Chapter 214
Chapter 214 Do Not Go
Henry met Crystal at the house at the back.
The light pink room was approximately fifty square meters. From the homey decorations and cozy ambiance, one could tell Alfred had specially prepared it for her.
The heating was turned up, enveloping the room in a comfortable warmth.
Crystal had fallen asleep on the couch with a blanket covering her stomach.
Snowy was curled up beside her feet, its eyes closed.
When Henry came in, Snowy looked up but soon closed its eyes again as if he was invisible.
Henry leaned over and began landing kisses on Crystal, alternating between tender pecks and deep smooches.
Crystal woke up.
After kissing her for a long time, he finally lay down beside her and murmured, "I used to feel sad because you're so cold, but now, it turns me on and makes me want to bully you." "You're so shameless!" Crystal chided in a hoarse voice.
With a chuckle. Henry wrapped his arm around her waist to stop her from moving.
Upon feeling something against her thighs, Crystal remained motionless. She didn't want to provoke him because they shouldn't get intimate during the first trimester of pregnancy. Pressing his forehead against hers, Henry whispered, "Crystal, we'll become husband and wife soon."
Crystal was not as excited.
She slid her slender finger across his brows and smiled faintly. "It's to give the baby a legitimate identity. You're still under observation."
Henry knew that Crystal had yet to fully give him her heart. Perhaps she had been let down so many times that she found it difficult to believe he could make her happy.
"Close your eyes." Henry kissed her eyes, admiring their beauty.
Smiling softly, Crystal did as he said.
Since they had decided to register their marriage and their families had met already, she thought there was no point in cold-shouldering him. It would only make her seem overly dramatic. Henry took out a thin chain with a fifty-two-carat diamond ring hanging on it.
When Crystal opened her eyes, she found a necklace adorning her neck. She could tell what it was just by touching it.
"Do you like it?"
Henry moved closer and nuzzled up against her. "Mrs. Miller, I'll put this ring on you on our wedding day."
Crystal leaned against him affectionately.
Taking in her docility, Henry couldn't stop himself from capturing her lips in his.
The kiss was entrancing. There was a new level of tenderness between them probably due to the fact that they were about to become the parents of a new life.
A pink blush spread across Crystal's cheeks.
Henry couldn't help curling his lips into a smile as he brushed his finger against her face and teased her. This was the first time they didn't go all the way, but it felt utterly wonderful and intimate. Henry and Crystal registered their marriage in Coldbridge under the witness of their families.
That night, they held a banquet at the Lodge residence.
Afterward, David left with the other Millers, while Henry stayed behind with Crystal for a few days before they returned to Barnwood.
Crystal moved into Henry's mansion once they were back.
He treated her very well. David and Julia often visited them, while Melora would come by for meals.
Not long after, Henry had a four-day trip to the Kingdom of Brundela.
Admittedly, Crystal was a little worried, but she knew Henry well.
As long as he had no emotional involvement with Audrey, she didn't want to stir up conflicts because of the past.
On the day Henry was returning from the Kingdom of Brundela, Pete stopped by the mansion with Crystal's secretary.
As Crystal's trusted aides, they were aware of her pregnancy and her marriage to Henry.
After they were done discussing business. Pete glanced at Crystal's stomach and scoffed, "I'm sure the baby will be as dumb as you. But he or she will probably be good-looking."
Crystal was torn between amusement and exasperation.
She stroked her belly, feeling fond of this baby that rarely caused trouble for her.
Pete shook his head helplessly at her loving motherly behavior and took out a box from his pocket before tossing it to Crystal. "That's for the baby. I paid for it with my hard-earned money, not my dad's!"
Then, he rubbed his nose. As if embarrassed by his own cheesiness, he turned around and walked away.
The secretary grinned at Crystal and left as well.
Inside the box was a two-carat loose pink diamond, which was extremely expensive.
"He probably spent all the money he earned on this," Crystal said with a chuckle, her eyes turning red.
Just as she was feeling emotional, she heard the sound of a car entering the yard.
