I Drown in Her Arms

Chapter 3

After dinner, once Ryan finished the housework, he picked up a change of clothes and went to shower. Without asking me, he walked straight into my bathroom.

I did not have time to stop him. By the time I reached the door, he had already locked it from the inside.

My face instantly turned scarlet.

It was over. He must have seen everything.

Ever since Daniel became blind, our marriage had been strained in that regard. I had bought many private comfort items and put them all in the bathroom we rarely used, turning it into my private space.

There were even several items arranged along the wall, all carefully placed according to my height. Whenever I leaned against them, they were within easy reach.

Ryan must have seen all of it.

I was so embarrassed I wanted to disappear.

I stood outside the bathroom door, burning with regret. For a long while, there was no sound of running water from inside. I could not help wondering if Ryan was looking at everything one by one, perhaps even comparing them in his mind.

The more I thought about it, the more my thoughts slipped in a dangerous direction.

After a long time, Ryan finally came out. The way he looked at me was no longer as unfamiliar and restrained as before. There was now something deeper in his eyes, something that made my heart race.

I did not dare look up at him. I hurried inside and put everything away.

After that day, Ryan stopped dressing properly at home. He spent his days wandering in front of me in a tank top and shorts, his lean muscles making it impossible for me to stay calm.

I told him many times to dress more appropriately, but he never listened. Instead, he lifted a strand of my hair and said, "It's too hot, Anna. There isn't anything in your house to cool me down, so I can only wear less."

My fingers accidentally brushed against his chest. His skin was burning hot. Taking advantage of the moment, he leaned toward my shoulder and let out a soft breath.

"Anna, you must have been lonely for a long time. My family comes from a line of holistic practitioners. I can help Daniel with therapeutic massage, and I can also help you ease some of your tension. Relying on those things all the time isn't good for your body."

I lowered my eyes, my face burning as I listened. Then, almost against my better judgment, I agreed.