Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 92

It was best not for an older woman to intrude on a young couple's private time.

After Meredith left, Julian hung up his coat and sweater, then headed into the kitchen to prepare the ingredients for dinner.

The housekeeper had gone on leave for a couple of days. Worried about Vivian's mobility, she had deliberately stocked the fridge with plenty of groceries before leaving, so the kitchen was fully equipped.

Julian pulled out some ribs, thawed them to start a savory broth, and prepped the beef with a rich marinade.

Afraid of waking Vivian, Julian slid the kitchen door shut so the noise wouldn't carry out into the apartment.

When Vivian woke up, she padded softly out of the bedroom and pushed open the kitchen's sliding door. It was only then that he realized he had been cooking for nearly an hour.

"You're awake?"

Julian had just finished prepping the meat and washing his hands. They were still dripping wet, and he was about to grab a paper towel to dry off.

But Vivian didn't care about any of that and practically threw herself at him.

She had a bad knee, and Julian was terrified she would slip and fall if he backed away. He immediately opened his arms to catch her, keeping his wet palms raised high so water wouldn't drip onto her clothes.

"When did you get here?"

Vivian wrapped her arms around his waist, nuzzling against his chest with her eyes closed, her voice thick and clingy with sleep. "Why didn't you wake me?"

Julian leaned down to kiss the top of her head, instinctively lowering his voice to match hers. "Meredith said you were exhausted and wanted to let you sleep in."

"I'm not sleepy anymore now that you're here."

Vivian smiled, tilting her head up to press a kiss to his jaw. "Mmm... you should have come upstairs to sleep with me. That would have chased my exhaustion away a lot faster."

Julian felt an unbearable itch of desire at her teasing. He wanted to hold her properly but was afraid his wet hands would make her uncomfortable. He settled for wrapping his forearms around her, slowly shuffling over to grab a paper towel. Once his hands were dry, he finally wrapped her in a tight embrace.

"Still tired?" Julian murmured against her lips as he returned her kiss.

Vivian shook her head, then nodded, her voice muffled against him. "I just don't want to leave you."

Julian chuckled. He glanced over at the simmering pot of broth, turned the heat down to low, and then scooped Vivian up into his arms, carrying her out of the kitchen.

But she knew perfectly well that Melody was his ultimate weak spot. There were some things she couldn't say out loud.

"Is that why you couldn't come over this morning?"

Getting her answer, Vivian dropped the subject and offered him sweet consolation instead. "Melody is still so young, and her birthday is coming up. She needs you more than I do right now. If you're really tied up, you don't have to come over."

"How could I not come?"

Julian affectionately pinched her nose. "You're hurt. No matter how busy I am, I have to make time for you."

Vivian felt a rush of absolute sweetness in her heart, though she feigned a conflicted expression. "But, what about Melody..."

"She just needs to get used to it."

Julian waved it off nonchalantly. "I used to spoil her way too much. She's used to getting everything she demands, and she's become arrogant. That's why she throws these tantrums regardless of where we are."

"That kind of personality will only cause her trouble when she grows up. Melody isn't a baby anymore; it's time she learned some boundaries. Once she realizes I'm not at her beck and call and that she won't be constantly indulged, she'll behave."