Henry had returned.
He was wearing a winter coat over his suit, looking incredibly dashing.
The housekeepers brought in his luggage and left after setting them down.
After taking off his coat, Henry walked over to Crystal and took the box from her hand. "I saw Young Pup outside. Is this from him?"
Crystal nodded honestly.
Henry stared at the box for a while and said, "He's quite thoughtful."
Crystal knew that he was jealous again.
She stood up, hung his coat, and asked casually, "When's the third trial?"
Henry sat down and took a sip of water from her mug. "It's basically settled. I'll ask Mr. Cooper to attend. the third trial," he said with a smile.
Crystal was surprised.
Does this mean he doesn't have to go to the Kingdom of Brundela anymore?
As she was bothered about Audrey, she was actually delighted about the news. Still, she maintained her composure and merely hummed in acknowledgment.
Of course, Henry could see right through her.
Instead of exposing her, he embraced her from the back while she was straightening his coat. "You're almost three months in, right? The doctor said we can do it when you reach three months..." Crystal blushed.
Since she got pregnant, they had never gotten physical.
While she wasn't really up for it, she knew Henry was always needy in that aspect. Many nights, he would get up from bed in the middle of the night and take a cold shower.
"Madison is holding a sip-and-see party for her baby tomorrow. Are you coming with me?" She changed the topic.
Propping his chin on her shoulder, Henry deliberately blew a breath against her ear. "Of course. You're so in demand, and I'm worried some Tom, Dick, and Harry might set their sights on you while I'm not paying attention."
Crystal shot him a glare.
He immediately let her go while chuckling. "I'll go take a shower. Let's have dinner after."
As the sound of his footsteps moved away from her, she couldn't help turning around and looking up.
They hadn't seen each other for four days.
On the staircase, Henry looked back at her with a teasing smile.
Although Charles and Madison did not have a grand wedding, the Jenkins family fulfilled their past. regrets and threw a huge party for the birth of their healthy son. They even gifted Madison a mansion.
Looking at the baby in Madison's arms, Crystal felt genuinely happy for her.
It had only been a few days since Madison had given birth, so she still looked a bit plump.
While rocking her baby, she observed Henry socializing with others and asked Crystal in a low voice, "How are you guys getting along?"
"Humans are emotional beings, after all. When we registered our marriage, I only wanted to give our child a legitimate identity. But as time went by, I feel my heart softening. I guess I'll give it another try." Madison did not say anything in response.
Just then, Henry came over and gestured at Madison's son. "Can I carry him?"
As her arms were already sore, Madison handed him the baby without any hesitation..
This was Henry's first time holding a baby. Warmth filled his heart as he cradled the small bundle of life. He and Crystal would be welcoming their baby into the world in six months.
I'm sure Skyler will be cuter than this kid.
Henry carried the baby for a long time. When he lifted his head, he gazed at Crystal gently.
It was then that Madison understood why Crystal talked about humans being emotional beings. There was no way any woman could resist Henry's sweet and loving gaze.
Later that night, Henry and Crystal returned to their mansion.
After parking the car and unbuckling his seatbelt, he couldn't help reaching out to touch Crystal's belly. However, there was no fetal movement yet as the fetus was only three months old.
The atmosphere subtly shifted as Henry continued to stroke Crystal.
Soon, he reclined her seat and trapped her under him as he kissed her gently.
Worried about hurting the baby, he carefully avoided her abdomen.
He had wanted to stop himself before taking it too far, but when he peeled off her clothes, she was presented to him in full glory.
At the sight of her body which was even fairer and smoother than before, he ultimately lost his self-control and had his way with her. He was gentle throughout, constantly asking and checking if she was comfortable.
After holding back for so long, he released twice.
Teardrops hung from the corners of Crystal's eyes when they were done, and she looked exquisitely delicate.
Although Henry couldn't indulge himself fully, he still found the experience enjoyable as it felt different from before.
After that night, they resumed their marital routine and slept together twice a week.
By the time Crystal reached the seventh month of pregnancy, Henry stopped touching her.
