Skyler finally agreed to leave the closet when it was nine at night.
She gobbled down twice her usual portion of dinner.
Crystal indulged her that day. She personally bathed the little girl, blow-dried her hair, and told her bedtime stories. Skyler knew that Crystal was staying overnight, so she fell asleep. contentedly.
Crystal dimmed the bedside lamp and quietly slipped out.
She wanted to talk to Henry, so she circled around until she found him in the study. He was sitting in the dimly lit space quietly. It was rare to see him not smoking.
âHenry,â Crystal called out.
Slightly startled, he stood up and walked toward her, closing the door behind him. âIs she asleep?â
Crystal nodded. She was about to speak, but he pulled her into his arms, pressing her against the doorframe.
Crystalâs back felt a little sore as his grip was quite forceful. Sensing that his mood was foul, she bit back the pain and softly said, âLetâs talk!â
Henry absentmindedly murmured in agreement.
He slowly lowered his head, burying his face in her neck. After a while, Crystal felt a slight dampness which was rather uncomfortable.
However, she didnât push him.
At that moment, she realized that he wasnât invulnerable after all.
During that trip to the Kingdom of Brundela, she wasnât the only one who suffered as he also paid an immeasurable price himself.
Perhaps it was because they shared the same experience, or perhaps it was the fact that they were co-parenting a child, for she felt her heart softened. She gently placed her hand on the back of his neck, offering a soft, affectionate caress.
Henry stiffened.
He looked at her, his gaze deep and mysterious.
They couldnât see each other destly in for dark bout the atmosphere was just right. Finally he allowed his desires to take contred and lowered his head to Kom hee It was a soft and innocent kis After he kissed her, his breath turned hot and heavy Crystalâs back was pinned to the doorframe as the gazed at him helplessly. She had actually come to talk to him about Skyler Henry pressed his lips to hers once again The manâs breath tasted of tobacco as he slowly deepened the kin Henryâs libido had always been high Nevertheless, he couldnât bring himself to hurt her and kissed her carefully and gently, wanting nothing more but to pleasure her He felt as though his heart was about to leap out of his chest.
It had been ages since he wanted to kiss someone sincerely without it leading to sex.
The kiss lasted for a long whi It might have been thirty minutes or perhaps twenty-three hours, they had lost track of time completely, engrossed in the intimate moment they were sharing, Pressing her to the door, he used various kinds of tricks to pleasure her.
When it came to an end, he spoke hoarsely. âItâs getting late. Go take a shower and go to bed. Iâll bring your clothes to you.â
Crystal remained stuck to the door She couldnât resist him when he kissed her without being lustful. Her legs were still weak. If he hadnât supported her by placing a hand on her waist, she wouldâve slipped to the ground.
Henry caressed her waist gently. âIf you want, we can do it in the master bedroom.â
Naturally, Crystal didnât agree to that.
In a soft voice, she responded, âTll sleep with Skyler. Bring me the clothesâ
Henry switched on the lights in the study as he brushed a hand across her arm. âYou can wash up in my bedroom. There are clothes prepared for you in the closet. Iâll stay in the study to work a bit moreâ
In the end, Crystal got her clothes and took a shower in the guest room.
She spent the night with Skyler.
The following day, the atmosphere between them did a one-eighty.
Henry treated her with a touch of tenderness, mingled with a hint of sexual tension.
Crystal did her best to ignore it.
She woke up early to prepare breakfast for Skyler, taking care of her as the little girl got up. Skyler was in an especially good mood and snuggled up to her affectionately.
Henry spoke calmly. âDo your things yourself!â
Crystal was about to protest when he gazed at her and chuckled aloud. âSpare the rod and spoil the child.â
At that moment, Crystal saw a glimpse of David in him. She couldnât help but lament inwardly that he was now giving off fatherly vibes due to his age.
Of course, she wasnât afraid of him. She wanted to shower all her love on Skyler.
Initially, Skyler feared her father and even started to eat herself. Without warning, her mother suddenly began to cut her eggs into pieces and even fed her mashed potatoes!
Skyler immediately discarded her fork and crawled onto Crystalâs lap, intending to eat there.
Henry merely gave the child a look.
He had his own principles when it came to educating Skyler. He would show affection where it was due but also encourage independence.
Skyler pouted slightly. She reluctantly returned to her seat and sat on her own, attempting to eat by herself. She ended up with half the food on the table, but Henryâs expression remained unruffled.
Crystal couldnât help but say, âSheâs still young!â
Henry took a sip of his black coffee and calmly remarked, âSometimes, she behaves better than you.â
Crystal fell silent.
Seeing her reaction, Henry worried that she might be upset. After all, they had shared an intimate kiss just last night, which marked a significant step forward in their relationship. He didnât want to argue with her about parenting at this moment.
Thus, he spoke gently. âChildren need us by their side, but you canât do everything for them.â He offered a contrasting example.
âTake Melora, for instance..â
Crystal was taken aback.
She looked at Henry, who was probably thinking of his wayward younger sister as his expression turned grim..
Seeing Crystalâs expression, he lowered his voice to say, âSheâs fine. I think sheâs hiding somewhere.â
He had contacted Robert previously.
