Instinctively, Willow wanted to refuse. Ever since she started dating with Felix, he had been subtly pushed for more intimacy.
However, Willow had always dreamed saving herself for wedding night. She wanted to share her first time with her husband. Until now, her relationship with Felix had only consisted of gentle touches, hand-holding, and hugs.
Now, however, she barely knew Rainer. They had only met once, and now she was expected to share a bed with him? Everything was happening too fast for her to process.
Rainer, however, seemed unfazed by her stunned expression. In a flat, almost expressionless tone, he said, "We're married. Isn't it natural that we sleep together?"
He paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stared at her. Then, without warning, he asked, "Or do you feel uncomfortable because I'm disabled?"
Willow was preparing to explain when she caught a glimpse of the self-mockery that flashed across his face before she could say a word.
"Forgive me," he murmured, his voice growing bitter. "Of course, no one would want a disabled husband."
Willow's heart sank, and she quickly cut him off. Her voice was urgent. "No, no! I don't feel that way at all!"
She took a deep breath and continued, her tone firm with a hint of pressure: "We're married now. Sharing a bed is what married couples do. I have no problem with that."
However, feeling so close to someone she barely knew stirred up unease in her chest.
But there was no turning back now. She just had to adapted.
Rainer noticed the hesitation in her eyes. His gaze was unreadable as he nodded slightly. After a moment, he spoke again, his voice softened. "It's late. I usually go to bed early. I hope you can adjust to my schedule."
Willow nodded quickly. Her chest rumbled as she said, "That's fine. I'll bring my suitcase in."
"Wait!" Rainer interrupted, his voice steady. "Given my physical condition, I've always asked the house staff to help me with certain things. But now that you're here, I'd rather not bother anyone else."
After that, he pushed hisself toward the bathroom.
"What?" Willow froze, confusion enveloping her.
Rainer stopped in front of the bathroom door and pushed it open with a smooth motion. He turned to face Willow, his gaze unmoving "Help me shower," he said.
Willow's mouth went dry. She stammered as she approached Rainer. "How?"
Rainer raised his eyebrow, his tone almost teasing. "By helping me undress, of course."
Willow's eyes widened in disbelief. Her brain instantly processed Rainer's words. Remembering what her husband had just said, she swallowed and forced herself to step forward, her nerves tightened with each her step.
She stared at Rainer, silently reminding herself that, no matter how unfamiliar or uncomfortable this moment was, he was her husband now. This was part of her job.
Her clenched hands shook as she moved them, then slowly extended them toward the buttons on Rainer's shirt.
The buttons were tiny and finely designed.
Her palms were already slick with sweat. She was very nervous. No matter how hard she tried, her fingers seemed to have a mind of their own. They kept slipping on the first button without success. Willow was really frustrated.
Rainer stood still and watched Willow struggled, amusement evident in his eyes.
He knew she must be upset. She was upset at having to take care of a disabled man like him.
He remained silent, curious to see how long she would hide her discomfort.
To his surprise, although she was confused at first, Willow quickly regained her composure. With determination etched on her face, she resumed her task. She slowly undid one button after another.
As the fabric of his shirt was revealed, his beautifully sculpted, muscular chest became visible.
His masculine energy filled the air; the power of his body was undeniable.
Willow had never been this close to a man.
Now, her unblinking eyes stared straight into his chest, her cheeks flushed. Her hands shocked , and her breath came in short gasps.
Rainer noticed every change on Willow's expression; he felt a surge of confidence. He was sure he had the upper hand.
Suddenly, Willow's soft, cool fingertips touched his stomach. The contact was brief, but surprised him.
His body stiffened as an overwhelming wave of heat flowed through him.
It was as if all the blood in his body had concentrated in one place, triggering a warmth that traveled rapidly throughout his body.
Willow had just finished unbuttoning Rainer's shirt and was about to reached for his belt when his expression suddenly hardened.
He gripped her wrist tightly. In an instant, his voice became sharp and unmistakable: "That's enough. Now get out!"
If things went any further, he wasn't sure he could control his self.
Willow blinked, surprised by Rainer's sudden change in demeanor.
"What?"
Rainer didn't bother to explain. Instead, he exclaimed, his tone rising: "Prepare the room next door for her!"
"Yes, Mr. Stuart."
Without another word, he pushed Willow toward the door and closed it behind him. Her untouched suitcase looked miserable in front of the door.
The sound of the door slamming echoed down the corridor, leaved Willow in stunned.
"What's wrong with him?" Willow asked the butler, her voice filled with confusion. "Why is he suddenly yelling at me like that?"
The butler's voice remained calm. Seemingly used to it, he replied, "Mrs. Stuart, Mr. Stuart is always like that. He's an unpredictable person. Now that you live here, it's best to get used to it. Besides, he..."
His words trailed off, but Willow didn't need him to finish. All the pieces fell into place in an instant. They made her understand very clearly.
Despite his young age, Rainer was confined to a wheelchair and cast aside by his own family. No wonder all that made him so frustrated.
No wonder she kept pressing him about what he thought of her. He had probably spent years drowning in his insecurities.
The realization hit Willow hard, and then sympathy settled in her chest. Rainer must have misunderstood her, Willow thought. She had to clear things up before he convinced himself that she seen he was a man
Rainer sat alone in his wheelchair in his room, deep in thought. His jaw was clenched shut. He struggled to catch his breath and calm down. No matter how hard he tried, however, he couldn't calm down.
Frustration burned through him as he stood up and entered the bathroom. In a fit of rage, he turned on the faucet.