The Alpha's Contracted Mate

Chapter 15 Bubbling Desires

As soon as Matthew spoke, Berg's assistant glanced at Sarah's face out of the corner of his eye, sensing the tension in the air.

As expected, Sarah's face turned red with anger, her voice trembling with emotion, "I'm not going back!"

Matthew saw that Sarah was angry but wasn't annoyed. He maintained a calm demeanor as he said with a half-smile, "What do you mean, running around all day with a married man like me? If it comes out that I'm married, you're the one who's going to suffer."

Sarah's hand, resting on the back of the seat, tightened into a fist.

Her voice quivered with frustration as she continued, "You two clearly don't even like each other, why do you have to be tied together? Is it just because of Grandpa?... Matthew, Isabelle likes Alex, she has since they were kids, you..."

Sarah's words trailed off as Matthew raised an eyebrow at her, a clear warning in his eyes. The atmosphere in the car grew tense, the silence weighing heavily.

Sarah instinctively stopped talking, staring at Matthew with red-rimmed eyes. She realized she had crossed a line and regretted her words, her emotions getting the better of her.

Matthew's eyes turned a few degrees colder. He pushed open the car door to get out, leaving one last remark before he did, "Berg, take Ms. Sarah to the airport."

Sarah was taken aback at his words, her heart sinking. Tears started to fall, and she was about to open the door and follow Matthew out of the car when Berg swiftly locked the doors.

Sarah yelled, "Berg!!"

Berg, maintaining his composed demeanor, smiled amiably, "Ms. Sarah, I should still take you to the airport. Your status is quite sensitive, and it wouldn't be good if rumors start spreading."

Sarah retorted, her voice filled with frustration, "Am I afraid of rumors with... Matthew?"

Berg chuckled awkwardly, his hand reaching up to touch his nose, as he whispered, "You may not be afraid, but it seems our boss is."

Sarah heard Berg's muttering and turned her head to glare at him, her eyes glistening with anger. "What did you say?"

Berg didn't change his expression, chuckling softly, "I said it's quite cold today."

Sarah pouted in anger for a while before finally giving up, defeated. She asked Berg, her voice tinged with curiosity, "How are... Matthew and Isabelle now?"

Berg, keeping his eyes on the road, asked with a hint of intrigue, "In what way do you mean?"

Sarah, her voice filled with a mix of emotions, asked hesitantly, "Are they living together now?"

Berg, maintaining his professionalism, responded calmly, "I'm not quite sure about that. Ms. Sarah, if you want to know, you could directly ask Mr. Matthew."

Sarah fell silent, her thoughts racing as she contemplated her next move. She wondered if she should confront Matthew about his relationship with Isabelle or if it was better to let it go and move on.

Meanwhile, after Isabelle took Lindsay back to the hotel, she called the hotel front desk and ordered two more bowls of hot soup.

The freezing temperatures had taken a toll on them, and Isabelle wanted to ensure they had something warm to soothe their cold bodies.

Lindsay, sitting on the sofa wrapped in a blanket and shivering like a sieve, said between chattering teeth, "Ms. Morgan, I think we're most likely catching a cold."

Isabelle, her voice slightly nasal due to her stuffy nose, replied sympathetically, "I know, Lindsay. We've been out in the cold for far too long. But don't worry, the hot soup will warm us up."

Isabelle was drinking hot water at the water dispenser, and she sneezed suddenly, her face crinkling in discomfort. Lindsay couldn't help but giggle at the sight.

"Ms. Morgan, even you caught a cold. You seem so down-to-earth right now," Lindsay remarked, finding humor in the situation.

Isabelle was slightly startled by Lindsay's comment, her brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Lindsay explained, her laughter subsiding, "I mean, you always seem like a lofty figure when you're in the office. But right now, you're just like any ordinary person, sneezing and catching a cold. It's refreshing to also see that you are this relatable."

Isabelle chuckled lightly, her voice slightly hoarse, "I am just...."

Isabelle wanted to explain that despite her professional demeanor, she had moments of vulnerability like anyone else. But she decided against it, realizing it would sound contrived and out of character for her.

After all, given the nature of her work and the impression she usually gave people, who would believe her if she said she had social anxiety or insecurities?

When Isabelle left her sentence half-finished without further explanation, Lindsay nodded understandingly, not pressing the matter any further.

She understood that everyone had their own complexities and layers, even someone as composed and capable as Isabelle.

Just as they were settling in, there was a knock at the door. Lindsay, thinking it was the hot soup delivery from the hotel, wrapped herself in the blanket and shuffled towards the door in her slippers, her face brightening with anticipation. She was eager to warm herself up with the steaming soup.

She opened the door, ready to express her gratitude, but her words caught in her throat as she recognized the person standing outside. Lindsay stammered, her voice barely audible, "Mr... Mr. Matthew."

Matthew nodded in acknowledgment and made his way into the room, his tall and confident figure dominating the space. His presence exuded an air of intrigue and intensity.

Matthew, his charming eyes half-closed, glanced at Lindsay with a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yes?" he replied, his voice smooth and velvety.

Lindsay, flustered by his presence, hastily stepped aside, allowing him to enter. "Ms. Morgan is inside," she managed to say, her voice shaky.

As Matthew stepped into the hotel room where Isabelle was staying, his eyes swept across the space, taking in the subtle nuances that differentiated it from a typical hotel room.

The room exuded a sense of understated luxury, with its tasteful furnishings and thoughtful design.

The color palette was composed of soothing earth tones, creating an atmosphere of warmth and tranquility.

The walls were adorned with delicate wallpaper featuring a pattern of soft floral motifs, adding a touch of femininity to the space.

