Chapter 478: Caryn’s Consent
She pushed him aside and moved away, only to have him pull her back. His hand caught hers in a firm grip as he drew her into a back hug, her slender back pressing against his solid torso.
She wanted to resist—she was still upset with him for not contacting her—but then she heard his calm and gentle voice.
"I just wanted to surprise you. If we had talked and you’d asked when I was returning, I wouldn’t have been able to lie. I didn’t expect you to get this angry, but I must say... I’m glad to see you this way. It means you missed me, that you care. But I promise, I won’t pull this stunt again or make you worry."
As he spoke, she finally relaxed in his arms and replied, "You better not."
He hummed softly in response and let her go, turning to fetch his clothes from the wardrobe.
Caryn stood still, catching the breath that had felt stuck in her chest. She walked over to the grand window, letting the cool evening breeze wash over her and calm the turmoil inside.
Meanwhile, James stood before the mirror. After a moment, he sighed and said, "I forgot to shave. I’ll be back in a while," before heading toward the bathroom.
Caryn noticed how tired he looked, the faint stubble on his face hinting at long hours and little rest. It must have been a hectic journey.
"Let it be," she said, her voice softer now.
James stopped and turned to look at her.
"You’re going to be a grandfather soon, still planning to look all young?" she said quietly, but there was a note of complaint beneath her calm tone. "So everyone can see how this woman—whose hair is almost a third gray—looks undeserving of you?"