Chapter 63

"Her face is ghostly pale, yet she insists she's perfectly fine!" Margaret's voice trembled with concern as she nudged her eldest grandson. "Nathaniel, go massage her stomach. A man's body heat works wonders for menstrual cramps!"

Nathaniel's brow furrowed.

Evelyn's pale cheeks flushed with discomfort. She waved her hands frantically. "Really, it's not necessary! The painkillers are working already, Grandma Margaret."

The elderly woman remained unconvinced. "Nonsense! Since you're feeling better, his touch will speed up the recovery." Her eyes sparkled with determination.

"Grandma—" Evelyn shot Nathaniel a desperate look, silently pleading for intervention.

Nathaniel observed her flustered expression, his lips twitching with amusement. "Don't worry, Grandma. I'll have someone fetch a heating pad instead."

Margaret huffed. "A heating pad? That's no substitute for a husband's touch!" She crossed her arms, scrutinizing their stiff body language. "Why are you two acting like strangers? Don't tell me you haven't even—"

"We have!" Evelyn blurted out, her voice unnaturally high. "Multiple times! Right, Nathaniel?"

Nathaniel's eyes darkened with amusement. "Indeed. Many, many times."

Margaret narrowed her eyes. "Then why the hesitation? Nathaniel, stop dawdling and rub your wife's stomach!"

Under her piercing gaze, Nathaniel moved closer. His warm breath tickled Evelyn's ear as he whispered, "Forgive the intrusion." His large hand settled on her aching abdomen.

The intimate contact made Evelyn's muscles tense. An abdomen was the most vulnerable spot—something only exposed to those one trusted completely. Her pale skin burned crimson despite her forced smile.

Margaret watched with satisfaction. "Better now, dear?"

"Much!" Evelyn squeaked, her voice two octaves higher than usual.

"Excellent! Keep massaging, Nathaniel. And you're both staying in tonight—no arguments!" Margaret declared before exiting.

The moment the door closed, Evelyn squirmed away. "You can stop now!"

Nathaniel's hand remained firmly in place. "I don't mind continuing." His smirk deepened. "Unless... you're embarrassed?"

Evelyn glared. "Of course not!"

"Is that so?" Nathaniel's eyes glinted with mischief. "The same woman who loudly proclaimed our... frequent activities?"

Evelyn wanted to vanish. "Nathaniel Grayson!"