Jabco’s hand moved to the back of her neck, and before she could say another word, his lips met hers. The kiss was deep and firm, filled with emotions he hadn’t said out loud. After a moment, he pulled away and wrapped his arms around her.
“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I didn’t give you a ring earlier.”
“Jabco…” Riyana was confused. Her thoughts were all over the place. Why now? Why suddenly? Then something clicked in her mind.
“You heard what Neon said, didn’t you?” She pushed him slightly and looked at him sharply.
“No, I didn’t,” Jabco said at once, shaking his head.
He knew if he admitted it, she would think he was doing this out of pity. That he brought the ring only because of what others said. And that wasn’t true.
“I gave you this ring because you deserve it,” he continued, his voice firm. “You are my wife. You deserve the best. I don’t want anyone thinking you are alone.” His eyes darkened with quiet pride. “This is a warning to everyone. You are mine.”
Riyana’s heart fluttered at his words. Heat rushed to her face, but she quickly hid her excitement behind a frown.
“Then what about you?” she said, pretending to be annoyed. “You put a ring on my finger, but you’ll act like a single, unmarried man?”
Jabco chuckled and raised his hand.
Riyana froze.
There was already a ring on his finger.
“So now you see who I belong to,” he said, teasing her.
This time, Riyana couldn’t stop the smile that curled on her lips. She rolled her eyes to hide it and lay back down on the bed, her heart far from calm.
Riyana’s smile slowly faded when she noticed the emotions swimming in his eyes. There was something intense there, something she couldn’t ignore.
Jabco lowered his face. One hand slid to the back of her neck, his fingers warm against her skin, and he kissed her. Soft at first then deeper.
Riyana felt every nerve in her body jolt awake. She didn’t think. She kissed him back almost immediately, holding onto him as if she was afraid he might disappear.
In that moment, all her fear melted away. All her doubts, all the mistrust she carried quietly in her heart vanished. All she wanted was to stay in his arms and sleep like this, safe and close.
She also wanted to tell him. About the pregnancy. The words were right there, pressing against her chest.
Jabco slowly pulled away from her lips and lay back, then gently pulled her into his arms. Her head rested on his chest, his heartbeat steady under her ear.
“Jabco…” Riyana spoke after a long silence, finally lifting her eyes to look at him.
“Hmm?” He looked down at her. His expression softened the moment he saw her hesitant face.
“What is it?” he asked quietly.
Riyana watched him for a few seconds. She wanted to speak. She really did. But something inside her kept holding her back.
Just then, his phone began to vibrate.


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David)