Chapter 10 Sacrifice and Gain

She stole a glance at Samuel, only to find him looking at her. At some point, his gaze had already landed on her.

She felt embarrassed instantly, her face flushing involuntarily.

"What are your plans for tonight?" He approached her, his warm breath brushing against her.

Being so close to him, Evelyn felt her heart racing. Her inner stubbornness prevented her from showing weakness as she met his deep gaze, trying to maintain composure. "If I'm not mistaken, tonight should be our wedding night, Mr. Whitman. What other plans could I possibly have?"

She spoke with a feigned casualness, but the tight grip of her hands on her knees betrayed her inner unease.

Samuel furrowed his brow slightly, smiling, "Very well."

He stood up straight and felt the pressure immediately decrease, but Evelyn didn't let out a sigh of relief.

The car quickly stopped at the destination.

Evelyn originally thought Samuel would take her to his private residence, but she didn't expect to stop at a spa resort entrance.

The orange sign reflected in the night, calming one's mood.

She looked at him in confusion, and Samuel seemed to guess her thoughts. "Today was too rushed, I didn't have time to prepare much."

"It's okay," Evelyn said softly.

She regarded it merely as a transaction, devoid of any need for ceremony.

Yet, upon entering the meticulously arranged Rose Restaurant, she couldn't suppress her profound emotions. The expansive setting housed only the two of them, with dishes neatly prepared and a waiter discreetly positioned, ensuring ample privacy. The reservation was unmistakable.

Samuel had the means to do so, but Evelyn couldn't help but wonder how he managed to arrange everything so quickly.

"The confidentiality here is well maintained, so there's no need to worry about any leaks," he remarked calmly as he elegantly sliced through the steak.

"Thank you!"

She wasn't an introverted woman, but faced with all of this, she didn't know what to say.

Suddenly pausing, Samuel raised an eyebrow. He looked at her gently and said, "Thank me for what?"

"Thank you for agreeing to cooperate with me, thank you for the arrangements, and thank you for everything you've done today."

Although she felt that marrying Samuel on a whim was a bit impulsive, she didn't regret it.

Upon hearing her gratitude, Samuel chuckled lightly.

Though his voice was soft, it was evident that he was in a rather pleasant mood.

Then, he placed the cut steak onto her plate, put down his fork, and looked at her seriously. "There's more for you to be thankful for than just these."

Evelyn was somewhat puzzled.

…

After a romantic candlelit dinner, the two entered the prepared suite.

The room was spacious, with a private hot spring pool inside, emitting steam and the sound of water that inevitably led to certain other thoughts.

Naturally, Evelyn thought about whether she should soak in the hot spring pool with him later… and then...

Her face turned red, her body tense. She quickly averted her gaze and poured herself a glass of water to drink.

Samuel noticed her nervousness and restraint immediately. He gently removed his jacket, retrieved a bottle of red wine along with two glasses, and approached her.

"Do you want some?" he asked, raising the glass.

"No..." She originally wanted to refuse, but instantly changed her mind. "Okay."

She thought that perhaps drinking some wine would make her less nervous.

Though not inherently timid, it appeared that she was still lacking in courage as if all her bravery had been drained during their discussion of cooperation.

As Samuel poured two glasses of wine, he lifted his own towards her.

Evelyn gazed at the wine within her glass and reluctantly raised it in a toast before swiftly downing its contents in one gulp.

Her haste led to choking, and she began coughing uncontrollably.

Samuel laughed and patted her shoulder. "I'll go soak in the hot spring for a while, take your time."

Samuel had given her ample time to prepare and had also given her the opportunity to regret. He turned and walked towards the hot spring pool.

Evelyn watched as his figure disappeared, a mix of emotions swirling within her. She hastily poured herself another glass of wine, downing it in one gulp.

Downing half a bottle of red wine, she began to feel a bit tipsy. Rising to her feet, she glanced toward the hot spring pool and caught sight of Samuel's figure.

He stood with his arms outstretched, his back to her, revealing his defined muscles glistening with water droplets.

Evelyn's throat felt dry. She walked up behind him, standing on the line that separated the dry and wet areas.

Samuel heard the sound of her approaching footsteps, yet he refrained from turning around, allowing her the space to contemplate.

In a bid to preempt any potential regrets, Evelyn swiftly removed her clothes, leaving only her underwear on. Quietly padding barefoot, she joined Samuel in the water.

The heat of the hot spring enveloped her, causing an immediate sheen of sweat to form on her skin. As steam billowed and intermingled with the scent of alcohol, her earlier bravado began to wane.

Self-consciously hugging her own body, she felt vulnerable. It was the first time she had been almost unclothed in the presence of a man. Even with Liam, their interactions had never ventured beyond hand-holding and kisses.

Suddenly, Samuel put his hand on her shoulder, causing her to involuntarily turn around and fall into his embrace.

"Ah..."

She took a deep breath.

Their skins pressed against each other, and they could feel the warmth of each other's bodies.

Samuel held her waist, his other hand pinching her chin to force her to look at him.

"This is your last chance." He paused, the flames in his eyes burning hot. "If you're not ready yet, we can..."

The next second, she kissed him on the lips.

Evelyn pressed herself against him tightly, her teeth accidentally grazing his lips, tasting a faint metallic flavor of blood.

With closed eyes, she conveyed her determination through actions rather than words or thoughts. She believed that effort was essential for gain, viewing life as a series of equivalent exchanges where rewards followed every sacrifice.

Since she had married him and had obtained the convenience of being his wife, she should fulfill the duties of a wife.

Being so proactive, Evelyn gave him no reason to refuse.

He caressed the back of her head and kissed her tenderly, teaching her what a real kiss was.

Every event felt inevitable. The overwhelming surge of emotions and his fervent kisses left Evelyn gasping for air.

Sensing her distress, Samuel decisively lifted her out of the hot spring pool and carried her to safety.

As they emerged, he wrapped a fresh towel around her and gently settled her onto the circular bed.

Her long, damp hair cascaded loosely around her. With closed eyes and fluttering lashes, her flushed cheeks radiated heat, rendering her all the more captivating.

Samuel lowered himself over her.