**Her Spark Ignites Tonight**
**By J.S. Caldwell**
**Chapter 158**
In the spacious confines of the bedroom, one figure lay sprawled on the bed while the other sat upright, their backs pressed together, a physical barrier that mirrored the emotional distance between them. The air was thick with silence, oppressive and heavy, making it feel as though the very walls were closing in.
At last, it was Jayceon who shattered the stillness, his voice breaking through the tension. “Victoria made you some congee. You should get up and eat a little.”
Arabella’s eyelashes fluttered against the delicate skin of her eyelids, a sign of life amidst her reluctance. Yet, she resisted the urge to open her eyes, preferring the sanctuary of darkness over the reality that awaited her.
Jayceon rose from his position, kneeling beside the bed, his heart racing as he reached out to gently roll Arabella onto her back. As he did, the strap of her nightgown slipped down her shoulder, exposing a canvas of bruises in hues of purple and blue that marred her skin. The sight froze him in place, a visceral punch to his gut.
He recalled vividly the events of the previous morning, the moment when Arabella had stood her ground, her defiance igniting a storm within him. He had never envisioned that their relationship would devolve into this painful reality. The thought of forcing himself upon her, especially when she was his childhood sweetheart and beloved wife, was a nightmare he could never have anticipated.
Feeling the sting of tears prick at the corners of his eyes, he quickly turned his gaze away, ashamed and overwhelmed. Kneeling there, he fought against the chaos that threatened to consume him, longing for a way to mend the wounds he had inflicted.
With trembling hands, he adjusted the strap of her nightgown, lifting it back into place before gently urging her into a sitting position. He draped his suit jacket over her shoulders, a feeble attempt at comfort, and spoke softly, “Arabella, I know you’re not asleep. Please, open your eyes.”
From this moment forward, he vowed to himself, he would no longer allow her to act on her whims without regard for their situation.
Arabella leaned weakly into his embrace, her body feeling as fragile as glass. She struggled to open her eyes, finally managing a brief glance at him before shutting them tightly once more, as if the sight of him was too much to bear.
Seeing her retreat, Jayceon instinctively gathered her into his arms, lifting her with surprising gentleness and carrying her to the dining room. He settled her into a chair, where she leaned against the back, her eyes fluttering open again at the sight of the lavish breakfast spread before her. But instead of hunger, all she felt was a deep-seated reluctance to partake.
Jayceon, ever the attentive husband, checked the temperature of the congee before bringing the spoon to her lips. But Arabella remained obstinately tight-lipped. With a sigh, he set the spoon down, placing both it and the bowl in front of her.
“Eat your breakfast and then get some rest,” he instructed, his tone flat and devoid of warmth. “You need to be ready for the Hongyu Group’s annual gala with me tomorrow night.”
Silence enveloped them once more, thick and suffocating, as Jayceon continued to feed her, ignoring the tears that fell freely from her eyes. He finished the bowl, placing it down with a sense of finality. Taking a tissue, he gently wiped the corners of her mouth, his touch tender yet firm.
Arabella, feeling the need to escape, attempted to rise, but Jayceon’s grip was unyielding as he pulled her back into his embrace. His fingers moved through her long hair with a surprising gentleness, and though his voice was low, it resonated with authority. “Article nineteen of the marriage agreement states that if I intend to have a child during our marriage, or if one comes about accidentally, the decision of whether to keep it rests solely with me.”
Arabella’s voice came out hoarse as she fought to respond, “Only if I don’t have a child can your child with Georgina have a chance to be legitimate, right?”
Their eyes locked, an unspoken understanding passing between them, and Jayceon nodded, acknowledging her point. “You’re correct,” he conceded, but before she could react further, he added, “However, if you decide to take the pill again, you must inform me first. You’ll only take it after I give my consent. That’s the rule.”
The tension between them was palpable, and the strain in their relationship made it clear that now was not the time to bring a child into the world.
With all her strength, Arabella broke free from his embrace, her heart racing as she sought to reclaim her autonomy.

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