THE SPITEFUL BRIDE: Marry To Rival's Son novel Chapter 123

Chapter 123

“The company is important to me.”

“Your health is more important to me.”

She’d tried reasoning with him, arguing with him, even attempting to sneak out while he was in a meeting. He’d returned to find her dressed and ready to leave, and the look of absolute panic on his face had made her abandon the plan entirely.

The most frustrating part was how he’d become completely hands-off physically. Their passionate relationship had been reduced to cheek kisses and careful hugs. When she’d tried to initiate more, he’d pulled away like she was made of glass.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he’d said, his voice strained.

“You won’t hurt me.”

“I’m not taking that chance.”

Two nights ago, she’d tried to even walk around their bedroom naked like she did the other time, hoping to break through his resolve. Stefan had taken one look at her, gone completely rigid, then turned and walked out of the room. She’d found him later, sitting in his study with his head in his hands.

“This is torture,” she’d said, finding him there. She wasn’t one to make the first move, but it was becoming frustrating. Was he trying to make her regret letting her emotions control her action?

“For both of us,” he’d replied without looking up.

“Then why?”

“Because I can’t risk it. I can’t risk you.” She couldn’t utter a word, right now, she wished she didn’t enter the office that day.

…….

Now, as she sat in the passenger seat of his car on their way to visit Ethan, Mia studied Stefan’s profile. His jaw was tight, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. This was the only activity he’d agreed to let her do, visiting her half-brother, and only because she’d refused to give him a choice.

“You know this can’t continue forever,” she said quietly.

“What can’t?”

“This. You treating me like I’m about to shatter.”

Stefan’s grip tightened on the wheel. “I’m just being careful.”

“You’re being scared.”

He was quiet for a long moment. “Yes,” he finally admitted. “I am scared. Terrified, actually.

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“Of what?”

“Of failing you again. Of not being enough to keep you safe.”

Mia’s heart broke a little at the vulnerability in his voice. “Stefan, look at me.”

He glanced over briefly before returning his attention to the road.

“You didn’t fail me. You saved me. You and Ethan both.”

“I almost lost you.”

“But you didn’t.”

“The next time……”

“There won’t be a next time,” she said firmly. “But if there is, we’ll face it together. As partners. As equals. Not with you wrapping me in cotton wool.”

Stefan pulled into the hospital parking lot, his silence telling her that this conversation was far from over. As he came around to open her door, she caught his hand.

“I love you,” she said, looking up at him. “All of you. The strong parts and the scared parts. But I need you to trust me to be strong too.”

For a moment, his mask slipped, and she saw the depth of his fear. “I don’t know how to do that anymore.”

“We’ll figure it out together,” she promised. “But Stefan, I need my partner back. Not just my protector.”

As they walked toward the hospital entrance, Stefan’s hand protective on her back, Mia wondered if love was always this complicated. If caring for someone could become its own kind of prison.

She was about to find out just how far Stefan’s protective instincts would go, and whether their love was strong enough to survive them.

This was just them, standing in the way of their own happiness.

She had loved the way he used to let her lead, the way he trusted her judgment. Now he was doing the complete opposite. She kept reminding herself this wasn’t really him, that he was just scared. That she needed to be patient. She was trying. God, she was trying so hard.

After visiting Ethan, who was recovering well, Mia told Stefan she wanted to ask the doctor something.

“Are you feeling pain?” Stefan asked immediately, his whole body going rigid with alarm.

“Yes,” she said simply.

“Why didn’t you tell me? Where does it hurt? Should we call Dr. Martinez?”

“I didn’t want you to get worried.”

Stefan’s face went pale. He practically sprinted after her as she walked toward the doctor’s office, his mind probably racing through worst-case scenarios.

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But when they reached Dr. Rodriguez’s office, Mia asked the one question Stefan never expected.

“Doctor, is it safe for us to be intimate?”

Stefan nearly choked on his own breath. His eyes went wide, and he looked between Mia and the doctor like he was watching a tennis match.

Dr. Rodriguez laughed, a warm sound that filled the small office. “Of course, my dear. You’re completely healed. There shouldn’t be any problems at all. In fact, I’d say you’re in perfect health.”

“Thank you doctor,” Mia said sweetly, standing up and walking toward the door.

Stefan sat there with his mouth hanging open, staring after her like she had just performed magic.

“She’s a brave one,” Dr. Rodriguez said, shaking his head with amusement. “Take care of her, but don’t suffocate her. She’s safe now. Do what she wants.”

“I will. Thank you,” Stefan managed, standing on unsteady legs.

When he got to the door he turned to the doctor again. “Are you sure….”

“I’m the doctor right? So I’m telling you she’s safe.” The doctor said amused.

On the drive home, Mia refused to look at Stefan. She stared out the window, watching the world go by in silence. Stefan kept glancing at her, opening his mouth to speak, then closing it again.

Even as they stopped to have dinner, because it was already getting late, Mia still didn’t look at him for long. She just focused on her food.

When they got home, she still didn’t talk to him. She took her shower first, letting the hot water wash away the tension of the day. When she came out, Stefan was waiting to take his turn.

She climbed into bed without saying goodnight.

Stefan took his shower and came to bed, sliding under the covers beside her. She didn’t turn to face him like she usually did. She lay there like a statue, staring at the wall.

He placed his hand on her arm, a gentle touch that used to make her melt. She didn’t move.

“Mia,” he whispered.

Nothing.

He tried stroking her hair, the way he used to do when she couldn’t sleep. She might as well have been made of

stone.

“Please talk to me.” Silence.

Then he kissed her neck from behind, his lips warm against her skin while his arm pulled her closer. She remained perfectly still, but he didn’t miss the way her breathing changed.

He kissed her earlobe, that sensitive spot that always made her shiver. This time, she couldn’t hide the soft moan that escaped her lips.

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