Since it was now inconvenient for her to move around, he fetched Anna from Coldbridge so she could accompany Crystal.
On this day, Crystal dropped by the music center.
Henry picked her up when she was done. After getting into the car, she said, "Everything is in place. I'll come again after giving birth. I can't believe how quickly Pete improved. He can basically handle everything on his own now."
Surprisingly, Henry did not respond. If this were a usual day, he would be throwing jabs at Pete already.
Finding his reaction odd, Crystal asked smilingly, "What's wrong?"
Their car came to a stop at the red light. After giving it careful consideration, Henry began, "I might have to go to the Kingdom of Brundela again for the case. Mr. Quinn called this morning and expressed his concern about Mr. Cooper's ability to handle the case properly. Crystal... I think it's best that I head there." Crystal blinked a few times.
A long silence later, she finally uttered, "Is he concerned, or are you?"
Henry stayed silent.
He knew he shouldn't argue with a pregnant woman.
Crystal was quite composed, too. She said in a soft voice. "Henry, you promised me you won't go there anymore. Besides, I'm seven months pregnant. It won't be a big deal if you're just going to another city in the country, but if something comes up while you're in the Kingdom of Brundela, it will take you at least a day to come back. Didn't you... consider me before agreeing?"
Aware that she was upset, Henry consoled her patiently. "We've been getting positive and stable results from the prenatal check-ups, haven't we? I'll only stay there for three days. Once the trial ends, I'll rush. back here. I won't take any more cases afterward so I can focus on you, all right?"
Crystal realized he had already made his decision.
"When are you leaving?" she asked, feeling unhappy.
"Tomorrow morning."
Crystal visibly froze.
Then, she turned toward the window and watched the passing scenery quietly.
At night, Henry packed his things on his own and took the time to console Crystal again, but she couldn't bring herself to cheer up.
She slept with her back to him, and her sleep was terrible throughout the night.
When the sun broke the horizon, Henry got out of bed gingerly and left a peck on Crystal's lips. "I'm leaving." he whispered.
Crystal stirred from her dream.
At the thought of the blood she had seen in her dream, she was overcome with fear and hugged Henry from behind.
Feeling her stomach churn, she said shakingly, "Henry, don't go. I'm not feeling well."
Henry rubbed her belly affectionately.
Assuming that she was still upset, he did not take it to heart and reassured her, "The weather is too hot, that's why. Ask Madam Anna to stay with you. Be good, all right? I'll only be away for three days." Crystal held onto him, muttering, "Henry, I keep feeling like something's about to happen. I really don't feel well. The baby is kicking around!"
Henry smiled at her and bent over to kiss her stomach.
"Is she being naughty?"
"She has never been like this... Can you not go, please? I'm afraid something might happen," Crystal whined while massaging his scalp.
Her pleas had no effect on Henry. He straightened up and kissed her. "I'm going to miss my flight if I don't leave now. Be good, hmm?"
Still, Crystal wouldn't let go.
He could only gently remove her fingers one by one and flash her a doting smile. "You're just like a kid. I promise to come back safely after three days, okay?"
In the end, Henry left with his suitcase.
Crystal remained seated on the bed. It was the middle of the hot summer, yet she felt chills all over her body.
She wanted to go back to sleep, but she felt extremely uncomfortable. Eventually, she got up and went downstairs while holding her phone. "Mom!" she called out.
Anna had just returned from grocery shopping with the housekeeper. They were entering the house while chatting happily, and just as she was about to respond to Crystal, a loud blast rang out.
The next second, dust and rocks splattered everywhere, mixed with glass shards and cement pieces.
At ten in the morning that day, a severe gas pipeline explosion occurred in their high-end residential area.
Trees were split and reduced to pieces, and the roads flipped over from the impact, paralyzing the traffic.
Crystal was descending the stairs at the time of the incident.
An immense shockwave surged toward her, slamming her against the wall behind her. She felt as if her
out 2
waist had been shattered, but at that critical moment, she shielded her bell, instinct.
Skyler...