Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3557

Marina lowered her eyes, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. "Goodnight," she murmured softly.

At the Foster residence.

When Barton Foster made his way upstairs, Miranda was already asleep, lying on her side on the chaise lounge. A lightweight throw blanket draped over her, and her soft, dark hair spilled loosely around her shoulders. Devoid of makeup, her serene face looked as beautiful and delicate as a lotus blossom.

The heating in the house was turned up high, making Barton feel warm even in just a dress shirt. Yet, the woman before him remained perfectly cool, her skin luminous and flawless.

Barton scooped her up into his arms and carried her toward the large bed in the center of the room.

As he pulled back the blanket, the pale moonlight caught the smooth, radiant expanse of her skin. There was an intoxicating, breathtaking allure beneath her usual distant elegance.

Barton's breathing grew heavy. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her lips. His gaze was entirely captivated as his lips trailed down her jawline, lingering against her soft skin.

Miranda opened her eyes. Without a word, she reached out and switched off the bedside lamp.

Darkness fell over the room, leaving only the silver cascade of moonlight spilling through the windows, making the heavy atmosphere between them even more electric.

*

He woke up, had breakfast, and idled away the morning. Just as he sat down to have lunch with Miranda, Lynn—the maid who cared for Rowena Croft—called.

"Mr. Foster, Ms. Croft has had a terrible migraine since she woke up. She hasn't even touched her lunch. Could you possibly come check on her?"

Barton instinctively glanced at his wife before stepping out into the hallway to take the call.

Claire's expression darkened. Seeing that Miranda continued to eat her meal without a flicker of emotion, the maid swallowed the bitter words that had rushed to her tongue.

A moment later, Barton returned to the table and resumed eating. "Your diet is too plain," he instructed Claire. "Did you make sure she had the nutritional supplements I had sent over?"

"Mrs. Foster prefers eating this way," Claire replied coolly. "It only seems plain to you, sir, because you are so accustomed to rich, heavy meals outside."

Barton knew exactly what Claire was implying, but he didn't dare argue. Instead, he attentively placed some food on Miranda's plate.

"Late last night, sir," Lynn replied quickly.

Barton entered the bedroom. Rowena was lying on her side in bed, her complexion pale. When she opened her eyes and saw him, tears immediately welled up. "What are you doing here?"

With her delicate brows and striking eyes, she possessed an undeniable, sultry charm. Her stunning curves were barely hidden beneath the thin sheets, one smooth, flawless shoulder exposed to the cool air. Looking at her, it was impossible to tell she was a woman nearing fifty.

Barton pulled the covers up over her shoulder. "If your head hurts, you need to go to the hospital. Trying to tough it out won't fix anything."

"It's just my old condition acting up," Rowena murmured playfully. "You know how it is."

She patted the empty space beside her. "Come lie with me for a bit. Maybe your presence is all I need to feel better."

"I'm not a miracle cure," he said with a faint smile, turning to Lynn. "Go call Dr. Rowland."

Lynn shot a quick glance at Rowena before nodding and scurrying off to make the call.