She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

48

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The warm, golden glow from the wall lamps filled the suite, casting light over the peaceful chaos left behind after the storm of passion.

Elliott slowly withdrew from Celia. His fingertips inadvertently touched her skin, still burning but no longer trembling, confirming that the lethal drug was rapidly fading as her body processed it out.

Elliott looked down at Celia, watching as the tension in her brows gradually eased and her breath settled from hot and rapid into steady and even.

Her face, however, remained pale. Tear tracks and sweat still clung to her skin, leaving her looking fragile, almost breakable.

Elliott stared at her in silence for a while, conflicting emotions churning in the depths of his eyes. Shock, tenderness, lingering dread, and a strange sense of responsibility and possessiveness he couldn’t quite put into words.

The crimson stain on the bedsheet was a silent but undeniable testament that what just happened was all too real. Moving gently, Elliott got up and went to the bathroom. He turned on the warm water, soaking a soft towel before wringing it out.

Back at the bedside, Elliott carefully avoided Celia’s bandaged leg and used the warm towel to dab away all the sweat, tears, and lingering traces of their intimacy from her face, neck, and or the whole body.

His movements were infinitely patient and gentle, as if he were caring for something precious. Completely worlds apart from the storm he’d unleashed earlier in his desperate attempt to neutralize the drug.

Once finished, Elliott picked up the paper bag Chad had quietly left on the sofa outside. Inside were brand- new lingerie and a set of soft, comfortable, light gray pajamas. He helped her get dressed in silence, moving with practiced ease.

The process was unexpectedly challenging, especially when he had to fasten her bra. His fingers inevitably brushed against the bare skin of her back, and his breath caught in an instant. Celia, still unconscious, let out a soft, unconscious whimper but did not wake.

Finally, with her dressed, Elliott took a quick shower himself and changed into a clean robe. When he returned to the bed, Celia seemed to sense something unsettling in her sleep, her body curling up a little. Without hesitation, Elliott lifted a corner of the blanket, slid in beside her, and pulled her into his arms.

Celia stiffened for a second, but as she felt the steady warmth and the sense of safety surrounding her, she gradually relaxed, unconsciously snuggling closer to him, finding a more comfortable position before drifting back into a deep sleep.

Elliott froze for a heartbeat and then relaxed, with his chin resting gently on top of her soft hair. His senses filled with the light scent of shampoo and her unique, refreshing fragrance tinged with herbs. He closed his eyes, yet found no sleep.

Sometime later, a gentle knock came from the door.

& live

19:28 Mon, May 11

Chapter 35

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Elliott carefully pulled his arm out from under Celia’s neck, tucked in the blanket around her, then pulled on his robe and headed out to the living room.

Neil Phillips, his chief assistant, was waiting outside, looking grim with a newly printed report in his hands.

“Mr. Perry,” Neil said quietly, “Louis confessed. It was Aiyana who gave him the keycard and the drug. She got it from some underground source in Southeast Tarsis. It’s alleged to be a really potent drug, specifically used to deal with unwilling targets.

“Aiyana promised him a fat payout and said she’d help him get his hands on that piece of land he’s been after.”

Elliott’s gaze went cold as he took the report and skimmed through it. Everything matched what Neil just told him. “Did Laylah know about any of this?” asked Elliott.

“Louis said he doesn’t know,” Neil replied. “We checked Aiyana’s recent calls and money transfers. There were a few suspicious overseas wires, and they’re connected to that Southeast Tarsian source.”

“Secure the evidence,” Elliott said, his voice devoid of emotion, a tone Neil knew signaled the calm before a devastating storm. Elliott asked after a short pause. “Where’s Louis?”

“He’s in a guest room downstairs, under watch. We used a little persuasion, so now he’s very cooperative,” Neil replied, pausing. “Mr. Perry, how do you want to handle him? And what about the Stein sisters?”

“Keep Louis locked up. Make sure he keeps his mouth shut,” Elliott said, walking to the floor-to-ceiling window and aring out at the dazzling city lights.

The lights tinged with desolation in Elliott’s eyes. “No rush for the Stein family. Let them bask in their triumph a bit longer. Dig deeper into their connection with that underground source. I want evidence that’ll finish them off in one blow,”

“Got it,” Neil replied, then hesitated. “And what about Ms. Ross?”

Elliott turned, his gaze fixed on the closed bedroom door. After a few seconds of silence, h said, “She needs rest. Have a light breakfast prepared, and send it up with some clothes in the morning. And…”

Elliott’s eyes grew darker. “Check the paternity link between Beckham and Laylah’s child. I want a definite

answer.”

A flicker of understanding crossed Neil’s eyes. “Understood.”

