Chapter 344: Chapter 344



The owner smiled broadly. “Since you two are such a loving couple, wouldn’t you want to capture your romance in a memorable way?”

Joelle and Adrian exchanged glances, realizing that refusal might raise suspicion. With a hesitant nod, they agreed.

“Very well,” the owner said, clapping his hands joyfully. An assistant wheeled in a rack filled with various styles of underwear. The women’s options were bikinis, while the men’s resembled skimpy swimsuits.

Joelle blushed at the sight. The thought of Adrian in one of those swimsuits nearly made her chuckle, her cheeks reddening as she tried to stifle her laughter.

With a wry smile, Adrian asked, “Do I really have to wear one of these?”

The photographer nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely! Even Fred Finch, the esteemed CEO of Finch Group, wore one—though he was reluctant at first.”

She then produced an electric hair remover. “Now, if you could please take care of any extra details.”

Adrian’s embarrassment deepened. “I’m not sure how to use that.”

“Perhaps this lady could assist?” she suggested, glancing at Joelle.

Joelle, amused by Adrian’s discomfort, suddenly felt the spotlight shift to her. “Excuse me?”

Her exclamation drew curious looks from the owner and photographer. Joelle quickly tried to cover her reaction. “Isn’t this getting a bit too personal?”

The owner dismissed their concerns with a wave, ushering them toward a bedroom. “Don’t be shy! This is all quite standard!”

Before she knew it, Joelle found herself alone in the room with Adrian, holding a bikini in her hands. They exchanged awkward glances, both flushed and unusually silent.

The situation was uncharted territory, even for them, two people who thought they’d seen it all. Unsure how anyone could be comfortable with this, they decided to seek advice from Gracie and Fred.

Fred chuckled as he offered his wisdom to Adrian. “Make sure to use some oil before hair removal, or you’ll regret it!”

Adrian, still uneasy, asked, “Isn’t it just too awkward to wear these things?”

Fred laughed heartily. “Awkward? Look, we’ve seen each other in every possible state. I was there during her labor, and she’s nursed me through some terrible illnesses. Being open and honest with each other—that’s the glue in a marriage. These little embarrassments are nothing compared to that.”

Gracie shared similar sentiments with Joelle, encouraging her to embrace the moment as a step toward deeper intimacy. Bolstered by their friends’ advice, Joelle and Adrian mustered the courage to face the awkwardness head-on.

In the bedroom, Adrian lay exposed on the bed, his muscles tense in anticipation, while Joelle, equipped with the hair remover, tried to maintain a clinical detachment.

“If this hurts, let me know,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Adrian, doing his best to stay still, couldn’t suppress a reaction when Joelle’s hands first touched him. His breath hitched. “That’s just an involuntary reaction,” he murmured, half-apologetic.

Joelle nodded, understanding his discomfort matched her own nervousness. They were in this peculiar situation together, after all.

“Okay.” Joelle handled the task with professional care, finishing the hair removal within twenty minutes.

When she was done, Adrian wrapped himself in a blanket, watching as Joelle took the skin-tone bikini to the bathroom. He noted with a twinge of disappointment that she seemed to manage without his assistance.

Realizing his own reaction, Adrian shook his head at himself. When Joelle emerged from the bathroom, she looked stunning in the delicate fabric. Adrian was awestruck, his gaze full of admiration rather than desire.

Joelle, still possessing the trim physique of her youth, stood with toned legs and subtle strength in her calves. Under the soft light, her skin glowed, enhancing the natural beauty of her dark hair and prominent features.

Adrian, equally striking, had a physique that balanced strength and aesthetics, with broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist. Joelle found herself shy in his presence, overwhelmed by his form.

Once they were ready, they summoned the photographer. She arranged the lighting carefully, focusing a spotlight on the bed, creating an intimate setting far removed from Joelle’s expectations.

“Think back to your happiest moments together,” the photographer encouraged, aiming to help them relax.

Joelle’s mind wandered to the previous night, recalling how Adrian had tenderly observed Aurora, remarking on her resemblance to Joelle. Meanwhile, Adrian’s thoughts drifted to the days before Joelle had become his wife, realizing now that her shy smiles and blushes had been signs of her feelings for him. Such memories warmed his heart.

The photographer, adjusting her lens, posed another question to set the mood. “Where do you both feel most connected?”

Their shared moments had often unfolded within the walls of Adrian’s house, their shared home. Yet, for Joelle, the most poignant memory was simpler—the comforting sound of Adrian’s content hum as he held her close. Caught in her reflections, Joelle almost missed the photographer’s soft encouragement, who continued to foster a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

The photographer’s warm, encouraging tone helped Joelle and Adrian shed any lingering awkwardness, inviting them to look at each other with newfound openness.

As the room filled with a harmonious blend of light and shadow, the photographer readied her equipment.

“Feel free to talk or show your love in any way that feels natural to you. You have an hour.”

With a discreet nod, she exited the room.

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