His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 491

"I had the kitchen prepare some hot soup. Have a bowl to warm up first," Mrs. Wentworth said, pulling her directly toward the living room.

"Gemma" smiled and linked her arm through Mrs. Wentworth's. "Thanks, Mom."

For the past year and a half, aside from her husband Dominic Harrington, her parents had taken care of her every need, pampering her beyond measure.

"She's had a long day. Let her get some rest first."

Dominic's gaze remained unreadable as he casually handed his navy-blue suit jacket to a maid. His eyes, framed by gold-rimmed glasses, swept over her parents.

With just one look, the older couple fell instantly silent, even subconsciously taking a half-step back. Their respectful demeanor didn't seem like they were facing a son-in-law, but rather... a boss.

"Gemma" took in the scene. She felt a brief flicker of confusion but didn't ask any questions, turning instead to head up to the second floor.

The master bedroom was decorated in a luxurious, vintage French style.

"Gemma" sat at the vanity, unfastening the deep ruby earrings from her lobes. Just then, steady footsteps approached from behind.

It was Dominic.

He stepped up behind her, planting his hands on the edge of the vanity and caging her in his arms.

He lowered his head, pressing his nose against her long hair, and inhaled deeply, breathing in the familiar scent that clung to her.

"Gemma," he murmured, his voice hoarse with a restrained tremor.

"Gemma" stiffened slightly.

Dominic treated her exceptionally well, yielding to her every whim.

Yet for some unknown reason, whenever he held her, he would reveal an almost pathological vulnerability, begging for her forgiveness out of nowhere...

"What did you and that Vanderbilt guy talk about at the banquet today?" Dominic asked, looking at her reflection in the mirror. His tone seemed casual, but it dripped with deep possessiveness.

"Nothing much. He mistook me for someone else."

Dominic didn't press further. He simply tightened his embrace, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

"Gemma, have you forgiven me then?"

"Gemma" furrowed her brow. Confused, she turned to meet his gaze. "What's wrong?"

Dominic stared at her face, straightening his posture and taking a half-step back to put some distance between them.

"Nothing," he replied, instantly reverting to his high-and-mighty aristocratic persona. His tone was indifferent. "Get some rest. I'm going to the study to handle some paperwork."

With that, he turned and walked out the door without a single glance back.

The door clicked shut.

"Gemma" stared at the closed door, her frown deepening.

It was happening again.

Every time he looked at her with that deep, affectionate gaze, she always got the strange sensation that he wasn't looking at her at all. It felt like he was looking right through her body, staring at an entirely different soul.

...

High up in the hills of Chicago, at the Cloud Peak Private Club.