Addicted After Marriage: Marrying My Abstinent Boss-Chapter 226: Affecting Marital Affection

"What’s the matter? You don’t look too well." Autumn Lowell took Sophia’s hand and pulled her to a chair on the side.

"Relax, eat and drink as you should, and say what’s on your mind; don’t keep it bottled inside." Zoe Walsh brought some desserts and placed them in front of Sophia. "The courtyard next door is the men’s gathering spot. I heard Mayor Lynn invited quite a few young entrepreneurs over today; there might even be a dinner banquet tonight."

Zoe Walsh scooted closer to Sophia, "Zane is here too. I just found out. If you don’t want to see him, we can leave as soon as this ends and get some rest. Honestly, I’m too lazy to bother with him."

She poured a cup of sweet milk for Sophia and continued, "But there are plenty of handsome men here today."

Sophia glanced at Zoe Walsh, aware of her intentions.

"I’m here to accompany you guys; as long as you’re having fun, I’m fine."

"Alright, alright!" Zoe Walsh triumphed.

Coming to the tea party is just an excuse; looking at other accomplished men is also an excuse. The real goal is to inform her that Zane is here.

Although she knew Sophia was still upset, if they continued not communicating, their relationship would eventually cool down. A little argument is better than complete silence.

Autumn Lowell thought the same.

Teacher Hale chuckled to herself, picking up on the underlying message.

"Sophia!"

A clear voice emerged behind them, and everyone turned to look.

Nathan Jennings approached with a dessert in hand.

"You’re here too!" They greeted in unison.

Zoe Walsh saw the two chatting lively and took Autumn Lowell and Teacher Hale elsewhere for some fun.

Nathan Jennings glanced around, moving the chair closer to where Sophia was seated, "I’ve heard about your situation."

"Hmm." Sophia felt a wave of guilt, lowering her head slightly.

"So, is it true that Mr. Sterling’s leg can’t be used?" Nathan Jennings tilted his head in utter disbelief.

"Cough, cough..." Sophia awkwardly gulped down a sip of milk.

Nathan Jennings quickly handed her a napkin.

"Was it you who caused injuries to Mr. Sterling?" She pondered, "I thought it was just a rumor; didn’t expect it to be genuine..."

"None of it!" Sophia wiped the milk from the corner of her mouth, "What is all this nonsense!"

"You don’t know?"

"Know what?" Sophia paused, "What have you heard?"

Nathan Jennings’s lips twitched, looking slightly embarrassed. It seemed Sophia was oblivious to the situation.

She shared all that she knew with Sophia.

She heard that Mrs. Sterling was abusive, injured Mr. Sterling, attempted to cripple him.

"You really don’t know anything?" Nathan Jennings puckered her lips, "I just came from that courtyard; Mr. Gable and Mr. Sterling are talking over there. Should we go take a look?"

"Hmm?" Sophia hesitated.

She hadn’t decided how to face Zane. She wronged him, and knew nothing about his injuries.

Her guilt intensified.

Where did Zane’s injuries come from?

Did his leg’s condition resurface?

Every morning, Zane comes over to make her the breakfast she desires. If she’s guessed correctly, all her meals are prepared by him.

Why is he so foolish?

Even injured, he goes out early.

Before Sophia could speak, Nathan Jennings pulled her up, leading her to the adjacent courtyard.

"We’re not allowed in here!" Sophia softly reminded.

"No place is off-limits."

Nathan Jennings insistently brought her in; several women had entered, resembling a large matchmaking market.

Sophia immediately spotted Zane engaged in a conversation with Clay Gable not far away.

Unlike his usual upright stance, he sat slightly askew.

He had his back to Sophia, oblivious to their approach, but Clay Gable noticed Nathan Jennings.

She guided Sophia over.

The conversation between Clay Gable and Zane halted abruptly.

Clay Gable’s eyes were filled with gentleness, as if eyeing something fragile, his gaze shifting with Nathan Jennings’s approach.

He slowly rose.

Zane turned slightly, glimpsing her after a long absence.

Propped on the sofa edge, he stood, slightly hunched, hands in his pockets, seemingly unchanged.

Harry Langley smacked his lips, wanting to speak but remaining silent.

"Back from the fun?" Clay Gable smiled at Nathan Jennings.

Nathan Jennings eyed Zane, who seemed to have picked up something, feeling a bit apprehensive.

Recently, Sophia avoided seeing him.

He refrained from appearing before her, quietly observing from a distance, hoping for any glimpse of her.

Afraid she’d flee, be distressed.

Sophia pursed her lips, too timid to meet his gaze.

Zane swallowed hard; he wasn’t any calmer.

Nathan Jennings didn’t know how to broach the topic, quickly approached Clay Gable, awkwardly grabbing his hand.

"Couldn’t find those tasty things you mentioned earlier, could you take me?" Nathan Jennings slightly raised her head, eyeing the man’s expression.

For the first time, she sincerely observed this man. Since their marriage, their relationship seemed cordial yet distant; she cherished it.

Clay Gable never crossed boundaries nor meddled excessively. Whether she went out to play or stayed at her parents’ for days, he never angered.

She felt it was fine, at least for now.

Clay Gable looked at the woman, his gaze falling onto his large palm.

This was the first time she took the initiative to hold his hand. Previously, she evaded when he held her hand; today was unexpected.

He gently kneaded the small hand in his grasp, softly rubbing, "Okay."

Clay Gable’s face was full of affection.

Nathan Jennings blushed, her heart racing furiously.

Clay Gable glanced at Zane, feeling as though abandoning him.

Nathan Jennings glanced at Sophia, signaling with her eyes before leaving with Clay Gable.

Exiting the courtyard, reaching the outside, Nathan Jennings exhaled; it was her first time pulling such a stunt, a blend of nerves and excitement. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

She slightly released Clay Gable’s hand, but he wouldn’t let go.

Not only did Clay Gable not release it, but he held it even tighter.

"..." Nathan Jennings’s palm ached, she halted, "What’s going on?"

"With all this effort matching others, shouldn’t we have some progress too?" Clay Gable earnestly regarded the young woman before him.

"Hmm?"

What progress? Isn’t their current situation fine?

Clay Gable stared at the naive person, furrowing slightly.

"We’ve been sleeping separately for over a month. If it continues, it’ll affect the marital relationship. I certainly don’t want misunderstandings like those between Mr. Sterling and others."

"..." Nathan Jennings glanced around. Luckily there weren’t many people; otherwise, speaking like that in broad daylight would lead to misunderstandings.

Clay Gable pinched her cheek, "You should’ve adjusted by now, right?"

"..." She wasn’t ready. She thought their arranged marriage was settled; what progress was needed?

Nathan Jennings’s palms were sweaty.

They didn’t sleep together; Clay Gable indulged her. But now, he seemed slightly irritated.

"Your silence is an implicit consent." Clay Gable smiled, leading her to find food.

"Mr. Gable..."

"You should call me something else."

"..."

Seems she didn’t check her luck today.