Chapter 272: I’m Kiding
Alyssa sauntered over, her eyes twinkling as she observed the tender exchange between Reese and Malcolm. She couldn’t resist the urge to tease them.“Reese, you’ve become Malcolm’s cherished sweetheart, haven’t you? A mere snap of your fingers, and he’d likely offer you his heart on a silver platter,” Alyssa jested, her voice devoid of any resentment.Malcolm, far from taking offense, chose to play along. “Even Alyssa, with her mind perpetually engrossed in video games, can see it. How could you possibly miss it?“Reese squirmed uncomfortably under their playful banter, particularly take aback by Malcolm’s unabashed declaration of his feelings. She was at a loss for a suitable response. Moreover, she had to grapple with the disparity in their statuses. She felt ensnared within an organization that offered no easy escape.Malcolm, on the other hand was a successful businessman. She found it hard to believe that anyone would willingly forfeit their current advantages for herke. Anyone who had spent time within the organization knew it was a gilded cage; entry was simple, but escape was an entirely different matter.Suddenly, Reese rose from her seat, her demeanor turning icy. “I’m going to rest; you two carry on,” she declared.She swiftly gathered her belongings and ascended the stairs. Alyssa, who had been reveling in the scene just moments before, stood there flabbergasted, watching Reese’s retreating figure. “Reese, I didn’t mean any harm, are you upset?” she called out after her.Reese merely waved her hand dismissively without turning around.Malcolm’s expression turned somber; he couldn’t comprehend what had triggered Reese’s abrupt change in mood.Baffled, Alyssa turned to Malcolm. “Bro, what’s wrong with Reese? Did I say something inappropriate?” “It’s not about you.“Reese wasn’t one to take offense at Alyssa’s casual jests; it simply wasn’t in her nature. Then she…““Just carry on with what you were doing, I’ll go check on her,” Malcolm interjected, patting Alyssa’s head reassuringly before following Reese upstairs.Alyssa stood there, releasing a weary sigh. What was happening between those two? One moment everything was harmonious, and the next, without any warning, the atmosphere had turned tense.Only Reese would dare to retort to Malcolm in such a manner. Anyone else would have likely been torn to shreds. Upon entering the room, Malcolm found Reese standing on the balcony, lost in her thoughts. She seemed to have lost .weight recently, and the reason behind it was unclear. He approached her slowly. Reese leaned against the railing, her back towards him, and despite Malcolm’s soft–spoken nature, she was acutely aware of his presence.“You don’t need to worry about me, I’m fine.“Malcolm stepped closer, gently encircling her waist from behind Their bodies pressed together; Reese could feel the warmth radiating from him, comforting and reassuring.She reveled in his embrace, understanding that it was a luxury only afforded when mutual affection – or more was shared. This realization was precisely what tangled her thoughts into a frustrating knot.Despite Reese’s rigid posture, her lack of protest was a positive sign for Malcolm.“Darling, if something’s troubling you, you need to share it with me. We can face any challenge together as husband and wife. But you can’t keep it bottled up inside.“He admired his wife’s strength, but it also concerned him. Her resilience sometimes became a psychological burden. Reese had considered discussing her concerns with him.However, it felt impossible to broach the subject, knowing it would only ensnare them both in the web of her thoughts.There wasn’t a complete sense of trust between them to lay all their cards on the table – it could invite unnecessary risk, and she wasn’t alone in this. With Louis and others involved, she couldn’t afford to act selfishly.Malcolm’s implications were even more extensive.Involving the Flynn family and unknown players, it wasn’t a simple problem to solve. She turned to face him, her tension dissipating as she spoke with a teasing tone.“It’s nothing. Just pondering over how I snatched a project from you, causing such a loss for your company – wondering if you’ll attempt to reclaim it.“Malcolm rested his chin on her shoulder, gently brushing her cheek with his lips.“Just one project. Do you really think I’d be that petty, darling? But I must confess, I was irked. Someone outsmarting Malcolm in a deal? I didn’t see it coming.“Reese’s eyes narrowed slightly, her smile softening her usual stern demeanor.“Did it bruise your ego that much?““It certainly did,” he admitted. While he’d never confessed it aloud, he had spent those days trying to uncover the audacious individual who dared to intercept his project. To think, the answer had been right under his nose.“Oh, and I have something to tell you. A friend’s birthday is coming up in a few days, and I think we should attend.“After all, this person had been a significant support during their college years. Do you need me to accompany you?” Malcolm was genuinely eager to join Reese in something she enjoyed. They had both been cooped up for too long, and it was rare for her to attend such events.“Uh, sure.“Reese’s unexpectedly affirmative response took Malcolm by surprise.With a playful flick of his finger under Reese’s chin, he arched an eyebrow.“Seems like the wife is in a good mood today. I hope that doesn’t indicate something’s amiss.“Reese was on the verge of cursing under her breath. Sometimes, Malcolm could play the fool, which was preferable to his usual astuteness.He was now attuned to even her slightest mood shifts, picking up on her out–of–character moments. It made her feel exposed, as if standing bare before him, with every detail scrutinized. She shot him an annoyed glare, “Malcolm, have you ever heard of tact? Weren’t you just preaching about trust between spouses, and now you’re doubting me already?“Malcolm wrapped an arm around Reese’s waist, soothing her with a soft voice, “Alright, alright, I was just teasing you. No need to get worked up.“With that, Reese managed to skate over the issue. If not, she really wouldn’t know how to navigate this. Malcolm’s perceptiveness was strong; even if he wasn’t vocalizing it, she suspected doubts lingered in his mind. She had to find a way to make him believe her; otherwise, any future moves she made would likely be hindered.
–
