My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 319

After a while, Riyana’s sobs slowly softened. Her breathing became uneven, then slow. Her head rested against his chest, her body still trembling a little.

She fell asleep without realizing it.

Jabco noticed the change immediately. He looked down at her face. Her lashes were wet, her brows slightly furrowed even in sleep, like her body hadn’t yet accepted peace.

For a brief moment, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

Then it disappeared.

Her cheek was still swollen. Red. Angry against her pale skin.

His eyes darkened again.

Carefully, as if handling something fragile, he lifted her and laid her down on the bed. He moved slowly, afraid even the smallest movement might wake her.

She didn’t stir.

He crouched down and gently removed her shoes, placing them neatly to the side. Then her jacket, folding it without thinking, his hands moving on instinct. He pulled the blanket over her, tucking it around her shoulders.

She shifted slightly, murmuring something he couldn’t understand, then settled again.

Jabco stood there for a long moment, just looking at her.

So quiet. So small.

He turned and walked out of the room quickly.

In the kitchen, he grabbed a bowl and filled it with cold water, adding ice without hesitation. He found a clean cloth, folded it, and dipped it into the bowl. His movements were sharp, controlled, like he was trying to keep himself from thinking too much.

Because if he let himself think, he knew he wouldn’t stay calm.

He went back into the bedroom.

The lights were dim. Riyana was still asleep, her face turned slightly to the side.

Jabco sat on the edge of the bed and gently lifted the cloth, squeezing out the excess water.

Slowly, carefully, he placed it against her swollen cheek.

She flinched in her sleep.

Jabco froze. His hand hovered, ready to pull back, but she relaxed again after a second. He softened his touch even more, barely pressing, just enough to cool the skin.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, though he wasn’t sure why. Sorry he hadn’t been there.

He stayed like that, holding the cloth in place, watching her breathe.

Minutes passed.

When the cloth warmed, he dipped it again and repeated the process. Again and again, patient, focused. Like this was the only thing that mattered in the world.

His eyes kept drifting back to her face.

Who did this to you? he thought again.

He remembered her reaction earlier. The panic. The way she froze. The way she broke down just hearing her mom voice on the phone.

That kind of fear didn’t come from nothing.

His fingers curled slowly.

After a while, he set the bowl aside and leaned back slightly. His hand moved to her hair, brushing it gently away from her face. She frowned faintly in her sleep, then relaxed.

“You don’t have to be strong all the time,” he murmured. “At least not with me.”

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