Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 310

"I wanted to surprise you."

Nora pursed her lips, clearly unimpressed by the execution.

It wasn't a surprise; it was nearly a heart attack.

Hudson obviously noticed her subtle reaction, his grin widening significantly. "Mostly, I just missed you way too much."

Nora's lips curved upward. A warm, overwhelming fullness blossomed in her chest. Her voice was muffled against his skin as she replied, "I missed you too."

Hudson's hand stalled for a fraction of a second before he dragged her fully into his arms, crushing her against him and burying his chin in her hair.

"What did you say? I didn't catch that."

"If you didn't hear it, forget it."

"Say it again."

The raw intensity in his gaze made her heart skip a beat. She looked away, biting her lip in stubborn silence.

He dipped his head, brushing his nose against hers in an agonizingly slow, intimate gesture. "Darling, say it."

The tips of Nora's ears were practically on fire. Grinding her teeth, she finally forced the words out. "I... missed you too."

Hudson smiled. In that fleeting second, his eyes were pools of infinite tenderness, glowing with the breathtaking brilliance of a thousand blooming spring flowers.

Radiant and profoundly romantic.

"I still have another week of business to wrap up overseas. Grandmother's eightieth birthday gala is next weekend. I've already arranged her gift, so don't stress over it. I'll make sure to be back right before the party starts..."

"Okay."

Time slipped away, and soon the sky outside descended into total darkness.

The bedroom lights were off, leaving only the pale moonlight filtering through the glass, painting the floor in a wash of silver.

"Are you hungry?" Hudson's deep, magnetic voice rumbled above her.

Nora lounged comfortably against his chest, offering a lazy murmur of agreement.

"What are you craving?"

"Anything."

"How about I make you some noodles?"

"..."

He had changed into a dark gray Henley, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows to expose his muscular forearms as he expertly diced the ingredients.

The pan on the stove was already sizzling. He poured in oil, and once it was hot enough, he added the sauce, stirring rapidly. The rich, savory aroma instantly filled the air.

Watching his profound focus, Nora felt an overwhelming sense of warmth swell in her chest.

Her childhood had been agonizingly difficult. Fate had offered her a sliver of hope so narrow she had to claw her way out of hell just to survive.

Yet, for the ensuing decade, she had never known what it meant to be truly loved.

When she originally agreed to act as the substitute bride, she never factored in her own happiness.

Her only goal was to repay the Reed family for taking her in.

And after that, to never owe anyone a single favor.

She had fully expected to live the rest of her life utterly alone.

Until she met Hudson...

It felt as though she had exhausted every last ounce of luck in her life just to earn the right to stand beside him.

In that context, perhaps she was incredibly lucky after all...