His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 447

Cynthia smelled faintly of milk and sugar, a soft little presence that instantly filled the gaping void in Archer's chest.

"Mr. Vanderbilt?" The little girl tilted her head back with difficulty in his tight embrace. "What's wrong? Did something happy happen today?"

Archer loosened his grip slightly, his large hand gently ruffling her soft hair.

"Yeah. Something incredible happened today."

Cynthia blinked her big eyes, staring at him in curiosity.

Looking at those eyes that so perfectly mirrored his own, his affection overflowed. The corners of his lips tipped up into a rare, gentle smile. "I'll tell my baby girl later."

Standing in the entryway, Virginia slipped into her slippers and caught sight of the two on the rug.

Archer was acting bizarre today. His usual untouchable, aloof demeanor was completely gone around Cynthia.

He was actually sitting cross-legged on the floor, happily helping the little girl sift through Lego pieces.

Sensing her gaze, Archer looked up. Their eyes met.

He stared unblinkingly at her, the smile lingering on his lips. His dark eyes seemed to burn with an emotion so thick it was ready to drown her.

Virginia's heart skipped a beat.

He was acting too weird.

He had always doted on Cynthia, but he never let his feelings show like this. Even the way he looked at her carried a weight she couldn't interpret.

"You're home." Archer stood, dusted off his trousers, and walked over naturally to take her coat.

Virginia sidestepped his hand and draped her coat over the arm of the sofa instead.

Seeing this, Mrs. Gable hurried over to put it away. "Sir, Ms. Caldwell, dinner is ready."

"Right. Let's eat."

Virginia avoided his eyes, using the excuse of washing her hands to hide the inexplicable panic bubbling in her chest.

At the dining table.

"Nothing."

Virginia looked down, dodging his gaze.

After dinner, Archer went right back to playing energetically with Cynthia, not once mentioning work until the little girl rubbed her eyes and complained she was tired.

Virginia was about to get up and put her to bed, but he beat her to it, scooping Cynthia into his arms.

"Go relax. I'll put her to sleep." Dropping those words, he carried Cynthia upstairs.

She stood rooted to the spot, watching his broad back, an unsettling feeling rising in her gut.

Ever since they got back from the theme park, he had been acting different.

He knew. He had to know.

Virginia took a deep breath, clenched her fists, and headed up to the master bedroom. Grabbing a change of clothes, she practically fled into the bathroom.

The water hammered down. She squeezed her eyes shut, letting the hot spray wash over her as she desperately tried to untangle her chaotic thoughts.