Chapter 861 Glue
Lois watched from the sidelines as her family buzzed with excitement.
Relatives gossiped and whispered about the celebrity bride and groom, while planners coordinated schedules and décor with meticulous precision.
Yet amid all the pomp and extravagance, Lois felt a lingering sense of unease.
She could see how happy Laura was, and that happiness made it all the harder for Lois to argue or intervene.
Days melted into weeks as rehearsal dinners, fittings, and tastings consumed every waking moment.
Lois found herself navigating a strange mixture of admiration and dread: admiration for the flawless execution of the preparations, dread for the impending reality of seeing her sister wed to a man who, despite appearances, had such a commanding hold over her family and life.
Ultimately, Lois had no choice but to accept the inevitable.
She straightened her shoulders, squared her jaw, and decided to focus on what she could control: supporting her sister in the ways that mattered, quietly observing Ross, and remaining vigilant for any sign that might indicate a problem.
The bitter truth was undeniable, but as the wedding day loomed closer, Lois knew she had to navigate the coming storm with both grace and caution.
Little did Lois know, she couldn't guard her family all the time—especially not her mother.
"You're here, Ross. Everybody's gone to see the reception hall for the wedding. They all left," Kate said, a hint of curiosity in her voice as she glanced around the empty living room.
"Ah, that's fine, Kate. I'll just wait for them here," Ross replied smoothly, his voice calm and measured.
Yet even as he spoke, his eyes discreetly roamed over his fiancée's mother.
Kate had aged gracefully; her figure was elegant, her posture perfect, and her youthful beauty could easily allow her to pass as Laura's sister.
There was a magnetic allure in the way she carried herself, a mature charm that subtly drew attention without effort.
Ross felt the familiar pull of desire, but he masked it expertly, keeping his gaze focused on her eyes and his expression one of a polite, attentive fiancé.
"So… how's everything going, Ross? You've been so busy with the upcoming wedding. How about your business and career?" Kate began, speaking casually but with a trace of amusement in her tone.
She had always been perceptive, and Ross knew that, yet he remained composed, nodding and responding with the perfect measure of charm and consideration.
He took a slow step closer, subtly closing the distance without appearing intrusive. "Everything is going well, Kate. There's a lot to organize, but Laura and I are handling it. I want everything to be perfect for her," Ross said, his smile warm and reassuring.
Despite the polite tone, a silent game was unfolding in his mind.
He observed her posture, her expressions, the slight tilt of her head, all the little details that made her human—and irresistibly attractive.
Kate laughed softly, a sound that filled the quiet room.
"You always were meticulous, Ross. I can see why Laura fell for you. I just hope she remembers to take care of herself in all this chaos." She glanced around, then at Ross again, unaware of the sharp awareness in his gaze.
Ross inclined his head, listening intently. "Of course, Kate. I always make sure everyone I care about is safe and happy. That includes you," he said smoothly, each word chosen carefully, the charm in his tone undeniable.
He kept his composure, but internally he acknowledged the challenge ahead: a woman like Kate wasn't easily swayed, yet her presence here—alone with him—offered possibilities he intended to explore in subtle ways.
Kate's eyes lingered on him for a moment, thoughtful. "Well, I suppose it's nice to have a quiet moment for once, away from all the chaos. It gives us time to… relax for a bit." Her tone was innocent, but there was a tension beneath it that Ross sensed immediately.
He responded with an easy smile. "I agree. It's rare to find these moments nowadays. Let's make the most of it."
The air between them held a subtle electricity, a quiet game of glances and words, each measured and deliberate.
Though Ross maintained the appearance of a devoted fiancé, his mind was already calculating, anticipating, and savoring the delicate dance that he had been anticipating for some time.
Thirty minutes into their conversation, Kate's posture shifted.
She tilted her head slightly and began rubbing the back of her neck with a weary sigh.
"What's wrong?" Ross asked, his voice laced with genuine concern as his sharp eyes caught the small gesture.
"It's nothing, really. Just one of my headaches. I get them sometimes," Kate replied softly, still kneading the tension in her muscles, her fingers pressing into the tight spots that refused to relax.
Ross leaned forward, his expression thoughtful for a moment before a playful grin tugged at his lips.
"I see… Well, sounds like it's my time to shine. I give massages so good they'll make you forget what pain even feels like. Headaches? Gone. Stress? Obliterated. Come here." He patted the wide, cushioned sofa beside him with exaggerated confidence.
Kate chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh no, Ross, that's not necessary. It'll pass soon—I'll just take a pill and let it fade on its own."
Ross raised an eyebrow, his grin never faltering. "Nope. I insist. Pills are overrated. Trust me on this—my hands are magic." He stood up before she could protest again, closing the short distance between them with calm assurance.
"Ross—" Kate began, but her words trailed off as he gently took her hand, his touch warm and firm without being overbearing.
"Relax. Just let me help," he said in a low, soothing tone that left little room for argument.
A minute later, Kate was settled on the plush sofa, leaning slightly forward while Ross stood behind her.
His hands hovered briefly over her shoulders before making contact.
The first touch was gentle—testing, almost hesitant—then his thumbs pressed into the tense muscles at the base of her neck, working in slow, deliberate circles.