Neil left quietly. Elliott lingered by the window for a while before returning to the bedroom.

Celia was still fast asleep, her brows faintly furrowed again as if even her dreams couldn’t bring her peace.

Elliott lay down beside her, pulling her gently into his arms again. This time, there was less hesitation but a more natural sense of protection and possessiveness.

Elliott watched her quiet, sleeping face, his fingertips softly smoothing her furrowed brow. In a low voice, he murmured, “Sleep. This will never happen to you again.”

******

19:28 Mon, May 11

Chapter 35

Meanwhile, downstairs in the ballroom, the birthday celebration was coming to a close.

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Tanner, surrounded by a lively crowd, had just finished cutting the enormous five-tier cake. Standing on the small stage with a microphone, beaming with joy.

He addressed everyone with a heartfelt speech. “Thank you, all my old friends and new, for coming to celebrate my birthday. I can’t thank you enough! Please, enjoy yourselves to the fullest, and have a great night.”

The audience responded with a wave of applause, cheers, and congratulations.

Beckham stood off to the side of the stage, clapping absentmindedly, his gaze repeatedly flicking toward the entrance and the lounge.

Celia had been gone for almost two hours now. He thought to himself, ‘Is it really taking her this long just to change clothes?’ The uneasy feeling in his chest was growing stronger with every passing minute.

“Beckham.” Laylah walked up to him, holding a glass of juice, her voice soft and laced with just the right touch of concern. “Ms. Ross has been gone for ages. She might be really unwell. Should I go see if she’s okay?”

Emily came over, snorting as she joined them. “Why bother checking on her? She’s doing this on purpose. She just had to pull a stunt, make a scene on such a good day. And now she’s hiding from everyone to embarrass the whole family.”

“Mom,” Beckham rubbed his temple. “That’s enough.” He remembered how pale “elia looked and how hoarse her voice was, and Elliott’s words about her being sick and still showing up at an event like this. ‘Maybe she’s really sick, he thought.

“Am I wrong?” Emily’s voice rose, drawing a few curious glances from nearby guests.

Emily continued. “Look at Laylah, she’s so thoughtful and considerate! And then there’s Celia. She’s got no family background, no real skills, all she knows is fussing over a few potted plants! Now she doesn’t even bother to pretend!”

Laylah quickly took Emily’s arm, soothing her gently. “Mrs. Lucero, please don’t be upset. Ms. Ross might just not be feeling well. I’m sure she’s a nice person, or Mr. Perry wouldn’t have gone out of his way to protect her.”

Beckham’s expression darkened even more.

Elliott’s sudden appearance and the way he stood up for Celia felt like something stuck in his throat. ‘When did they even meet? Does Mom owe the Perry family a favor? How come Celia never mentioned any of this to me?’

Aiyana sauntered over with a sly grin, lowering her voice with a hint of malicious anticipation. “Beckham, Celia’s been gone for ages. Maybe she’s having too much fun up there and doesn’t want to come back?”

“I heard there are a few suites upstairs with amazing views…” Aiyana gave Beckham a knowing wink.

Aiyana’s words were like a spark, igniting the dry kindling of Beckham’s frustration, suspicion, and a trace of worry he didn’t even want to admit to himself instantly. He shot her a sharp look. “What are you trying to say?”

19:28 Mon, May 11

Chapter 35

Aiyana shrank back under his fierce gaze, stammering, “I… I was just joking…”

youcher,

Just then, Tanner finished his speech and stepped down from the stage. He glanced around, his brow furrowing slightly as he turned to Brogan, the butler, who was standing beside him. “Where’s Celia? Still not back?”

Brogan replied respectfully, “Mrs. Lucero went to the lounge and hasn’t come out since. I had a maid check on her, but she said the door was locked and no one answered when she knocked.”

“No one answered?” Tanner’s face darkened. “When was this?”

“About… an hour ago,” Brogan replied, sweat beading on his forehead.

“This is nonsense!” Tanner bellowed, took a deep breath to hold his temper before turning to Brogan. “Send a few more people to look around. Make sure nothing happens to her since she’s not well.”

Tanner paused. then added, “Keep it quiet. Don’t alarm the guests.”

“Yes, sir.” Brogan answered.

Laylah immediately stepped forward once she saw all this, her face full of concern. “Mr. Lucero, let me go along and look for Ms. Ross. She’s a young woman. It’d be more appropriate for me to help her if she is unwell.”

Laylah was secretly feeling smug. ‘By now, the drug should’ve kicked in, and Lo is must’ve made his move. If we find Celia all messed up and out of it, her reputation will be destroyed, and she’ll never be able to bounce back, she thought.

Beckham stepped up. “Dad, I’ll go too.”

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