Chapter 855 Focus
It was as though every ache, every ounce of fatigue, had been washed away.
Her body felt… perfect. Strong yet light, full of vitality, as though she had been reborn.
For a moment she simply lay there, marveling at the strange new energy coursing through her veins.
Then a rich, savory aroma drifted into her nose, making her stomach growl in a way she hadn't felt in years.
She blinked in surprise—immortals rarely needed food, but now the smell of roasted meat and freshly baked bread made her mouth water uncontrollably.
She sat up quickly, a smile tugging at her lips, and hurried to dress herself before stepping out of the room.
What greeted her made her pause.
Ross was there, standing in the kitchen area, his tall figure at ease as he moved with surprising skill, stirring a pan over the fire.
The scent of the food filled the entire space, and for a moment, the sight was almost too surreal.
This was Ross—the man who had dominated her completely, who had turned her world upside down—and yet here he was, calmly preparing breakfast as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
He turned, catching sight of her. A faint smile curved his lips.
"About time you woke up," he said casually, as if they were an ordinary couple sharing an ordinary morning.
He set down the pan and gestured toward the table. "Let's eat."
Laura's heart tightened. A rush of conflicting emotions overwhelmed her—gratitude, confusion, nervousness, and something warmer she dared not name.
She smiled faintly, though her hands trembled as she pulled out a chair.
Sitting down, she realized that even the simple act of being near him left her unsettled.
He had given her the greatest night of her life, had transformed her in ways she could not yet comprehend, and now… he was smiling at her like this.
She lowered her gaze, unsure whether to feel safe, vulnerable, or hopelessly drawn to him.
Still, she had many problems that lingered in the back of her mind—perhaps problems that began the moment Ross stepped into her life—but she decided she didn't have to burden the morning with them. Not yet.
Instead, she gave a small laugh and teased, "I don't even have panties on, Ross. You tore the poor thing apart last last night. And for the record, that one wasn't cheap at all."
Her tone was lighthearted, though her cheeks burned slightly as she remembered just how that had happened.
Truthfully, she didn't blame him for it. She had been just as complicit—no, more than that.
She was the one who had first thrown herself onto him, impaling herself on his cock in desperation.
The memory made her thighs clench unconsciously beneath the table.
Ross only snorted, his voice calm and dismissive.
"A trivial thing. I'd buy you a hundred of those in an instant." He waved a hand carelessly, as if such luxuries were dust in the wind for him.
Then, with a smile that seemed to carry both promise and danger, he added, "If you asked for it, Laura, I'd even give you the whole world."
Her heart skipped.
His words were casual, yet there was a weight behind them—an assurance that made her realize he wasn't exaggerating.
He really meant it.
"You and your sweet tongue," she said softly, unable to suppress her smile. "Now I don't wonder anymore why you have dozens of wives clinging to you."
Ross chuckled and set the plates of food down with practiced ease.
"They don't cling," he corrected with an amused glint in his eyes. "They stay because they want to."
Laura shook her head, though her lips still curved.
She walked closer and gracefully took a seat at the table, her eyes never leaving him.
Somewhere between irritation, amusement, and something warmer, she found herself realizing that she could get used to mornings like this—though she wasn't sure if that thought scared her or thrilled her.
The two talked idly as they ate, the morning light spilling through the window, softening the atmosphere around them.
An hour passed before they finally set their forks down.
Laura leaned back in her chair, her lips curved into a smile she hadn't worn in years.
She licked her lips and couldn't help but sigh in satisfaction.
"Ross… I don't even know what to say. This is the only time I've ever tasted food this delicious." Her voice was full of honest praise, her eyes sparkling as she stared at him across the table.
"Where did you even buy all of this? The flavors… I swear, my taste buds are still screaming."
Ross smirked knowingly, wiping his hands with a towel.
"That's a trade secret." His tone was casual, almost teasing, but his gaze softened as he added, "No matter. What's important is that you liked it. If you want, I'll feed you every day. I'll cook for you whenever you're hungry."
Something in the sincerity of his words made Laura's heart thump.
For a moment she forgot to breathe, but then her smile faltered.
A shadow of seriousness crossed her pretty face as her fingers tightened slightly around her fork.
"Ross…" she began, her voice low, hesitant. "What are your plans for me?" She swallowed, her eyes flickering away from his. "I… I already have a boyfriend…for years now."
The air seemed to still for a moment, but Ross didn't hesitate. His expression remained steady, his voice calm but firm.
"Simple," he said. "I'll marry you, of course."
Laura's head snapped up, stunned at the straightforwardness of his reply.
"As for your boyfriend…" Ross continued with unshakable confidence, "we can only apologize. If you want, I'll even help you talk to him."
Laura's lips parted slightly, her breath catching. A hundred thoughts stormed in her mind, but she quickly shook her head.
"No. That's something I have to handle myself. He's… mine to deal with. If marriage is really what you want, it can wait—at least until I've fixed this first." She took a deep, steadying breath, as if bracing herself for what was to come.