Addicted After Marriage: Marrying My Abstinent Boss-Chapter 185: Reluctance to Part

Zane didn’t touch her; instead, he tidied her up and carried her downstairs.

Zane knew what she wanted to say and spoke first, "No one’s downstairs."

His voice was still hoarse.

He didn’t like being disturbed while being with Sophia. Sophia was shy and reserved, so when they were in the living room, people outside would keep their distance.

Sophia responded with a soft "Mhm," and relaxed.

"Why have you been so free these days?" she asked.

He had been spending more time at home than usual these days, especially today; he came to see her at noon and picked her up in the afternoon.

Was he off work for those few hours?

"Busy or not, a wife needs pampering. If someone else catches your eye, it would be terrible."

He pinched her waist as he spoke.

"By the way, I need to tell you something." Sophia thought she shouldn’t hide it from him, lest there be a misunderstanding.

Zane steadily placed her in a chair, served her some rice, and listened intently.

"Faye’s mom is a teacher to both Ariel and me. She’s got cancer, and has little time left. Faye wants Ariel and me to accompany her when possible. I agreed." She lowered her voice at the end, fearing he might get upset.

"Mom said she and your mom were good friends too?" Zane’s expression was calm, revealing no emotion.

"Mhm." Sophia observed his demeanor.

He placed some food on her plate, saying nonchalantly, "It’s fine to accompany his mom, but if it’s to accompany him, I might lose my temper, and I’m quite fierce."

Sophia chuckled, finding his statement adorable.

"Last time he saved me, and I haven’t had a chance to thank him. This time can be seen as returning a favor."

Zane naturally understood and wasn’t heartless, but he had to be cautious.

Faye’s gaze on Sophia had always been odd from the beginning.

He thought about how, if he hadn’t married Sophia back then, Faye might have already taken his place.

Faye was indeed an outstanding man.

No girl wouldn’t like a cultured and witty man like Faye.

But such men often have deep facades, making it difficult to see their true feelings.

"Let me know when you’re going," he said.

"Okay." Sophia knew Zane didn’t like Faye.

Initially, she decided not to disclose her marriage to Zane to Faye, which led to some misconceptions on Faye’s part.

Faye assumed Sophia didn’t love Zane, or she wouldn’t have chosen to keep it secret, leading to a stronger desire to pursue her.

His pursuit was always shy, which only seemed to push Sophia further away now.

Why did Sophia choose a secret marriage?

Marrying a man she didn’t know well—Sophia wasn’t sure how long she could endure. If they went public and suddenly divorced one day, she’d be the biggest joke.

What was Zane? Zane was a man at the peak, an untouchable existence, a high mountain flower.

In her heart, Sophia felt inferior.

She had planned to wait until things settled before revealing it, but a secret marriage didn’t seem like a great plan either.

And Zane had always just gone along with her decision.

"Your cooking skills are getting better," Sophia remarked, savoring the dishes he made.

Zane chuckled.

"What are you laughing at?" she asked.

"Nothing."

The last time she praised his cooking, she said his skills were ’not bad’.

This time, she dared not put it like that.

Sophia pouted, unable to fathom what was on his mind.

"Aren’t you supposed to go abroad at the end of the month? Has the exact time been set?" Sophia asked while serving him food.

"I’ll leave after Nathan and Clay get married," Zane looked up.

After all, Clay had pursued Sophia before. Zane wouldn’t feel content until he watched that man enter the hall of marriage. Besides, they had sent invitations, and it would be unreasonable not to go.

Most importantly, Faye was also invited. Zane wasn’t sure how Faye and Clay knew each other.

If Faye went to the wedding, Zane had to go, too.

"The timing has changed, and I might be gone a bit longer," he said.

Sophia felt a bit sad as they hadn’t been apart for such a long time.

"How much longer?"

"At most a month." Zane pinched her cheek, "I’ll try to come back as soon as possible."

"Why so long..." she mumbled in complaint.

She was already starting to miss him, despite him not having left yet.

Her eyes unexpectedly reddened.

Zane put his chopsticks down, cupping her face with both hands, "Oh dear, are you going to cry?"

"I’m not," Sophia brushed his hands aside.

"We kept saying we’d take wedding photos, but never did. Once I’m back, no matter how busy I get, I’ll find time to do this with you, alright?" Zane seemed reluctant.

He really wanted to take her along, but she also had her own work, not to mention other things he couldn’t let her know.

He could only steel his heart.

"I get it..." Sophia felt very reluctant inside.

She was already starting to cling to him.

After dinner, Sophia and Zane went for a digesting walk outside.

Zane held her hand as they strolled around a small park near the villa.

Them being gazed at by older couples while strolling under the canopy made them look like a young couple on a date.

Zane rarely had time to accompany Sophia, spending most time at the company.

Sophia had never complained. Whenever he had time, Zane would do what he considered romantic with her.

Just like now.

They walked for over half an hour, and by then, it was dark.

"I’ll carry you back," Zane squatted halfway in front of her.

"No need, I can walk. My foot has almost healed,"

Sophia hurriedly pulled him up, but he wouldn’t get up.

There were still people around!

She felt a bit embarrassed.

They were used to each other, but being more familiar with each other in bed than in life didn’t make this easy to do in public.

"Are you coming up or not? If not, I’ll just squat here and let people laugh at us. Give me some face," he pleaded humbly.

Sophia gritted her teeth and climbed onto his back, placing her hands on his shoulders and resting her head against his neck.

How wasn’t he ashamed?

So many people, it was indeed awkward.

As she latched onto him, Zane felt the softness behind filling up against his muscular back until the gap between them was entirely closed.

He adjusted her to his satisfaction, prompting Sophia to cling tightly in shock.

The May summer night had a hint of chill, but there was no trace of it while on his back.

His body was all heat; his temperature was always high.

"You’ll have to get used to it," he laughed.

Indeed, he enjoyed it; it felt comfortable.

Pampering her seemed to be a joyful thing.

Sophia was used to living alone before. Henry didn’t pamper or know how to love her and only moved his lips.

Thus, she felt a little reserved with Zane’s attentions.

Zane turned his head, noting how this woman buried herself in his neck like an ostrich, a soft smile playing on his face.

"Zane, put me down," she murmured, her warm breath landing on his neck.

She worried about Zane’s legs.

"I just want to carry you,"

Zane refused to argue, the warmth in his ear rising instantly. His Adam’s apple bobbed naturally, and his heartbeat began to quicken.

Sophia seemed to sense that he was slightly panting, and if not for close attention, she might have missed it.

"Am I too heavy?" she asked.

"No..." His deep voice seemed to convey he was struggling.

"Are your legs uncomfortable? Let me down, and I’ll walk myself." Sophia patted his shoulder.

"They are, but it’s not my legs..." he chuckled.

He wasn’t sure exactly what sparked his desire.

Maybe it was from the moment she climbed onto him or when she whispered in his ear.

Zane felt like he was going mad, unable to control himself even outside.

"Where are you uncomfortable?" Sophia tilted her head to look at him.

"Maybe I need your help, darling..."

"..." Sophia seemed to understand suddenly.

She buried her head deeper.

Zane quickened his steps home.