After they talked to each other, he was able to confirm that Meloraâs leaving home had nothing to do with Robert.
Crystal had a fondness for Melora. She whispered, âIâll ask someone to look into it later.â
Henry gave a faint smile.
Their relationship had become much more harmonious, so communication was smooth. when they went to the clinic to see the psychologist.
The psychologist conducted an examination on Skyler.
After that, Skyler was taken to the adjacent playroom with someone accompanying her.
After a thorough assessment, the doctor spoke softly. âHer recent behavior changes are likely related to Mrs. Millerâs sudden return. Children are very sensitive. A divorce can especially have a significant impact on her psychological well-being.â
Crystalâs eyes welled up with tears.
Henry wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He could understand her emotions as no woman could remain completely strong in such a situation.
The psychologist looked at them and sincerely offered his advice. âIf both of you are not. dating other people, you could consider getting back together. Having both parents live together could greatly benefit Skylerâs mental health, and even lead to a complete healing.â
Henry nodded. âWeâll consider that.â
Subsequently, the psychologist spoke to Crystal briefly before handing her the medical records.
Crystal flipped through the pages and nearly broke down.
When Skyler was two years old, she used to visit almost every week.
Back then, she would go into isolation every other day.
Crystal closed the medical records, remaining upset for a long while.
She finally understood why Henry hadnât told her about Skylerâs condition earlier. After all, she might not be able to take care of Skyler well when the latter was ill.
Tears rolled down her cheeks. She had been crying a lot these few days.
Henry held her close and whispered, âSheâs improving. The doctor also said thereâs a chance for her to recover.â
Crystal leaned against his shoulder.
In a soft voice, she said, âHenry, Iâve made up my mind.â
Henryâs heart skipped a beat when he heard that. Tamping down his excitement, he asked softly, âWhat have you decided?â
Crystal sat up, her lashes wet as she stared at him. âLetâs pretend to be a loving couple for now.â
Henry was speechless.
In disbelief, he retorted, âIs that what youâve decided? Crystal, think about last nightâs kiss. Do you really think we need to pretend? Donât you want to have me back in your life?â
If they werenât talking about treating Skylerâs condition, he wouldâve been much more direct.
Nevertheless, Crystal had her own considerations.
Last night, something unexpected happened between them, and she admitted that the kiss. was quite alluring.
However, the attraction between them was largely due to Skyler, because they both needed. comfort. It was easy to develop feelings for one another under the circumstances.
She had made mistakes before and didnât want to be hasty again.
Crystal replied softly, âHenry, for now, this is all I can offer. If you disagree-â
âI agree!â Henry blurted out. Lowering his voice, he repeated, âI agree.â
There was no way he would say no. She had finally opened up a bit and was willing to have further contact with him instead of living separate lives.
The consultation came to an end.
Henry had an important meeting. As he got into the car, he looked at Crystal through the rearview mirror and said, âWhy donât you and Skyler come to my company?â
Crystal hesitated for a moment.
However, Skyler looked at her eagerly and exclaimed, âDaddyâs company has really delicious. waffles!â
Crystal immediately agreed.
Henry stepped on the accelerator and chuckled. âSkyler, your words are more effective than mine!â
Skyler comfortably leaned against Crystal and looked up. âDaddy, what are you talking about? You werenât persuasive enough.â
Both Henry and Crystal didnât know how to reply to her question.
A long while later, Henry said softly, âYou donât have to worry. Look how smart and adorable. she is.â
As Henry drove, he discussed Skylerâs situation with Crystal just like an ordinary couple.
Crystal still couldnât quite get used to it.
After the car rolled to a stop, Henry unbuckled his seat belt and suggested, âCome home with me this Saturday!â
This time, Crystal didnât say no.
If she was going to pretend to be Henryâs wife, then she had to assume the role of his wife in various situations. She wasnât sure if her decision was hasty, but she didnât regret it.
When Henry brought them to the company, the entire Seeas Corporation was buzzing.
Their employerâs wife had returned, and it seemed highly likely that they were getting back. together!
When Henry led them to the top floor, Jamie was already waiting for them outside the elevator. She had been smiling for too long that her lips seemed to have gone stiff. Our CEO is about to succeed in pursuing his wife! However...
As Jamie led them to the CEOâs office, she said cheerfully, âMs. Thalia Zuckerberg is already at the company. Sheâs waiting for you to sign the contract!â
Henry frowned. âIsnât the spokesperson contract supposed to be signed by the vice. president?â
Jamie cleared her throat. âMiss Zuckerberg insisted that it should be you.â
Crystal wasnât a fool.
She could easily deduce that this âMiss Zuckerbergâ was the celebrity previously featured in the media, the same woman who had been by Henryâs side during the celebratory event. It was evident that the lady came here for Henry.
Henry glanced at her and immediately saw through her thoughts.
He instructed Jamie, âTell Miss Zuckerberg to come here. Bring in some snacks as well.â
Jamie left with a smile playing on her lips.
Henry picked Skyler up and placed her on the couch. He then smiled gently at Crystal. âI donât know her, but if youâre unhappy, feel free to meet her. Itâs also a way to prove my innocence!â