Chapter 44 I Will Take Responsibility for You
Mason Reed's eyes darkened as he looked at her quietly, his stern face showing no expression, but a complex emotion swirling in his deep eyes.
Clara Bennett suddenly realized that with all her recent client meetings and research, he might misunderstand...
"Mason, I, I didn't mean it that way!" she hurried to explain. "I would never betray our marriage. When I said I might have deceived you, I meant..."
She paused, licking her lips, and whispered, "I meant, if one day you found out I wasn't worthy of your kindness, what would you do?"
Mason looked at her for a long time and then gave a soft smile.
He said nothing, just gently pulled her into his embrace, stroking her long hair.
Clara pressed her cheek against his solid chest, listening to his strong heartbeat.
That heartbeat gave her an immense sense of security.
"Don't think about it too much," he said in a low, husky voice. "Go to sleep."
She smiled, wrapping her arms around his waist and closing her eyes gently.
That night, she slept exceptionally well.
Mason was used to sleeping alone, and that night he didn't sleep much. His arm served as her pillow, and he was her human teddy bear, not daring to move.
In the morning, he woke up groggily to find the little woman clinging to him like an octopus, her long, slender leg draped over his waist, her small hands around his neck, and she was even grinding her teeth.
Her sleeping face wasn't the prettiest, but it was cute and real.
He smiled, not wanting to disturb her sweet dreams, and gently moved her to the other side of the bed before carefully getting up to make breakfast.
When Clara woke up and found no one beside her, her heart skipped a beat, and she ran out barefoot.
"Awake?" Mason came out of the kitchen wearing an apron. "I didn't wake you since you were sleeping so soundly. Go wash your face and come have breakfast."
She looked at the breakfast on the table. Though it was just simple boiled eggs, milk, and bread, it was a vast improvement from the burnt mess last time.
A wave of happiness washed over Clara, making her feel more and more that she had married the right person.
"By the way, I have something to tell you," Clara said halfway through the meal. "I'm going on a business trip tomorrow. I'll be away for about four or five days. Take care of yourself."
"A business trip?" Mason asked nonchalantly, spreading butter on a slice of bread. "Where to?"
"Central City."
Mason's hand paused as he spread the butter, a fleeting shadow passing through his eyes.
"Your company is doing business in Central City now?"
"Yeah," Clara nodded. "The boss assigned me a task to develop the market there. If I succeed, they'll promote me to sales manager!"
"Actually, I didn't want to compete for anything," she said, her eyes clear and her voice soft.
"But Jason Ford and Stacy Chen have been too much.
To protect myself, I have to work hard and climb up.
.. Plus, I calculated that if I become a sales manager, my income will be three times what it is now! "
She glanced at Mason, who still had an expressionless face.
"Honey," Clara gently took his hand and smiled. "When I have more money, we can get a bigger house on a mortgage, live more comfortably! I'll buy a cheap car for you to drive around when you're free, so you don't have to take the bus anymore!"
Mason looked at her, her beautiful eyes full of hope for the future.
A house? A car?
He could have as many of those as he wanted. No matter how big the house or how luxurious the car, they were as ordinary to him as the butter and bread in his hand.
But the woman in front of him, who had eyes only for him, was one of a kind.
Mason felt a tightness in his chest, as if a heavy stone was blocking his breathing.
"You silly girl," he said, ruffling her hair. "You really want to take care of me?"
Clara paused. "Yes, what's wrong with that?"
"It's usually the man who takes care of the woman, not the wife taking care of the husband!"
"I've been looking for a job too, and I should have something soon," he said softly. "I won't let you bear everything alone. This is our home, and I will take responsibility for you."
Clara looked at him for a long time, then smiled sweetly and placed another peeled egg on his plate.
The next day, she went to Central City with her colleague Anna.
Central City was different from Harrington, exuding a more regal air. If Harrington was a refined and elegant lady, Central City was a noble and majestic royal princess.
As soon as the plane landed, Clara called Mason to let him know she was safe.
"Honey, I've arrived," she said with a smile, looking around. The two of them were walking down the bustling central business street of Central City, surrounded by towering skyscrapers. Anna was busy taking photos everywhere.
Mason responded calmly, "Is there someone with you?"
"Yes, Anna is with me," Clara said softly. "She's playful and didn't want to go back to the hotel, so she dragged me out to explore."
"Hmm, be careful then. You're in an unfamiliar place, don't get separated."
"Got it!"
"There are many interesting places in Central City," Mason said with a smile. "I'll send you a few addresses later. After you finish your work, you and your colleague can explore them."
Clara was taken aback and, after a moment of silence, asked, "Honey... have you been to Central City before?"