Chapter 25: The entire world turned

Caroline tiptoed and pressed her lips against his. She nibbled gently at his lower lip, a warm, fuzzy feeling spreading through her as Lily, her wolf, responded to the mate bond.

Andrew’s thumb rested against her cheek as he returned the kiss with the same fervor. His other arm wrapped around her waist, nearly lifting her off the ground as he pulled her closer. Caroline’s hands settled on his shoulders, and soft gasps escaped between their kisses.

He was the first to pull away, though he kept his forehead resting against hers. For a moment, they simply breathed the same air before he asked softly, "Did you like it?"

"Yeah. You?" Caroline peered into his eyes. "You’re a good kisser."

"Thanks for the compliment. I enjoyed it too." Andrew slowly lowered her back to the ground, never breaking his steady gaze.

"You’re so beautiful, Caroline. And I mean it." His eyes traced every feature of her face. "Every time I look at you, I feel like I don’t want to let you out of my sight, even for a second. I just want to stay as close to you as I can."

"How are you supposed to work, then?" Caroline mused.

"Do you think I need to work? I have enough wealth in my name for the next ten generations of our family to live comfortably without working," Andrew stated.

She smiled. "I want to work after I get better. Not now, though. I first have to gather evidence against Victor."

"Sure. Do whatever you want. I can even offer you a CEO position in one of the companies. You can rule over the people there," Andrew remarked casually.

"What? No. You can’t do that. I have to learn, work hard, and earn everything through my own abilities," Caroline replied.

"How are you supposed to do that? You’re already married to me. It’s obvious that any company would willingly give you a high position rather than make you start as an ordinary employee," Andrew pointed out. "I’m not doubting your abilities. What about working with me?"

"I thought you didn’t work," Caroline said, raising an eyebrow.

She continued walking, leaving Andrew to follow beside her.

"Well, I manage this territory and even run a company under my name. It’s related to my field," Andrew answered. "Let’s talk about work some other time. Tell me about your hobbies, the food you like, and the places you want to explore."

"I never really had the time to develop many hobbies. But I used to knit. I would help my mother with it, actually. It was kind of comforting. Then, once a month, I used to attend pottery lessons." She thought for a moment. "As for food, I like almost everything except cheese. I can’t stand it. And when it comes to places, I’ve never really thought about where I want to go."

She turned her head to look at him. "What about you?"

"I enjoy running, and I used to draw, but I lost my inspiration a few years back," Andrew said, pausing briefly. "For food, I prefer simple homemade meals over anything else. As for travel, I’ve always wanted to visit a snowy region—just never alone."

"With your mate?" Caroline asked.

"Yes, with you," Andrew replied, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "I’d keep you wrapped up tight against the cold and make sure you never leave the bed."

"That sounds less like exploring and more like an excuse to stay inside," Caroline said, letting out a soft chuckle.

Andrew watched her, captivated. It was the first time since she had regained consciousness that he had seen a genuine smile cross her face. "You have a beautiful smile," he murmured softly.

Caroline looked away, her cheeks warming under his affectionate gaze.

"Once you’ve fully recovered, we’ll take that trip," Andrew stated.

"I don’t think I can enjoy anything until Victor and Nina are punished for what they did," Caroline said, her voice turning somber. "I’m sorry if that hurts your feelings. I know how much you’ve done for me without me ever asking, and you’ve shown me a life I never thought I’d have. But right now... enjoying myself is impossible."

"Punishing yourself won’t bring you peace, Caroline," Andrew replied, his voice calm as he walked past her. "I’m not forcing you to go anywhere right now. I know you need time." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Caroline slowed her pace, following behind him. "Thank you for understanding."

"Stop thanking me," Andrew said without turning around. "I haven’t even done the bare minimum for you."

"Who told you that?" She quickened her steps to catch up, falling into stride beside him. "You’ve done far more than the bare minimum. You made me your Luna, and you stood by me when the entire world turned its back on me. I’m lucky enough to be your mate. And I love everything you do for me."

Andrew couldn’t help but smile. "I was upset a second ago, but you made that vanish entirely," he said.

"Did I?" She smiled back, the tension between them easing. "We can go out tomorrow. For a lunch date."

"Sure. I’ll take you to the best place in the territory."

"Is that a gazebo?" Caroline asked, spotting a white structure in the distance before running toward it.

Andrew closed the distance instantly, taking a spot right behind her as she sat on the wide stone ledge, peering out over the view.

"I can see a narrow path heading toward the inner garden space," she said.

"That leads straight to the apple orchards," Andrew replied.

"We’ll go there next," she decided.

"Not today," Andrew said. "We need to get you a phone and some new clothes first."

"You already gave me so many dresses," Caroline replied.

"Those were what I selected for you. Your wardrobe should reflect your own taste," he said, taking a seat beside her on the broad ledge. "I could have a team bring options to the estate, but I’d rather we go out and explore the shops together. We have a full day ahead of us tomorrow."

A small smile touched her lips. Looking closely at him, her eyes caught something on his collarbone.

"Oh, you have a mole right here," Caroline said, her voice tinged with sudden excitement as she reached out and pressed her fingertip against his neck.

The contact sent a sudden jolt through them both, freezing them in place. Andrew tilted his head slightly, his gaze locking onto hers as she caught her lower lip between her teeth.