By the time she came back out, Dorian was gone.

She headed downstairs, where the family was already at the breakfast table–and Dorian, now suited up and fresh as ever, was sitting there like he’d been waiting for hours.

Everyone turned as she appeared. Eugenia smiled warmly and called out, “Arden, come eat.”

“Yes, Grandma,” she answered quickly.

There was only one empty seat–beside Dorian. She walked over, sat down quietly, and avoided eye contact. Without a word, Dorian pushed a bowl of oatmeal toward her.

That evening was Celine’s birthday party, and the estate had already been completely decorated. Dorian had planned everything a month in advance, so neither Arden nor Celine had much to do until it was time to get dressed.

“Dorian,” Celine called out mid–bite, “I already booked hair and makeup for Arden, plus her gown. You better approve her leave early tonight—she needs two hours, minimum.”

Dorian replied without looking up. “Got it.”

“She’s gonna look amazing, by the way. You better dress the part too.”

“It’s your birthday,” he said simply. “I know how to dress.”

“Cassian and the rest–are they coming?”

“They are.”

Celine grinned. “Great. Then you better be the one driving Arden back.”

“Mm.”

After breakfast, Arden left with Dorian for work. She didn’t speak much during the drive, and Dorian wore his Bluetooth earpiece, dealing with nonstop work calls.

They didn’t exchange a single word until they arrived at the Vale Group building. Getting out of the car, they looked more like strangers than a married couple.

Arden powered through her day, working like a machine. Around 3 p.m., she went to Warren to ask for time off, which he approved immediately–clearly under Lucien’s orders.

She texted Dorian, “Mr. Vale, I’ll head back on my own. You seem busy.”

Dorian replied, “Go down to the parking garage. I’ll meet you there.”

So much for being subtle.

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