Chapter 249

"This canned mandarin is from the processing plant," Emily Johnson gently shook the glass jar in her hand. "Fresh fruit is hard to transport, so canning allows it to be sold nationwide."

Michael Stone froze. During his recent business trip, he had passed through many fruit-producing regions. Why hadn't he thought to bring back some fresh fruit?

"Does canning prevent spoilage?" he asked curiously.

"Of course," Emily nodded in explanation. "Fresh fruit lasts at most two weeks, but canned goods can be stored much longer. Otherwise, all the hard work of the fruit growers would go to waste if their produce rotted before being sold."

She counted on her fingers: "Besides fruit preserves, there are also canned fish, canned meat..."

"Mommy knows so much!" Tommy's eyes widened in admiration.

Emily ruffled her son's hair. "Because Mommy loves reading. That's why you two must study hard, understand?"

Michael's heart suddenly skipped a beat.

His wife always encouraged their children to read. Would she... look down on him for being uneducated?

Maybe... he should try for college too?

But what if Emily got accepted and he also went to study—who would take care of their two boys?

Night fell.

Michael heated water for a bath, as Emily wanted to freshen up for the New Year.

"You'll catch a chill," he worried.

"It's fine," she insisted.

Yet when she stepped out of the bathroom, she was shivering violently.

"Get under the blankets!" Michael hastily pulled back the pre-warmed covers, tucking her in securely once she settled.

The bedding was toasty, still carrying his residual warmth.

"Still cold?" he asked upon returning, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

Emily shot him a look. Wasn't it obvious with how tightly he was holding her?

"Should we stay up for the New Year?" she changed the subject.

"Up to you," Michael murmured before suddenly pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"Sweetheart..." His voice dropped lower. "May I?"

Emily froze momentarily.

When realization struck, her entire body stiffened.

She was Michael's wife now—a role she couldn't escape.

Through her nightgown, she could feel the scorching heat of his body.

"I..." She meant to refuse, but Michael's lips captured hers in a deep, urgent kiss that left her dizzy and speechless.

......

The next morning.

Emily stared blankly at the ceiling beams, flashes of last night's passion replaying in her mind.

She covered her face in frustration.

She'd fallen for his charms!

Though... it hadn't been entirely unpleasant?

"Sweetheart, awake?" Michael strode in, looking thoroughly satisfied.

Emily didn't want to move. But it was New Year's Day.

"Getting up now," she forced herself upright, wincing at the soreness in her waist.

"Mommy!" The two boys bounded in cheerfully.

A hot breakfast awaited on the table. Michael's gaze followed her everywhere, his eyes brimming with contentment.

Even while washing up, Emily could feel his burning stare.

A sudden realization struck her—this man who'd gone without for months wouldn't be satisfied so easily.