In this chapter, Ariel and Jayson share a tender moment on a plane when a staff member unexpectedly interrupts them by bringing a bottle of wine. The woman, who Ariel recognizes as one of their trusted bodyguards, politely apologizes and leaves, but the interruption breaks the intimate atmosphere. Jayson shows visible irritation, while Ariel tries to soothe him with a gentle kiss and a warm smile.
Feeling sleepy after days of unrest, Ariel leans into Jayson’s comforting embrace and quickly falls into a deep, peaceful sleep. Jayson watches over her quietly, gently patting her back and then reading a newspaper. When Ariel wakes up, she catches Jayson taking photos of her sleeping face, which startles her and leads to a playful dispute over the pictures. Jayson refuses to show her the photos and prepares to disembark.
Upon landing in Nacsall, Ariel is struck by the cold air signaling the change from autumn to early winter. Jayson calls their driver and offers her warmth by slipping her hand into his coat pocket. As they settle into the car, Ariel feels a mixture of nervousness and excitement, knowing she is about to see her baby. The chapter ends with her overwhelmed by the powerful emotions of joy and anxiety.
Chapter 817
Just then, a knock came at the door.
The staff member who had returned with Ariel’s meal opened it, only to find the couple caught in a tender moment. Jayson immediately halted, visibly startled by the unexpected interruption.
Standing there was a woman holding a tray with a chilled bottle of wine. She seemed to pick up on the subtle tension filling the room. With a warm, apologetic smile, she said, “Sorry to intrude. I brought you some wine—I thought it might make your time together even more enjoyable.”
Her tone suggested this wasn’t the first time she’d encountered couples wrapped up in affection—she even gave Ariel a cheeky wink.
After carefully placing the wine on the table, she turned and quietly exited.
Ariel recognized her instantly. Though the woman’s demeanor was gentle and approachable, she was actually one of their trusted bodyguards—a highly skilled and vigilant one at that.
Jayson’s expression darkened slightly at the disturbance. He didn’t bother masking his irritation. Yet the woman simply smiled softly and left without further comment.
The warm, intimate atmosphere that had just enveloped the room evaporated. A faint crease appeared between Jayson’s brows as he mulled over the disruption.
Lost in thought, he barely noticed when Ariel reached out with a tender smile. She leaned in, placing her left hand gently against his cheek before pressing a soft kiss to the corner of his lips, hoping to lift his spirits.
Jayson leaned into her touch, his cheek resting against her palm. Slowly, the corners of his mouth twitched upward in response to her affection.
After a brief pause, Ariel murmured innocently, “I’m feeling a bit sleepy. I haven’t really rested these last few days.”
She truly hadn’t slept much since Samson had taken her away. Those days had been filled with constant tension and unease. Now, finally able to relax, a wave of drowsiness gently washed over her.
Seeing this, Jayson’s concern deepened. He pulled her closer into his embrace. “Go ahead and rest. I’ll wake you when we land.”
Although he longed to be closer in a different way, her exhaustion made him hold back. He didn’t want to disturb her peaceful moment.
Ariel had considered moving to lie down a little farther away, but Jayson didn’t budge. Instead, he tightened his arms around her, even draping one leg protectively over both of hers.
Too tired to resist, Ariel simply allowed herself to become his pillow. She closed her eyes and soon slipped into a deep, peaceful sleep. Truthfully, it felt comforting to rest like that.
Fatigue claimed her completely.
Jayson watched her quietly, his expression softening. He began to gently pat her back in a slow, steady rhythm. After a while, he reached for a newspaper featuring global financial news and started reading in near silence.
Ariel wasn’t sure how long she had been asleep. When she finally stirred and opened her eyes, she caught Jayson aiming his phone’s camera at her, snapping pictures of her sleeping face.
She caught him red-handed.
Startled awake, Ariel lunged for his phone. “You took photos of me while I was asleep? And from such an unflattering angle! Show me those pictures, Jayson!”
The idea of someone capturing ugly photos of her was unbearable. She was certain she looked terrible from that perspective.
Jayson raised his hand just out of her reach, stood up, and replied coolly, “I’m not handing over my phone. Get up—we’re getting off the plane.”
He slipped the phone into his pocket, making it clear that the matter was settled.
Ariel sighed in frustration. No one liked the thought of unflattering pictures being taken of them. But since Jayson had already moved toward the exit, she had no choice but to stand and follow him, muttering complaints under her breath.
She hadn’t realized she’d slept so long—the plane had already touched down in Nacsall.
As soon as she stepped outside, a sharp, chilly breeze brushed against her face.
Nacsall was shifting from the tail end of autumn into the early chill of winter, and the drop in temperature was unmistakable.
Jayson called their driver, then turned to Ariel, extending his hand. When she reached for it, he slipped her hand into the pocket of his coat, offering warmth.
Inside the car, Ariel felt a comforting heat spread through her body.
Her heart pounded with a mixture of nerves and excitement. She took several slow, deep breaths, trying to steady herself.
She was about to see her baby.
The sensation was overwhelming—a blend of joy and anxiety so intense it nearly took her breath away.
The chapter delicately captures a moment of tenderness amidst the undercurrent of tension that surrounds Ariel and Jayson. Their quiet intimacy is momentarily disrupted, yet their connection remains unbroken, underscored by gentle gestures and unspoken understanding. Ariel’s exhaustion and Jayson’s protective presence reveal the depth of their bond, highlighting themes of care, vulnerability, and the quiet strength found in shared moments of rest and reassurance.
As they arrive in Nacsall, the shift in setting mirrors the emotional shift within Ariel, who is both comforted and anxious about the impending reunion with her baby. The warmth between them contrasts the chilly air outside, symbolizing the refuge they find in each other’s company. This chapter leaves a lingering sense of anticipation and hope, emphasizing the delicate balance between love, protection, and the challenges that lie ahead.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the emotional complexity that surrounds Ariel’s reunion with her baby. As she steps into this new chapter of her life, the anticipation and nervousness she feels will likely be mirrored in Jayson’s protective presence. Their bond, already tender and intimate, may be tested by the challenges that lie ahead, revealing new layers to their relationship and individual characters.
Tensions could rise as external pressures and internal fears come to the forefront, especially with the subtle undercurrent of unease introduced by the ever-watchful bodyguard. The warmth between Ariel and Jayson may be contrasted by moments of conflict or uncertainty, making their journey all the more compelling. Readers can expect a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength as Ariel faces the profound changes awaiting her.