Chapter 281 Enough Puppy Love
Malcolm was acutely aware of Reese’s mistrust, which manifested in her constant need for reassurance of his feelings for her. His beloved, his fiery little spitfire. He could only imagine the trials she had endured to harbor such deep–seated insecurities. They had spent countless hours together, shared intimate moments, and he had thought she was gradually opening up to him. However, he realized that there was still a considerable distance to bridge.
Regardless, her vulnerability only served to soften his heart further, strengthening his resolve to aid her in her healing process. He yearned for his spitfire to experience the normalcy of other girls, to be able to rely on someone. If the sky were to collapse, he wanted to be the one to stand in front of her, to share the weight, so she wouldn’t have to face the world alone.
With a fond smile, Malcolm tousled Reese’s hair. His face was a canvas of affection as he said, “What are you talking about? You’re my wife. It’s my duty to emotionally support you and tolerate your tle tantrums, isn’t it?”
For the first time, Reese experienced the warmth and security of being with a man. It seemed that her days of wandering alone were over. She reached out, returned Malcolm’s embrace, and rested her head on his shoulder. “Thank you, darling,” she murmured.
Hearing the tender, affectionate way she said ‘darling,‘ Malcolm felt an overwhelming urge to give her his entire heart. “Listen, darling, let’s go out for a couple of drinks. If you don’t want to know the truth about your past, we’ll act as if nothing happened. We never had much to do with the Brooks family anyway.”
Further investigation might not reveal much, only perhaps the identity of Reese’s father. But if he truly cared about her as a daughter, wouldn’t he have tried to find her in over twenty years? Was it that he genuinely couldn’t find her, or he just didn’t want to? Malcolm feared the latter. If so, he hoped his darling would remain blissfully unaware forever, shielding her from further harm.
He dreaded Reese obsessing over it and not being able to let go, having her emotions affected. That was the last thing he wanted to see. Reese pondered for a moment, her spirits still low, yet she didn’t want it to show. Now that Malcolm was willing to stick by her, she felt compelled to let her guard down and release the negative emotions she’d held inside.
She also contemplated whether she should delve into the mysteries surrounding her origins. She nodded firmly, “Okay.”
They decided to hit a local bar. As they entered, Reese was surprised to find it empty and looked at him questioningly. “Did you book the whole place,” she asked. Holding her hand tightly, Malcolm said, “When my wife finally agrees to grab a drink with me, got to make sure we have some peace and quiet. Can’t have anything spoiling your mood.”
Reese chuckled, “All right. Since you went to all this trouble, I guess owe you a few rounds.”
I’ve
The couple enjoyed an uninterrupted conversation at the bar, with Reese savoring the act of sharing drinks and heartfelt talks with someone for the first time. They spoke openly, steering clear of forbidden topics. Just having someone show interest in her past and her feelings was rare enough.
After all, most people wander through life wearing masks, and if they show concern, it often comes with strings attached. For some reason, Malcolm, with his stoic demeanor, instilled a sense of security in her, a feeling she couldn’t quite explain.
After Reese had worked her way through a bottle of strong liquor, Malcolm cautiously broached a sensitive subject. “Honey, would you tell me about your childhood?” he ventured.
Reese scoffed lightly, “Why are you so curious about my childhood?”
“Because I love you so much, I want to know everything about you,” he replied earnestly.
His words were sincere; he had long sought to understand her past, but her background was difficult to trace, and he had nearly given up, convinced of her complex identity. The trail had started with hints from the Emerald Isle’s owner.
But he wouldn’t press her if she didn’t want to talk. Reese thought it over and decided that since Malcolm knew she wasn’t Kenneth’s daughter, she could share some truths with him.
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Chapter 281 Enough Puppy Love
“Actually, I grew up with my grandma in Backwoods. It was only today I learned my mother brought me into the Brooks family, paying Kenneth a sum of money. She did end up with Kenneth, but grew suspicious of her activities, fearing she was in contact with my biological father. And later… my mother passed away due to health issues, which certainly weren’t helped by Kenneth finding solace in Nancy,” she revealed.
Malcolm tenderly wrapped his arms around Reese, his heart aching for her. “There, there, darling,” he soothed, “Just open up to me about anything, okay? I’ve got your back, no matter what.”
Reese had been somewhat downcast when she had opened up, but Malcolm’s words seemed to offer her comfort. Her eyes held a slight gleam of tipsiness. Though she usually held her liquor well and drank with caution, today had marked a heightening of her connection with Malcolm. Their trust in each other had deepened.
After finishing their drinks, Malcolm scooped up the nearly drunken Reese and headed outside. Justin was already waiting by the door and was surprised to see Reese in such a state. “Reese, she’s had a bit too much, huh?” It was not like Reese, who was typically so guarded, to overindulge.
Malcolm’s expression had returned to its usual detached cool
“Get on with the Brooks Corporation deal, Justin. By tomorrow
morning, I want my wife to be the majority shareholder of Brooks Corporation.”
Justin shivered slightly at the command. With it already being midnight, Mr. Flynn’s order meant he would have to work overnight to acquire Brooks Corporation shares. Malcolm shot him a look: “Is there a problem?”
Justin quickly shook his head, “No… no problem at all. I’m on it.”
“Hold on, take us home first. The grandparents must be asleep by now, right?” Malcolm settled into the back seat with Reese in his arms. As Justin closed the car door, he reassured, “They’re asleep; you won’t have any trouble.”
He understood Mr. Flynn’s concern about Grandpa Flynn seeing Reese in this state and the lengthy fuss that would ensue. “Okay, make a stop at the pharmacy and grab some hangover remedy on the way. I don’t want her feeling awful when she wakes up.”
Justin swallowed hard. “Sure.” He felt that he could survive on a diet of canine affection alone these days.
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