Chereads / Merger of Hearts / Chapter 38 - Chapter 38: A Night of Vulnerability

Chapter 38 - Chapter 38: A Night of Vulnerability

That night, Olivia stood under the hot shower, the steam clouding the mirror as her thoughts swirled in her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't doing enough for Ethan, that despite all he was doing for her—his unwavering support, his protection—she wasn't giving enough in return. It wasn't just about love or affection; it was about showing him how much he meant to her, about matching the intensity of the sacrifices he was making.

As the water cascaded over her, she made a decision. She wanted to give him all of her, to show him just how deeply she cared. Drying herself off, Olivia stepped out of the shower and selected the most revealing outfit she had brought with her—a silky, deep crimson negligee that barely reached her thighs. She took her time decorating the room with soft flower petals and lit a few candles, letting their warm glow create a romantic atmosphere.

Satisfied with how everything looked, she took a deep breath and called Ethan. Her voice was soft, almost playful. "Ethan, could you come back to the room? I'm feeling a bit tired and I want you here to relax with me."

She didn't have to wait long. Hardly five minutes after the call, there was a knock at the door. Olivia quickly tied her silk robe around herself and opened the door. There he stood, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. She could see the mix of emotions in his expression—stunned, concerned, and a little confused.

Ethan's gaze softened as he looked at her, noticing the way the water from her shower still dripped from her hair, glistening in the candlelight. His hand reached out instinctively, his fingers gently running through her wet strands. "Are you going to sleep with your hair wet?" he asked, his voice laced with care. "Shall I dry it for you before bed?"

Olivia bit back a laugh at how oblivious he seemed to the entire setup. She nodded, trying to keep her composure. "Yes, please," she whispered, her voice softer than usual.

She sat obediently in front of the dressing table, her eyes meeting his in the mirror. As he switched on the hair dryer and began drying her hair, she let the robe slide off one of her shoulders, the silk slipping effortlessly. The effect was immediate. Ethan's hands faltered for a moment, the hum of the dryer filling the silence between them. He swallowed hard, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of his wife—the very image he had imagined so many times before.

Her skin glowed under the soft candlelight, her exposed shoulder revealing the delicate fabric of the outfit she had chosen. Ethan's heart raced as he continued to dry her hair, his eyes now glued to hers in the reflection. "Are you sure, Liv?" he finally managed to ask, his voice a little hoarse.

She blushed, the color rising in her cheeks, and nodded. "This is the least I can do for you, Ethan," she whispered, her voice filled with sincerity and desire.

The weight of her words sank into him, making his heart swell with both love and admiration. He set the dryer aside and gently turned her to face him. The moment was electric. Ethan leaned in, brushing his lips against her exposed skin, and Olivia shivered, her breath hitching. It was as if the entire room pulsed with the tension between them.

The night unfolded with a passion neither of them had experienced before. It was intense, exhaustive, and filled with the kind of connection that went beyond words. They gave themselves to each other fully, losing themselves in the pleasure of the moment. Every touch, every kiss, was a reaffirmation of their love, their bond growing stronger with each passing second.

As the candles flickered low and the night stretched on, they lay entwined, their breathing heavy but content. Olivia nestled against Ethan, feeling the warmth of his body and the comfort of knowing that, in this moment, they had everything they needed. The emotional and physical release had been powerful, leaving them both spent yet utterly fulfilled.

Ethan pulled her close, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead as she began to drift off. "I love you, Liv," he whispered, his voice barely audible in the quiet room.

With a soft smile, her eyes fluttered closed, her body relaxed in his arms. "I love you too, Ethan," she whispered back, her voice fading as sleep claimed her.

And for the first time in a long while, both of them felt completely at peace.