Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 305

Chapter 305 A Vulnerable Moment

Every stroke of the belt had left its mark

“Mr. Cross, perhaps… let me at least tend to the worst of it,” Alfred offered, unable to stand by any longer.

Damian’s eyes were shadowed. “No,” he replied flatly.

He then handed the small tube of ointment back to the butler.

“But, Mr. Cross…” Alfred was at a loss.

In this heat, with wounds so severe, leaving them unattended risked serious infection.

“I earned this.”

He picked up the clean shirt and, gritting his teeth against the fiery pain, carefully pulled it on.

No matter how fine the cotton, its touch against the broken skin was its own fresh agony.

Alfred said nothing more and quietly took the ointment away.

Damian didn’t dwell on it. Once dressed, his only thought was to return to his wife.

*****

“He actually said that?”

Theodore stared at the small tube of antiseptic in his hand, his brow deeply furrowed.

“Mr. Cross‘ exact words,” Alfred confirmed.

“Hmph, the boy has spine! I thought to offer a little mercy, but it seems he’s intent on the full penance! Let’s see how long his resolve lasts!”

“You were the one who couldn’t bring yourself to do it, so you had me wield the belt. Why the change of heart now?” Louis remarked from the side, taking a slow sip of his coffee.

“I told you to discipline him, not flay him alive!” Theodore set the cup down with a soft clink. “All you do is drink!”

Louis clicked his tongue and poured himself another cup.

Theodore stared into the middle distance for a long moment, then picked up his phone and made a call.

*****

When Damian finally returned to their bedroom, Isabelle was already asleep.

Unlike her usual habit, she wasn’t clutching anything–no pillow, no corner of the duvet, and certainly not him. Tonight, she lay curled tightly on her side of the bed, a solitary, vulnerable silhouette.

She hadn’t even locked the door.

He walked over quietly, drew the light summer blanket over her, then sat on the edge of the bed, simply watching her.

Whether from exhaustion or the restless nights prior, she seemed to be sleeping unusually deeply now.

Damian lay down carefully beside her, gently sliding an arm around her from behind. His unshaven jaw brushed lightly against her hair as he inhaled her familiar, soothing scent.

His hand found its way under her loose sleep shirt, coming to rest softly on her still–flat abdomen, holding a silent vigil.

“I’m sorry, little one, for upsetting your mom. Be good for Daddy, okay? I’ll make it right.”

“Goodnight, my love. Goodnight, little one. Daddy loves you both.”

He pressed a kiss to her hair.

The next morning, Isabelle woke with the need to use the bathroom.

The space beside her was empty–the sheets on that side were smooth and undisturbed.

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