CHAPTER 62: CHAPTER 62: TAKE HIM HOME AS HER HUSBAND

"What’s wrong?" Holly Crowe put down her spoon. "Is there something else?"

Blake Sinclair’s Adam’s apple moved, and he averted his gaze nonchalantly. "Nothing."

"Oh."

Holly replied and continued eating.

Blake watched her downcast eyes, and the anticipation that had just kindled in his heart slowly cooled down.

After navigating the business world for so many years, for the first time in his life, he found himself at a loss for words.

Besides, they had just resolved their misunderstanding, so how could she suddenly suggest taking him home to meet her parents?

Blake gave a self-deprecating smile and took a sip of his black coffee.

Bland!

The bitterness in his heart had long overshadowed the bitterness of the coffee.

Breakfast ended quickly, and Holly tidied up her dishes. "I’m going to my room to change clothes."

"Alright."

Blake responded, his gaze following her retreating figure, the light in his eyes gradually dimming.

She didn’t mention it.

He lowered his eyes, his thumb unconsciously stroking the rim of his cup, feeling as if his disappointment was about to drown him.

Indeed... she doesn’t want to take him home.

He chuckled self-mockingly, wondering what excuse he could use to naturally follow her out later, when he suddenly heard her call his name.

"Blake Sinclair."

He quickly looked up to see her leaning against the doorframe, slightly turned to look at him.

"If you’re free today..." She bit her lip, "Would you come home with me? My parents want to meet you."

Blake’s breath caught.

The tension in his chest abruptly released, and the anticipation that had just sunk swelled in his heart like fireworks; an indescribable joy spread from his chest, almost overflowing.

Yet his expression remained unchanged, aside from his fingers subtly tightening, his voice deep. "Of course."

Holly nodded and turned back into the room.

As the door closed, Blake finally exhaled a long breath.

Just two simple words, yet they seemed to have exhausted all his energy.

He stood up to clear the tableware and walked somewhat absently until he caught his reflection in the kitchen’s glass door.

His steps were a little awkward, walking in an uncoordinated fashion.

Blake Sinclair: "..."

He stopped, staring at the man in the glass with an involuntary smile on his lips, and finally couldn’t hold back, letting out a chuckle.

Truly pathetic.

But the joy in his heart couldn’t be suppressed, and he allowed himself to be enveloped in his smile.

She’s going to take him home.

Openly, as her husband.

...

When Holly came out after changing, Blake was already waiting in the living room.

He had also changed out of his loungewear, wearing a basic white shirt and black suit.

"Let’s go."

Holly grabbed her bag and headed towards the door, and as she walked past him, her wrist was caught.

Blake sidestepped to block her, pulling out a dark brown velvet box seemingly out of nowhere with his other hand.

He opened the box to reveal two simple rings.

The design was straightforward, with just one curve on one side, slightly wider with a few small diamonds inlaid. Holly immediately recognized it as a Möbius strip.

Compared to the previous Red Crown Ring, this one was much more understated, but her heart skipped a beat as her eyes fell upon it.

This perfect level of subtlety was deeply reassuring.

"What is this?" she asked softly.

Blake took out the woman’s ring and handed it to her. "You said the previous ring was too extravagant, so this was custom made."

His voice was a bit hoarse, and the hand holding the ring trembled slightly. "...Shall I put it on for you?"

Holly nodded.

Blake focused as he slowly slid the ring onto her ring finger, the secret thought resurfacing in his heart.

The ring securely bonded him and Holly together, and the familiar possessiveness surged stronger than ever.

He knew he might not be her first choice in her heart, but at least in this moment, with this ring on her hand, she was his.

Just the thought of it filled him with immense satisfaction.

Holly raised her hand to admire the ring in the light, suddenly noticing two letters engraved inside, with varying depths of the strokes.

"Is this... H and S?"

She brushed her fingers over the engraving, feeling the uneven texture, a suspicion forming in her heart. "Did you... engrave it yourself?"

Blake looked up, his gaze intense.

"When did you do it?" Holly pursued.

"In the study."

He gave a brief reply, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Holly suddenly recalled that recently, the study light would sometimes be on late at night. She had assumed he was dealing with work, but it turned out... he was doing this.

She smoothed over the engraving, feeling the sudden warmth rising beneath her fingertips.

"Do you... like it?" Blake’s voice held a hint of barely perceptible anticipation.

Holly softly murmured an "Mm."

Blake picked up the men’s ring and offered it to her.

The men’s ring was slightly larger than the women’s, but otherwise identical, with the same H and S engraved inside.

His voice grew husky, his gaze devout. "Then, would Mrs. Sinclair... put it on me as well?"

Holly’s heartbeat lost its rhythm as she took the ring and looked up at him.

Suddenly, she felt the weight of this small ceremony like a solemn promise.

She gently slid the ring onto his ring finger.

At that moment, a solid sense of grounding took hold within her, as if their once-tenuous connection had... landed.

Just then, Blake suddenly pulled her into his arms.

He embraced her tightly, his chin resting on her hair, his breath heavy.

Holly could feel the rise and fall of his chest, the strong beat of his heart in her ear.

But he neither did nor said anything more.

Blake held her close, his lips moved, wanting to say something, but he swallowed it back.

All the words were stuck in his throat, so he just held her even tighter.

It’s okay if there’s still someone else in your heart.

At least for now, you are mine.

The days ahead are long, and I will gradually push him out of your heart.