Chapter 96 Temptation

He couldn’t help but wonder: In her eyes, is marrying him really something that can be treated so casually? Or has she not realized that he has already become her legal husband, and from now on, they will share the same fate? Just as William Foster was lost in thought, Clara Bennett slowly walked up to him. At this moment, the sunset’s afterglow filled the entire room, casting an orange-red light on her, adding a soft and dreamy outline to her figure. She stood there, as serene and beautiful as a painting. Suddenly, she reached out her slender fingers and gently lifted William Foster’s chin. This unexpected action forced William Foster to tilt his head slightly, meeting her sudden closeness. The sunlight scattered behind her, blurring her features, allowing William Foster only a glimpse of her lips, where a faint, elusive smile played. Next, Clara lowered her head and, in a slow and gentle manner, planted a kiss on the corner of his lips. The kiss was as light as a feather, yet it sent a current through William Foster’s nerves, spreading throughout his body. Then, she leaned in again, whispering in his ear with an extremely suggestive tone, "Isn’t it better to save it for the wedding night?" William Foster’s heart jolted violently, as if something had been fiercely stirred. All along, he was used to playing the passive and vulnerable role, but deep down, he was never someone who could be easily manipulated and without opinions. On the contrary, he was a man of deep thoughts, skilled at patience, merely needing to hide his sharpness due to the current situation. However, at this moment, Clara’s actions undoubtedly touched a sensitive nerve deep within him, making it impossible for him to ignore the emotions quietly rising within. If he could still remain indifferent to this level of teasing, could he still call himself a man? This was practically a challenge to male dignity. As a normal man, how could he possibly have no reaction in the face of such temptation? As soon as the words fell, before Clara had time to respond, she felt herself being pulled forward by a force, and the next second, she found herself securely sitting in William Foster’s lap. His arms wrapped tightly around her waist, solid as a rock, making it impossible to break free. Clara couldn’t help but let out a light laugh, her voice teasing and pampering, "Wow, you’re impressive! Even sitting in a wheelchair and struggling with mobility, you act so swiftly every time. Are you pretending to be lazy, while actually being ready to leap into action?" William Foster didn’t answer, only letting his actions speak for everything. He slightly lowered his head, his lips covering hers with deep and fervent action, as if wanting to pour all his emotions into this deep kiss. Their breaths intermingled, growing more rapid, as if time had stood still, until after a long while, he released her slightly, his deep and slightly hoarse voice filling the air, "Tonight I’m not letting you go, let’s head to the bridal chamber right away." Clara heard this, her brows curved, and she smiled alluringly, her fingers winding around his neck, her voice carrying a tinge of coquettishness and flair, "Oh? You talk like I’ll easily compromise. But...I really don’t want to do it like this now." Her tone was soft yet carried a hint of firm refusal. William Foster clearly heard the perfunctory nature in her words, his Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, and a dark emotion flickered in his eyes, "I’m sorry, but it’s already too late, I really can’t control myself now." His voice grew increasingly deep, like a beast about to break free from its cage after being suppressed for so long. However, Clara showed no intention of retreating. She raised her eyebrows and deliberately slowed her speech, drawing out her words, "Oh? Can’t control yourself? Well, don’t act recklessly then. By the way, the traditional wedding customs call for grand preparations and a ceremonial wedding gown, have you heard of it? Marriage is a significant event, without even arranging a bridal room, and lacking any ceremonial feeling at all, it’s so perfunctory! Is this how you treat your wife?" William Foster’s expression suddenly changed, the previous playful look vanished, replaced by a serious demeanor. He looked at her deeply and said, word by word, "Who told you we wouldn’t have a wedding? How could you think that?" Clara was suddenly stunned, her eyes widened, her surprise impossible to conceal, "Ah? Wait... You mean to say we will have a wedding? But, I distinctly remember we previously agreed to keep the marriage hidden. Are you actually planning a grand and lavish ceremony?" William Foster nodded, his expression calm yet full of resolve. "Yes, I plan on a hidden marriage, but that doesn’t mean our marriage can be handled carelessly. Rest assured, while the form will be low-key, I’ve already decided to invite my three elder relatives to witness our union. They will officiate our special wedding. Even in a hidden marriage, the respect and ceremony you deserve will not be lacking." Listening to his words, Clara suddenly felt a surge of complex emotions. Although she wanted to retort, she found herself at a loss for words. Her mouth twitched slightly, as if countless words were stuck in her throat, finally turning into a sigh. Right... It seems that she indeed brought up that question a few days ago. About when to meet William Foster’s "strange" uncles, she used to dread it silently. Now, hearing him mention it, she had to admit, this matter had to be faced sooner or later. So, she raised an eyebrow and spoke with a half-genuine playful tone. "Alright, since you’ve planned it all, I won’t meddle in it then. But hurry up, I have to start filming with the crew next week, you know how tight the shooting schedule is? Don’t make me miss my work." Hearing this, William Foster laughed and nodded in response, his gaze firm, "No problem, I’ll get everything done as quickly as possible, ensuring it won’t interfere with your work schedule." After speaking, he gently ruffled her smooth hair, the warmth and reassurance conveyed in his palm, his voice filled with deep affection and trust. "Don’t worry, my dear Clara, don’t fret over trivial matters. I’ll make sure my three uncles fully cooperate with your wishes during the wedding. At that time, all you need to do is simply offer a cup of tea to show respect. As for the other cumbersome processes, you don’t need to worry, leave it all to me." Upon hearing his words, Clara silently lowered her head, yet said nothing in return. Her inner state seemed both calm and somewhat complicated, and in the midst of silence, it appeared particularly intriguing. Worry?