The curtains, made of flowing fabric, allowed natural light to filter through while ensuring privacy.

The focal point of the room was a large, comfortable bed adorned with plush pillows and a sumptuous duvet. The linens were of the highest quality, boasting a thread count that promised a restful night's sleep.

The headboard was upholstered in a rich fabric, lending an air of elegance to the room.

Opposite the bed, a stylish wooden desk and chair provided a designated workspace. The desk was adorned with a few essential office supplies, including a sleek laptop and a notepad, reflecting Isabelle's professional demeanor and dedication to her work.

The desk overlooked a window, offering a view of the bustling cityscape beyond.

Adjacent to the workspace, a cozy sitting area beckoned with a comfortable armchair and a small coffee table. The chair was upholstered in soft fabric, inviting relaxation and reflection.

A floor lamp with a soft, warm glow provided ambient lighting, perfect for unwinding with a book or enjoying a cup of tea.

The en-suite bathroom showcased a modern design with clean lines and luxurious finishes. Gleaming marble countertops, a spacious walk-in shower, and a deep soaking tub adorned the space.

Fluffy towels and high-end toiletries were carefully arranged, evoking a sense of indulgence and pampering.

As Matthew observed the room, he noticed the subtle differences in design between the male and female hotel rooms.

The female room, in which Isabelle was staying, embraced softer colors, delicate patterns, and a more nurturing ambiance. In contrast, the male rooms typically featured bolder hues, sleek lines, and a more contemporary aesthetic.

These gender-specific design choices were an attempt to cater to the unique preferences and needs of hotel guests.

The aim was to create an environment that resonated with their personal tastes and provided a comfortable retreat during their stay.

Each room was carefully curated to enhance the overall guest experience and create a welcoming and harmonious atmosphere.

Inside the room, Isabelle was nursing her cold, her voice slightly hoarse as she spoke. "What's the matter?" she asked, her tone tinged with a hint of curiosity.

Matthew walked over to her, his eyes locked onto hers, and reached out to touch her forehead gently. "Have you eaten dinner?" he inquired, concern evident in his voice.

Isabelle pursed her lips, feeling under the weather and lacking appetite. "I have no appetite," she replied, her voice sounding congested.

Undeterred by her response, Matthew insisted, "Even if you have no appetite, you should eat something. I'll have Berg bring you some food later."

Isabelle took a deep breath, too tired to argue. She continued to drink water, hoping to relieve the dryness in her throat.

Matthew stood in front of her, his hands in his pockets, watching her intently. He reached into his pocket, retrieving a cigarette and placing it between his lips.

The flicker of the lighter illuminated his face momentarily as he spoke, "I don't have a place to stay tonight, so I'm staying here."

Isabelle felt a mix of emotions upon hearing his words. Part of her was frustrated by his presence, suspecting he was intentionally trying to provoke her and create an ambiguous situation in front of Lindsay.

Another part of her was curious about his intentions and whether there was a deeper meaning behind his actions.

There was a prolonged moment of silence and eye contact between them, their unspoken thoughts filling the room.

Sensing the tension, Lindsay quietly opened the door and slipped back into her own room, leaving Isabelle and Matthew to their conversation.

As soon as the door closed, Isabelle put her cup of water back on the dispenser and looked up at Matthew, her eyes searching for answers. She asked coldly, "What exactly do you want to do?"

Matthew didn't respond to Isabelle's question with words. Instead, he walked towards the sofa, his movements exuding a sense of restlessness and a hint of vulnerability.

He removed his suit jacket and casually threw it on the armrest, revealing the sleek lines of his black shirt. With a casual demeanor, he pulled out a portion of his tucked-in shirt and slouched comfortably on the sofa.

Watching Matthew's laid-back demeanor, Isabelle couldn't help but feel a mix of annoyance and intrigue. She walked over to him, pressing her lips together in an attempt to maintain her composure.

"Matthew, can we talk?" she asked, her voice laced with determination.

Matthew looked up at Isabelle, his gaze intense, before pulling her into his arms in a surprisingly gentle gesture. Caught off guard by his sudden move, Isabelle stumbled forward, landing on his lap.

As their eyes met, a faint smile spread across Matthew's otherwise gloomy face. His large hand was rubbing her waist gently as he said in a low voice, his warm breath brushing against her ear, "Let's talk."

Isabelle, with her hands resting on Matthew's shoulders, slightly furrowed her eyebrows. She wanted answers, explanations for his actions and the complexity of their relationship.

"Are you suspecting me of doing something to the Ace family?" she asked directly, her voice tinged with frustration.

Matthew's touch on her waist became more comforting, his fingers tracing gentle circles. He gazed into her eyes, his own filled with a mixture of emotions. "Why do you say that?" he replied, his voice soft yet filled with an unspoken intensity.

Isabelle, her voice steady, continued, "Ever since you said I was investigating the Ace family, you've been appearing in front of me frequently. It feels like you're watching me, worried that I might do something to the Ace family."

Matthew chuckled lightly, the sound vibrating against her ear as he leaned closer. "I told you a long time ago, whatever you want to do with the Ace family, it has nothing to do with me," he said, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

As Isabelle watched the playful smile on Matthew's face, she found him increasingly difficult to read.

There was an air of mystery surrounding him, and she couldn't decipher his true intentions.

"Then recently, you've been..." she trailed off, leaving the question hanging in the air.

Matthew's grin was unreserved as his hands continued their comforting motions on her waist. He leaned in closer, his eyes now had golden rings around it, signifying his arousement, his voice lowering to a husky whisper, "Baby, I want to sleep with you."