After Divorce I Married a Tycoon-Chapter 211: She Was the One Who Initiated the Kiss

Chapter 211: Chapter 211: She Was the One Who Initiated the Kiss

Claire Mercer’s lips were as soft as a cloud and carried the faint scent of wine.

The moment her lips unexpectedly met his, Adrian Sutton felt his heart skip a beat.

It was as if the blood in his veins had frozen solid in that instant, and he even forgot to breathe.

The soft touch and delicate fragrance seemed to root him to the spot, leaving him completely motionless.

Only his fingertips trembled slightly, and his mind went completely blank.

Even though it was just a penalty in a game, her soft, supple lips were genuinely pressed against his.

He had been waiting for this kiss for so, so long.

To him, it felt like a century.

It was as if countless fireworks had instantly exploded in Adrian Sutton’s heart.

They crackled and popped as a wave of sweetness spread from his chest through his entire body.

All he wanted now was for time to stop, to slow down—slower, and slower still.

The moment time was up, a blushing Claire Mercer quickly pulled away.

Only then did he realize the tips of his ears were burning hot, a scorching heat that made his heart feel like it was boiling.

He gently raised a hand to his lips. His fingertips seemed to still hold her warmth and sweet fragrance.

His expression softened unconsciously as he tilted his head slightly to look at Claire Mercer, who couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes.

Her bashful expression made his Adam’s apple bob.

Claire Mercer kept her head bowed very, very low.

Her fingers twisted the hem of her dress, and even her neck was dusted with a faint blush.

And yet, she couldn’t resist stealing a glance at him to see his reaction.

Her eyes met his smiling gaze, and she quickly dropped her lashes, her own eyes flickering nervously.

She had been the one to kiss him, yet now she looked just like a startled rabbit.

Whether from shyness or the alcohol finally taking its toll, her face was so red it looked like it might bleed.

Seeing this, the other three broke into fond, knowing smiles.

Claire Mercer shook her head to clear the dizziness and got to her feet.

Afraid she would fall, Adrian Sutton quickly stood up as well.

Sure enough, Claire Mercer’s body swayed unsteadily, and she nearly stumbled.

Adrian Sutton’s heart skipped a beat in alarm.

With lightning-fast reflexes, he shot out a hand and wrapped it around her slender waist.

"Careful. Don’t fall."

"I’m fine," Claire Mercer slurred, giving him a sweetly dazed smile.

Her words were slurred. "I... I just need to go to the restroom."

"I’ll go with you."

"You don’t have to. I’m not drunk. It’s only been a few beers, I could have several more," Claire Mercer declared, swaying as she took a few unsteady steps.

She pulled free from Adrian Sutton’s grasp and headed for the restaurant’s restroom.

’In her condition, how could Adrian Sutton possibly feel at ease letting her go to the restroom by herself?’

’What if she bumps into something or falls? He would die of worry.’

He quickly moved to follow her.

Seeing the situation, Stella Thorne also got up and followed them.

Of the three women, she had drunk the least and had the best tolerance for alcohol.

Claire Mercer and Roxanne Peyton had downed several glasses in a row.

Their current state could no longer be described as merely tipsy; they were obviously drunk.

"I’ll go in and keep an eye on her. You can relax now."

Adrian Sutton nodded at her. "Thank you."

Stella Thorne corrected him peevishly. "She’s my best friend. Why are you thanking me?"

Adrian Sutton replied calmly, "She’s my wife."

Stella Thorne was left speechless.

She found she had no comeback for that.

Then, she hurried into the restroom to check on Claire Mercer.

By the time Claire Mercer came out of the restroom, it was clear both she and Roxanne Peyton had had too much to drink, so everyone decided to call it a night.

Adrian Sutton called Hughes to act as their designated driver.

He planned to take Claire Mercer home and offered Stella Thorne a ride along the way.

As they were leaving, Adrian Sutton said to Silas Rowan,

"You take Roxanne Peyton home. Claire and I will drop Stella Thorne off."

Silas Rowan feigned reluctance, but inwardly he was secretly delighted.

"Alright, then. You guys be careful on the way."

Adrian Sutton said, "Text me when you’re home."

Stella Thorne’s house wasn’t far, only a drive of ten minutes or so.

Only after they saw her safely inside her apartment complex did the car head toward Azure Residence.

Adrian Sutton sat in the back seat with Claire Mercer leaning against his shoulder.

He gazed down at Claire, whose eyes were closed as she rested on his shoulder. He breathed as lightly as possible, afraid of disturbing the woman beside him.

The car was quiet, filled only with the steady, low hum of the engine.

The lights from outside flickered across Claire Mercer’s serene profile, casting fleeting patterns on her cheek.

He tilted his head to gaze at her, his eyes tracing the line of her brow and the bridge of her nose.

Finally, his gaze fell upon the gentle curve of her lips.

The memory of their kiss made his heart melt. The feelings he’d kept hidden deep inside for so many years now blossomed uncontrollably, like flowers opening in a spring breeze.

He barely dared to breathe, wishing this moment could last forever.

His fingertips gently brushed the crown of her head again in a gesture of cautious reverence.

He thought of the countless times he had watched her from a distance...

He remembered the stubborn set of her brow when she frowned and the dazzling light in her eyes when she smiled...

All those fragmented memories now converged into a warm current spreading through his chest.

And now, here she was, right beside him, leaning on his shoulder...

His heart hammered in his chest, a tumultuous storm of emotion raging within him.

With trembling fingers, he gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead.

His touch was feather-light, incredibly gentle.

They had rarely ever been this close.

For him, today had been a day of pure bliss.

After suppressing his feelings for so long, he finally gave in to the urge and pressed a soft kiss to her smooth, clear forehead.

Claire Mercer seemed to sense his touch in her sleep.

She let out a soft, contented hum, the corners of her lips curling into a faint smile.

She nuzzled against his shoulder, then sank completely into a heavy slumber. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Adrian Sutton watched her sleep peacefully, the tenderness in his eyes practically overflowing.

He raised a hand and gently tucked a stray strand of her hair back into place.

The streetlights outside the window slowly drifted backward.

Though the air conditioning was on, Adrian Sutton felt as if the temperature inside the car was steadily rising.

Even the air in the car seemed to have become incredibly sweet.

Adrian Sutton remained perfectly still in that position.

Even after Claire Mercer’s breathing evened out, he remained immersed in this stolen moment of tenderness, unwilling to break the spell.

From the driver’s seat, Hughes glanced in the rearview mirror and saw a tenderness in his boss so profound it could drown a man. It was impossible to reconcile this man with his everyday persona.

’Is this even the same person?’

’Normally, he’s so aloof and indifferent, radiating a personal cold front.’

’Even without saying a word, just by standing there...’

’...he could make the surrounding temperature drop several degrees in an instant.’

’His ’keep your distance’ aura was on full display.’

’People didn’t even dare to look him in the eye, let alone get close.’

’But look at him now?’

’He’s the very picture of a deeply infatuated, lovesick fool.’

Hughes shook his head and let out an almost inaudible sigh.

’It’s true what they say, even a hero is no match for a beautiful woman.’

’His boss, the decisive and ruthless ’King of Hell’ of the business world, was no exception.’

’Fortunately, the boss’s wife was reasonable, cheerful, gentle, and approachable.’

’If his boss had misjudged and fallen for some black-hearted viper...’

’...then life for his subordinates wouldn’t be nearly this easy.’