CHAPTER 485: CHAPTER 485: THE PAIN OF LOSS, DEEP AFFECTION BETWEEN SPOUSES (4)_1

And for her, deep in his heart, he also harbored brotherly affection.

The bond between siblings isn’t something that can be severed at will.

After Glades Horne entered from the Courtyard, he went up to the rooftop with pursed lips, not uttering a word. Aside from Julia Bluen, no one dared to follow him, not even a single step.

He stood at the railing, his large hands gripping it tightly. His deep-set eyes emitted a cold light, also revealing his reluctance as he stared intently at the ground below.

Even as night descended, he didn’t withdraw his gaze.

Julia Bluen stood behind him, wrapping her arms around his sturdy waist. She was also silent, just pressing her face against his back and listening to his heartbeat.

She understood his feelings at that moment.

Throwing Pheobe Rogers out had coincided with James Horne’s return. He hadn’t wanted to, couldn’t bear to, but he did it nonetheless.

His plan for revenge against Pheobe Rogers was gradually taking shape, and he had personally taken the first step.

Taking that step meant his image in James’s heart would change.

His moods were unpredictable, yet he was a person who deeply valued relationships.

Even as a child, he would stand up for James Horne, protect him, and tell everyone, "James Horne is my brother." This showed how deep his brotherly affection for James truly was, even though he might use that affection to make Pheobe Rogers suffer.

In James’s heart, he was the best older brother, yet Pheobe Rogers was James’s biological mother.

"Glades, no matter what you do, I will always support you," Julia said tenderly and gently.

Glades Horne turned his head and gazed deeply into her lovely face.

Under the rooftop light, he clearly saw the look in his wife’s eyes conveying that no matter what he did, her feelings for him would not change.

His hands gripping the railing relaxed, and he instead took hold of the soft hands wrapped around his waist.

Then gently, with a sigh, he pulled her forward into his embrace, murmuring hoarsely, "Without sunlight, the night grows cold. You shouldn’t have followed me up here; you’ll catch a chill." As he spoke, he had already unbuttoned his suit jacket, opening it to press her delicate, svelte body closer, shielding her from the cold air.

"I’m worried about you; I want to be with you," Julia Bluen said, nestling in his arms. "When I’m feeling down, you’re always there for me, silently caring. So when you’re not feeling well, I’ll also be there for you, silently caring. Glades, don’t worry too much. James is a sensible person. He won’t just believe what he sees; he’ll ask for the reasons first. In his heart, you are the most respected older brother." She loved the way he enfolded her, the warmth from deep within sweeping away the chill that brushed past them.

With him by her side, in his embrace, she felt as though even amidst ice and snow, it was like summer.

Mentioning James Horne, Glades Horne fell silent once again.

After a moment, he spoke solemnly, "If Mom didn’t still love Dad, and if James weren’t my blood brother, I would make Pheobe Rogers’s life a living hell."

His words were laden with intense hatred.

He only ever revealed his feelings towards everyone in front of Julia Bluen.

Actually, he has already pushed Pheobe Rogers to the brink of collapse. Julia Bluen didn’t voice this thought.

Her soft hands gently caressed his handsome face, which still bore a trace of tension. His features became as hard as marble when he tensed.

"Glades, let’s not talk or think about anything right now. Just hold me tightly, okay?" Julia said softly, her almond-shaped eyes full of affection as she looked up at him. Her hands continued to gently stroke his handsome face, using her tenderness to dispel his displeasure.

Glades Horne looked down, gazing deeply into her eyes.

The coat he had opened enveloped her delicate body. His strong arms tightened once more, holding her close while being careful not to press against her abdomen.

He gently kissed her hair. It carried a light, fresh scent because she washed it frequently, a scent that soothed him.

"Alright, I won’t say or think about anything more. I’ll just hold you tightly." Glades Horne discarded all his troubles, all love and hatred. He embraced her with a pure heart and pure emotions, untainted by any impurity, holding her, kissing her gently, and passing his warmth to her.

The night grew increasingly darker. Even though it was only seven in the evening, it felt like nine o’clock on a summer night. It was already dinnertime.

Yet no one dared to disturb the couple on the rooftop. Everyone knew Glades Horne was angry, and at that moment, only Julia Bluen could extinguish his fury; anyone else who approached would be burned to a crisp.

The others were all seated in the dining room, starting their meal. The old lady had instructed Aunt Mei to set aside the dishes Glades Horne and Julia Bluen loved, planning to reheat them when they came downstairs.

The couple stood silently under the vast sky, sometimes looking up at the black expanse, sometimes gazing down at the earth. Their deep connection and strong rapport were not something ordinary couples possessed.

"Are you hungry?"

After an indeterminate time, Glades Horne suddenly asked tenderly. His lustrous black eyes, like two black pearls, were fixed on Julia Bluen, radiating a gentle, heartwarming glow—much like two beams of starlight on a cold winter night, providing an indefinable yet deeply felt warmth.

"What about you, are you hungry?" Julia Bluen tilted her pretty face upward. Her morning sickness had passed, and her appetite had improved significantly. Her oval face had filled out a bit, making her look even more charming and alluring.

Her apricot eyes shimmered with starlight as well.

Their eyes locked, sharing unspoken emotions and untold affection.

"Let’s go. Let’s go downstairs to eat," Glades Horne said, ruffling her hair. He wrapped an arm around her and turned to head downstairs.

As they passed the azure swimming pool, his eyes flickered, probably recalling memories he still savored.

It was here he had thoroughly understood his feelings. It was here he’d had the opportunity to bring her firmly to his side. Their marriage, their love—it all started here.

"In the future, don’t foolishly skip meals with me. If you starve yourself, it will cut me to the quick," Glades Horne’s voice was deep with irrepressible affection.

"I feel the same way. When you skip meals and go hungry, did you ever know there was someone worrying about you? Later, you have to eat two bowls of rice—no, with your stature, at least three bowls," Julia Bluen nagged gently, light happiness flowing from her words.

Glades Horne couldn’t help but chuckle softly; his wife’s nagging had swept away all his earlier anger.

"I didn’t know I married such a silly little wife."

"I may be silly, but don’t you think you’re sillier? You knew I was silly and still married me; that makes you sillier than I am. We’re just a pair of silly spouses. And hey, your wife here is 170 cm tall, a standard model’s figure. Don’t call me small, okay?" Julia also chuckled softly.

Glades Horne chuckled softly again.

His arm around her tightened, drawing her even closer.

"In my heart, you’re just like a six-year-old—still a little, pink, pretty, cute girl." Julia at six looked completely different from her twenty-six-year-old self.

He remembered her as rosy-cheeked and pretty, with apricot eyes that twinkled like stars—extremely adorable.

"Do you still remember what I looked like at six? I don’t."

"As long as it’s you, I remember what you looked like at any age," he said; he had watched her grow up, after all.

His memory was astonishingly good.

"That sounds a bit cheesy."

"Don’t all women like cheesy words?"

"Hehe."

Julia replied with a bright laugh.

After the couple left, the rooftop regained its tranquility. The emerald swimming pool, caressed by the evening breeze, rippled as if it too had been touched by their deep love and was smiling.