Reborn: The Tyrant's Obsession

It was quite an awkward position for Ella.

She was inclined back on the bed, stark naked as Adrian bent over, applying medication to her ’sore’ spots.

She remained frozen in that position even as her face turned the brightest shade of red.

They had been in this position many times before but for some reason, in the bright lights, with their sanity intact, such a scene was making her gasp for her.

However, Adrian did not seem to know her complex thought process. He was diligently applying medication, his face solemn as if he was handling something delicate.

After a few moments, Ella could finally bear to look at him without averting her gaze.

He did the entire thing solemnly without a single change in his expression.

And after that, he kept the ointment tube away, wiped his fingers clean with a few tissues and sat by the edge of the bed.

Before Ella could say a word, he grabbed her legs and shifted them onto his lap.

Ella sat up, half-startled as she tried to pull her leg back. But he held them firmly in place.

Then, with slow pressure, he started massaging her feet.

Ella’s legs were indeed very sore, compared to the rest of her body. Even standing was feeling like a task.

But Adrian seemed to know what he was doing.

His gentle yet firm massage slowly eased her pain, making her relax in the bed.

"You left in the rush... Is everything fine at the company?" Ella asked, lying back on the pillow.

"A meeting."

Ella propped her face on her fist, watching the man. She could tell he had a long day, yet his alluring face showed no signs of weariness.

Even the way he massaged her feet was so slow, calming and patient as if he could do it for the entire night, or for ever and ever without being exhausted.

"What is it?" Adrian asked without looking up at her.

Ella blinked, "How did you know that I want to ask you something?’’

The man looked up and quirked a brow at her.

"Do you know her?" Ella asked, looking over at him, "Do you know Miss Quinn’s friend from before?"

Adrian did not respond to her question immediately.

After a beat of silence, Ella asked, "If you don’t want to tell me, it’s fine. But if there is something more to this that I don’t know and you ever decide to tell me, please don’t lie to me. I trust you—"

"No."

...

Adrian took care of Ella that night and her fever went down. But by dawn, she was burning up again.

Ella refused to go to hospital or have medications. Ronan was not in the city so some of the family doctors from his team were summoned to the main mansion.

Only after a couple of hours when Ella’s fever went down did Adrian’s face show a hint of relief.

He stayed by her side the entire day, looking like he had no intention to leave.

But the entire time, his phone was buzzing with back to back religious calls from Ji Yan. It made one wonder if the King Empires were on fire.

Eventually, Ella convinced Adrian that she was completely fine. And since they were at the main mansion, everyone was looking after her.

Only then did the man reluctantly leave for office.

During this time, Lilith and Lana visited Ella once to show concern for her health.

Although Ella was a bit skeptical, Lilith did not cross any line. It seemed like she was really concerned about her health and well-being.

Ella would have brought her act had the old butler not been present in the room during Lilith’s visit.

Lilith knew that the old butler served as the eyes and ears of the Old Master and the Old Madam so she would never let her mask slip in front of her.

In two days, it was time for Adrian and Ella to return to the Eve Mansion.

During this period, Old Master King and Old Madam King warmed up to Ella, compared to how cold they had seemed after knowing of their marriage.

Although they did not make it obvious, Ella could sense it from the way they behaved.

"Keep visiting more often," Old Master King said gruffly.

Ella smiled as he walked with the old couple to the main entrance.

"You girl... What are you thinking? I merely want these two to be around my wife more often," Old Master King said gruffly.

Hearing that, Ella glanced over at Riri and Lala who were nestled in each of Old Madam King’s arms.

Lala was too lazy to open her eyes but Riri, sensitive as over, looked at Ella right away with almost a knowing look of—I got it, mom. Don’t worry.

Ella chuckled softly, "Yes, grandpa, sure. They would love to be around you as well."

Hearing her teasing voice, Old Master King harrumphed twice and looked away.

Old Madam King cleared her throat.

The trio halted in front of the black sedan.

"Old Master, Old Madam," Ji Yan bowed to the old couple before he turned to Ella.

"Miss Yu," Ji Yan bowed to her as he held open the car door.

Ella nearly burst into laughter when she looked at the man who resembled a tormented panda. His eyes had dark patches around.

The past few days, Adrian kept up with the work but most of the responsibility had fallen onto this guy’s shoulders.

"Seeing you after a few days, it seems like you have suffered quite a bit," Ella whispered cheekily before she bowed to the old couple and entered the car.

Ji Yan’s lips twitched into a smile that seemed more like a cry for help but eventually, he kept his composure in front of the others.

"Little Ian should be here soon," Old Madam said as she passed Riri and Lala to Ella’s arms.

Ella nodded, "Grandma, you can just return. The weather is getting cold so it’s not good for you to stand here. We will visit you again soon and this time, I will bake you something again."

As Ella spoke, her eyes curved into two crescent moons.

For a moment, Old Madam King seemed to be stunned as she looked at the girl who radiated such warmth.

After a beat, her eyes softened a bit and she nodded, "Take care of yourself and Little Ian."

The old couple returned to the mansion and Ella waited in the car with Riri and Lala.

But after a long time, Arian had not come back.

When Ella stepped out, Ji Yan turned to her, "Miss Yu, shall I go check on the Second Master?"

Ella paused for a moment.

Thinking of Adrian who was on a work call when she had left the room, Ella slowly shook her head, "It’s fine. I will be taking a walk in the gardens for a while. He would probably be back by the time I return. Take care of them for me."

"Yes," Ji Yan carefully took Riri and Lala from her.

Ella walked over to the gardens, inhaling the soft fragrance of Lilacs in the air.

The place seemed even more lavish than how it had been the last time she was here and most of the seasonal flowers were in full bloom.

Ella’s gaze landed on the koi pond that the Old Master often tended to, personally. But just as she took a step in that direction—

’Rustle’

The sound halted her in her tracks.

And Ella turned around. Her gaze trailed past the wooden bench, landing on the tall magnolia tree.

The magnolias fell in the soft breeze beautifully, reminding her of Adrian’s confession on how this was the tree he had planted with his own hands.

But the tree did not hold Ella’s attention for long as her gaze drifted across, landing on the two people who stood there under its shade.

Adrian and Lilith’s friend, Lana.

And from where she stood, Ella could see them talking to each other.

Surprisingly, Adrian was the one who seemed to be speaking more.

The conversation they had two days ago suddenly flashed back in her mind—

’Do you know Miss Quinn’s friend from before?’

’No’

A palm landed on Ella’s shoulder, snapping her out of her daze.

Ella did not know at what point Lilith had come to stand behind her.