Chapter 26 The Sleeping Secret, Wife’s Warmth
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Houston’s hand froze briefly in midair as he reached for food but remained composed, effortlessly diffusing Sam’s open hostility with quiet skill.
The other party is a PhD from Kingsford College, someone entirely devoted to academics and their career. If Rose marries him, all she’d need to do is take care of the household and raise the kids. Earning money would be his responsibility, making things much easier.”
Though it sounded like praise, the words carried subtle sarcasm that was slightly offensive but deeply cutting. Sam, who had worked so hard to raise Rose into a top student, never intended for her to end up as a housewife.
However, Rose’s standing as a top student in her country paled in comparison to Jackson’s global academic accomplishments. Houston’s analysis was accurate; a man like Jackson, so dedicated to academics, would never sacrifice his pursuits for family, That meant their daughter would have to make the sacrifices. Realizing this, Sam began to see Jackson as less of an ideal match
Sam sighed, resigning himself to the situation. “Rose, would you be okay with being a full–time housewife?”
Rose, aligned with Houston’s stance, exaggerated her aversion to the role. “Dad, you know I can’t tell salt from MSG. I don’t know when to use a big spoon or a small one, and I can’t distinguish between chives and green onions. If the man expects me to be a housewife, I’ll ruin all his hopes for me. In the end, it’ll just be a mess.”
Sam fell silent, suddenly worried about his daughter’s future married life
Houston, amused, looked at Rose with curiosity. He wondered if she was truly incapable of housework or just saying so to discourage Jackson.
Catching Houston’s questioning look, Rose realized her earlier remarks might have gone too far. She might not only have scared off Jackson but also her own husband.
While Sam left to fetch some wine, Rose softly asked Houston, “Do you not like someone like me, clumsy and unskilled as a housewife?
Houston smiled gently “If it were anyone else, I’d probably mind. But with you, it doesn’t bother me. I can manage anyway.”
Rose was at a loss for words. The line should have been devastatingly romantic, yet she couldn’t feel moved. She only found it curious how Houston, despite their loveless marriage, showed such patience and understanding, almost like a couple in love.
Not wanting to take advantage of him, Rose said, “Then you’ll have to handle more of the housework. I’ll work harder to earn more money for the family.”
Houston didn’t reply but smiled knowingly. With what she earns, she probably couldn’t even cover my house’s property fees.
Work hard, darling, Houston said, his tone layered with meaning.
“Okay, okay” kose, unaware of the heavy burden she had casually accepted, responded with cheerful enthusiasm.
Not long after, Sam returned with a bottle of gin. Pouring himself a full glass, he said regretfully to Houston, “Houston, if only you could drink, we could have a real night of drinking until we drop.”
Houston froze brielly, realizing that Sam was aware of Rose’s medical condition that prevented her from drinking alcohol. It was clear he paid close attention to his daughter’s work, revealing a deep and moving fatherly affection.
Taking the bottle from Sam, Houston poured a second glass and raised it in a toast. “Mr. Sam, here’s to you. May you have a lifetime of health and happiness.
Sam looked uneasily at Rose. “Rose, can lie even drink?
Rose’s darkened expression answered the question without a word.
Houston pleaded earnestly, “Rose, just let me drink this one time. Later, you can give me something to help me sleep?
Rose, unable to refuse, relented Fine, but only a little.”
1/2
Chapter 26 The Sleeping Secret, Wife’s Warmth.
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With Rose’s permission, Sam and Houston engaged in lively conversation, finishing an entire bottle of sorghum liquor. Sam, in high spirits, fetched another.
Though Rose tried several times to intervene, seeing them so engrossed in their conversation made her hesitate. Eventually, Houston succumbed to the alcohol and collapsed onto the dining table.
Sam stared at the unconscious Houston, momentarily dumbfounded, Considering his daughter’s reputation, he was firmly against letting an eligible bachelor stay overnight in their home.
“Rose, do you have the contact information for his family or friends? Ask them to pick him up.”
Rose was slightly annoyed by Sam’s stern tone. “Dad, I’ve only met him a few times. How could I have asked about his family! It’s your fault. You knew he couldn’t drink, but you still let him drink so much.”
Sam, without questioning his daughter’s motives, shot a resentful glance at Houston. Resigned, he turned to Rose. “Well just let him rest here for a while.
Rose chose silence over words.
Sam carried Houston to the guest room, his initial resolve to keep Houston away from his daughter updone by the urgency of a call from the hospital.
Before leaving. Sam repeatedly reminded Rose, “As soon as he wakes up, send him on his way.”
Rose found his insistence both helpless and amusing.
Once Sam had gone, Rose disregarded his instructions. Instead, she prepared warm water and gently wiped Houston’s face.. She removed his jacket, shoes, and socks, covered him with a blanket, and ensured he could rest comfortably.
Despite her care, Houston was a light sleeper. At some point, he opened his eyes, watching Rose as she tended to him, removing his clothes and shoes. Her diligent actions brought a soft smile to his lips.
Rose tucked the blanket securely around Houston, only to notice his captivating eyes gazing at her. Those eyes, always radiating a deep tenderness, now carried a touch of drunken vulnerability, making them even more mesmerizing.
Rose stood still for a moment before her cheeks turned red. “Houston, you’re still awake?”
Houston’s voice, low and raspy, carried a magnetic quality. “Rose I can’t fall asleep.”
Rose suddenly remembered his struggle with insomnia.
Seeing the pronounced dark circles under his eyes, her heart ached for him She sat beside him on the bed, placing her hands gently on his temples.
“Close your eyes. I’ll massage you a bit and see if it helps you sleep.
“Alright, Houston said softly, closing his eyes without hesitation.
Rose’s fingers, warm and delicate, glided over his skin like polished jade. The moment she applied gentle pressure, a soothing ache spread through him.
“Does it hurt?” she asked softly.
“No, it feels great,” he replied.
Rose continued to massage the key points on his head associated with better sleep. Houston, ever sensitive and usually resistant to close contact since his mother’s departure, found this moment unusual. He realized he didn’t feel the slightest discomfort from Rose’s touch.
Instead, her gentle care filled him with a sense of warmth and an undeniable security.
It was that strong feeling of safety that gradually cased him into a peaceful and unexpected sleep.
