Chapter 563

Andrew’s body tensed up. This was the moment he’d been anticipating for so long. He and Tessa had known each other for years but had never shared a bed.

He was a man, after all, with desires–strong ones at that. If he lay beside Tessa, there was no telling what might happen. Tessa, though, was frail, and the doctors had warned him that in matters of physical intimacy, he couldn’t just have his way.

He was aware of his own vigor. Sometimes, even Aubree would struggle to keep up and occasionally snap at him with a slap. Tessa was far more delicate.

He stood up and pointed to the couch beside them.

“I’ll crash on the couch,” he said.

Tessa, mindful of her own fragility and not wanting to overexert herself to the point of passing out–

which would only benefit others–nodded in agreement.

In the middle of the night, Andrew awoke feeling like he was burning up, probably because he had thought of Aubree before bed. Now, he was missing her. He got up, stepped out onto the balcony, lit a cigarette, and started smoking as he gazed at the dimly lit surroundings.

By the time he finished his cigarette, his restlessness had subsided somewhat. What was Aubree doing right now? She hadn’t called him lately. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he closed his eyes, the corners tinged with a crimson hue as if poisoned by some exotic flower.

Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around his waist from behind. Tessa embraced him from the back.

“Can’t sleep, Andrew? Are you thinking of someone else?” she asked.

Andrew stiffened, only then realizing the cigarette was nearly burning his fingers. He was indeed thinking of Aubree, but he would never admit it. Aubree was just a comfort for his lonely body, never meant to consume more of his time.

Tessa’s hands slipped under his shirt, resting against his solid chest. “Is it because you can’t get used to sharing a room with me?” she queried, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and slight hurt.

Was it so unbearable for him to share a room with her when he had always slept in Aubree’s bed before? That bitch!

“It’s just insomnia; it happens to me sometimes,” he offered as an explanation.

Tessa wanted to ask if he ever had insomnia when he was in Aubree’s bed, but posing such a question seemed too cheap. It was one thing to know and quite another to confront it.

“I guess taking care of me these past days has worn you out. I’m sorry, and I do hope to get better soon.” Tessa always presented herself with grace in front of Andrew. It was this demeanor that convinced Andrew she wouldn’t stir trouble intentionally, which is why he believed her fall into the water was due to Brielle, leading him to punch Max.

10:55 “Andrew, your mom called me a few days ago, talking about Aubree. She mentioned they’re considering finding her a match, to get her married off. What do you think?” Her gaze fastened onto Andrew, a hint of urgency beneath her steady stare. She had a hunch that Andrew felt something special for Aubree, maybe more than just seeing her as a bed partner. Women had their intuitions about these things, and she needed clarity for her peace of mind.

Andrew’s expression darkened instantly, a shadow falling across his features that seemed almost instinctual, as if something within had been crushed. His entire being was exuding a destructive aura.

“Did my mom say that herself?”

Tessa’s heart skipped a beat, her unease growing. “Yes, she said Aubree’s at the right age, and with so many eligible bachelors in Beaconsfield, it shouldn’t be hard to find someone of equal social standing for a girl with her looks.”

“I won’t agree to it.” The words came out without thought. By the time Andrew realized what he’d said, it was already too late.