Chapter 321

Cautiously, I entered Timothy's apartment, my footsteps echoing in the silence that enveloped the space. "Timothy? Duke?" I called out, surprised by the absence of both Timothy and his dog, who would’ve come running to the door in most cases.

The living room revealed no signs of their presence, except for a flower arrangement adorning the coffee table. My gaze fell upon a single note, neatly placed amidst the petals. Intrigued, I picked it up, unfolding the paper to reveal Timothy's unmistakable handwriting.

"Evie, I'm sorry. I shouldn’t have taken my anger out on you. You mean the world to me.

-Timothy"

The brevity of the apology left me with a sense of unease, and my eyes caught the trail of flower petals scattered on the floor. A silent invitation, it seemed, urging me to follow their delicate path.

I traced the petals through the apartment, my curiosity growing with each step. The trail led me to the bathroom, where the sound of running water and the sweet aroma of bubbles filled the air. As I pushed the door open, my eyes widened at the scene before me.

Timothy sat at the edge of the tub, the water filled with bubbles and the flickering candlelight casting a soft glow on his face. His expression was a mix of relief and uncertainty as he looked up at me.

"Evie," he began cautiously, "I didn't know when you'd get back. You haven't been answering my calls."

I hesitated before responding, the weight of the day's events still lingering in my mind. "I was busy, Timothy," I replied, my voice unintentionally carrying a hint of defensiveness.

His eyes softened, and a tinge of sadness crept into his voice. "I missed you. I didn't mean for things to get this complicated."

The sincerity in his words pulled at my heart, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for leaving him in the dark. I approached cautiously, searching my mind for the proper words to say.

"Timothy, I... It's just been a lot to process," I admitted, my gaze meeting his.

He nodded understandingly, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on his face. "I get it. I just didn't want you to come back to an empty apartment. I wanted to make it up to you."

My eyes fell on the apologetic note still in my hand, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of tenderness for the man who had become such an integral part of my life. The petals, the bubbles, the candlelight – it was a sweet arrangement for an apology that spoke volumes.

I joined him at the edge of the tub, our eyes locked in a shared understanding. Mia and Kamran's wedding announcement still lingered in my mind, but that all seemed to fade away in the glow of the candlelight, replaced by the simplicity of the moment.

"Timothy, we need to talk about everything," I began, my voice carrying a newfound resolve.

He nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I know. But for now, let's just be here. Together."

I couldn't deny the allure of his words, the invitation to set aside the troubles of the outside world and immerse ourselves in the warmth of the present. Beneath soft glow of candlelight, he was irresistible, and I found myself

“Let me take care of you,” he whispered into my ear.

I hesitated for a moment as Timothy's eyes locked with mine, his touch gentle yet filled with an unspoken intensity. The weight of the day's tensions seemed to dissolve as stepped away from the tub, a silent invitation in his gaze.

His hands found mine, fingers entwining, as he slowly began to peel away my clothes. The soft caress of his touch sent shivers down my spine, and I felt a vulnerability and intimacy that I didn’t realize I’d needed.

As Timothy's fingers traced the contours of my skin, his lips met mine in a tender kiss. As his tongue teased my lips and traced along my teeth, the warmth of his mouth against mine making me feel weak in the most intoxicating way.

Timothy's kisses traveled down my neck, each one leaving a trail of fire in its wake. The warmth of the bathwater embraced us, a cocoon of shared vulnerability and connection. I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions, and I had to wipe away my tears before he could see.

I wanted this to be a happy moment. He deserved it.

As the last piece of fabric fell away, I stood before him in the soft glow of candlelight, dragging my hands down his barren chest before helping him shed his pants. His hands continued their own gentle exploration along my waist and hips.

He then knelt down and kissed my stomach before taking my hands in his, his eyes searching mine with a vulnerability that endeared me.

"Evie, can you forgive me?" he implored, his voice laced with sincerity. "For how I've been acting? I just love you too much to have something happen to you."

The warmth of his hands and the earnestness in his eyes softened the defenses I had built up. I nodded, feeling the weight of the day's tensions begin to lift.

"I'm sorry too, Timothy," I admitted, my voice carrying the weight of shared guilt. "We were both acting out of fear for each other. I should’ve thought about how it was affecting you."

Timothy's eyes softened further, a genuine smile breaking through the tension. "We can't let fear tear us apart. We're in this together, Evie. You can't push me away anymore. I'll always be here for you, no matter what happens."

A sense of gratitude washed over me, and I found myself growing more at ease with the offer. The water in the tub seemed to beckon, inviting us to immerse ourselves in its warmth.

As we settled into the bath together, the bubbles were heavenly against my skin, and the warmth eased the tension in my muscles. Timothy's hands caressed mine as he sunk in behind.

The tenderness of Timothy's touch, the whispered promises in his kisses, made me feel wanted and loved. I teased the hairs on his chest as I rested my cheek against him.

Timothy spoke softly, "Evie, I've been thinking about what I'll say at the next trial. My lawyer seems less convinced by my side of the story as more evidence comes out."

A chill ran down my spine at the gravity of his words. I’d nearly forgotten about the looming trial. I’d hoped he wouldn’t bring it up so soon, but then my own questions emerged.

"Is Duke okay?" I asked, my thoughts turning to how his door had been left open. “He didn’t greet me at the door.”

Timothy's expression grew clouded. "I left him at a friend's place until things cool down. I just don't know how long that'll be."

We grew quiet once more, and perhaps it was needed. I just wanted to savor his touch at the moment, and he wanted the same. As Timothy continued to caress me, I wanted that moment to last an eternity.

But as with most things in my life, the good never lasted.

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