The Billionaire's Last wish

Chapter 4

Valeria’s cheeks burned as the thought of Noah’s hands on her body sent a wave of embarrassment through her.

“Oh… no, I wouldn’t want to trouble you,” she said hesitantly.

Noah’s voice was firm. “I’ve already decided, and I don’t need your permission.”

With that, he turned her back toward him, sweeping her long hair aside before his fingers reached for the zipper of her gown. He unzipped it slowly, revealing the delicate skin of her back.

He muttered a quiet curse under his breath when his fingers brushed against her smooth, milky skin. The brief contact sent an unexpected jolt through him, making his body tense. He hated how he couldn’t control his reaction. Any man would find it impossible to remain unaffected by the sight before him.

Once the zipper was fully undone, his hands moved to her shoulders, gently sliding the gown down her body. The fabric pooled around her feet, leaving her in nothing but a nude lace thong that perfectly matched her skin tone.

Noah swallowed hard. His instincts roared at him, but he forced himself to remain composed. He took a deliberate step back, putting distance between them to keep her from feeling his growing need. Yet, despite his restraint, the tension in the room was unbearable.

Sighing, he made a swift decision. Without warning, he lifted her into his arms and carried her toward the bathroom. The warmth of her bare skin against his made his muscles tighten. Just hours ago, he would have never imagined himself in this position—playing the role of his wife’s attendant on their wedding night.

Gently, he placed her on the wet floor, watching as her legs trembled beneath her.

“Can you stand under the shower by yourself?” Noah asked, his voice cold but steady.

“I usually bathe in a tub,” Valeria admitted, her hands still gripping onto him for support.

“You should have told me that sooner.” His irritation was evident.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

Noah scowled. He despised how often she apologized, how her innocent demeanor tugged at something deep within him. What frustrated him even more was the flimsy fabric separating his eyes from her completely bare form. It would take nothing to remove, nothing to rip apart.

‘She’s my wife. She’s legally mine,’ a voice echoed in his mind. He clenched his jaw, shaking the thought away.

“Hold onto me,” he ordered.

His hands found her hips as he carefully slid her last piece of clothing down, trying his best not to look. Though rage often controlled him, he prided himself on being a man of restraint. He would never take a woman against her will.

Turning on the shower, warm water cascaded over both of them. Noah still had his towel wrapped around his waist, while Valeria stood completely exposed. She held onto his shoulders as her blind eyes searched for where he was. What she didn’t realize was that Noah was staring at her, his gaze dark and intense, like a predator barely holding himself back.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The early morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, illuminating the luxurious bedroom. Valeria stretched lazily, slowly waking from her deep sleep.

“Good morning, ma’am.”

Startled, she jumped at the unexpected voice beside her.

“I’m sorry if I frightened you,” the woman said warmly. “I’m Ava Davis, your new personal maid.”

Valeria exhaled in relief. “Oh… hi. It’s nice to meet you.”

She turned her head slightly, sensing they were alone in the room. She couldn’t feel Noah’s presence.

“Mr. Owen went out for his morning jog,” Ava informed her.

Valeria’s face heated as memories of the previous night surfaced. Despite his gruff demeanor, Noah had taken care of her, treating her with unexpected gentleness. His words had been sharp and cold, but his touch had been careful, almost… protective.

He had dressed her, tucked her into bed, and had not once taken advantage of her vulnerability, though she sensed he had restrained himself.

“I’ll prepare your bath, ma’am. How warm do you prefer it?” Ava asked politely, her voice gentle and respectful as she stood by the doorway, waiting for Valeria’s instructions.

Valeria turned her head slightly toward the sound of Ava’s voice, a soft smile gracing her lips. “A little warmer than usual, please,” she replied, her tone calm and appreciative.

The warmth of a bath always helped ease the tension in her muscles, and after the whirlwind of the previous day, she needed it more than ever.

“Of course, ma’am. I’ll be right back,” Ava said, bowing her head slightly before disappearing into the bathroom.

As Valeria sat quietly on the edge of the bed, her mind wandered. What kind of day awaits me now? she wondered. The events of the wedding and the reception still lingered in her thoughts, a heavy weight she couldn’t quite shake.

She sighed, running her fingers over the fabric of her nightgown, trying to ground herself in the present.

Unbeknownst to Valeria, the room bore traces of the night before. Clothes lay scattered across the floor, creating a scene that could easily be misinterpreted by anyone unaware of the true nature of their relationship.

Ava, noticing the state of disarray as she returned to the room, blushed deeply but remained silent. This is none of my business, she thought, quickly averting her gaze and focusing on her task.

“Your bath is ready, ma’am,” Ava announced, her voice steady despite her lingering embarrassment. She guided Valeria toward the elegant, spacious jacuzzi, the warm steam rising from the water filling the room with a soothing aroma.

Valeria stepped in carefully, the warmth enveloping her as she sank into the water. For a moment, she allowed herself to relax, the tension in her shoulders melting away.

After her bath, Ava helped her into a blue floral gown that highlighted the softness of her skin.

The fabric felt light and comfortable, a small comfort in the midst of her uncertain new life. “You look lovely, ma’am,” Ava said with a smile, though she knew Valeria couldn’t see it.

“Thank you, Ava,” Valeria replied, her voice warm with gratitude. She appreciated the kindness, no matter how small. It was a stark contrast to the coldness she had experienced from others.

“Breakfast has been prepared by Mrs. Owen. I’ll take you downstairs,” Ava announced, her tone cheerful as she guided Valeria toward the door.

Before they left, Ava handed Valeria her walking stick, which had been stored in the closet. Valeria sighed in relief as her fingers wrapped around the familiar handle.

She had felt lost without it the previous day, its absence making her feel more vulnerable than she liked to admit. This is my lifeline, she thought, gripping it tightly. I won’t let anyone take it from me again.

With Ava’s assistance, Valeria descended the grand staircase, each step measured and careful. The faint hum of activity in the house grew louder as they approached the dining room.

Ava pushed open a large door, revealing the long, opulent table set for breakfast. The room was bathed in soft morning light, the air filled with the aroma of freshly prepared food.

Noah sat at the head of the table, his presence commanding and unyielding. His sharp features were set in a neutral expression, but the aura of authority he exuded was unmistakable.

Ava led Valeria to the seat beside him, and it wasn’t until she was close that Valeria sensed his presence. The familiar earthy scent, uniquely his, wrapped around her, grounding her in place.

Why does he have to be so… overwhelming? Valeria thought, her heart skipping a beat as she took her seat. She could feel the weight of his gaze, though she couldn’t see it.

The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken words and unresolved tension.

Ava stepped back, giving them space but remaining close enough to assist if needed. Valeria took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever came next. This is my life now, she reminded herself. I’ll find a way to navigate it, one step at a time.