My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 323

Jabco moved fast. One moment he was at the stove, the next he was beside her, his fingers wrapped firmly around her wrist. Not rough, but unyielding.

Riyana snapped her head toward him, her eyes blazing. “Let go.”

“Even if you don’t feel hungry,” he said evenly, his voice low and controlled, “eat something.”

She stared at him like he had just insulted her.

She yanked her hand back hard. “Don’t you understand words? I said I’m not hungry.”

Every word came out sharp, laced with anger she had been holding.

For a brief second, she saw his jaw tighten. A muscle jumped near his temple. She waited for the explosion, the familiar edge of his temper.

It didn’t come.

Instead, he looked at her with that same calm expression, almost gentle, and said, “Eat. Don’t make me force you.”

He even smiled.

It wasn’t a warm smile. It was quiet, dangerous in a way that made her stomach twist.

She let out a bitter laugh. “I dare you,” she said, stepping closer, lifting her chin in challenge. “Touch me and see what happens.”

She expected him to snap then. Expected anger, sharp words, maybe even the command she had learned to obey long ago.

But when he moved, it wasn’t rage that drove him.

His patience broke silently.

He reached for her hand again, this time gripping it firmly, and pulled her toward the dining table. His strength was undeniable, controlled but absolute.

“Jabco, leave me,” she protested, trying to pull away.

He didn’t let go.

“You want to fight physically with me now?” she shot back, her voice rising. “Go ahead. Try.”

He paused for a fraction of a second, then looked at her sideways. “I’m not in the mood to fight my ex bodyguard,” he said calmly. “I just want to eat dinner with my wife and sleep peacefully holding her.”

The words hit her harder than any shove ever could.

She froze.

Her body went still, her breath catching in her throat. She didn’t even realize he had already guided her to the chair and gently pressed her down until she was sitting.

Ex bodyguard.

The memories came rushing back before she could stop them.

The training rooms. The bruises. The sweat and exhaustion. The way her mother had pushed her into sports after her father walked out on them, leaving nothing but debts and fear behind.

Karate, combat training, self defense. Every lesson drilled into her so she would never be helpless again.

That strength was why she had gotten the job. Not her resume. Not her lack of experience. Jabco had seen her fight once and decided she was useful. Capable.

Dangerous in her own way.

“Eat,” he said, placing a plate in front of her.

She stared down at the food for a long moment. Rice, vegetables, something warm and simple. He had cooked this himself. He always did it the same way, quiet, focused, like cooking was another task that needed precision.

Finally, she picked up her spoon.

Jabco sat down in the chair beside her and began to eat without another word.

She had eaten food cooked by him before, back when things were different, when silence between them hadn’t felt this heavy.

The taste was the same. Good. Comforting, even.

But tonight, her appetite was gone.

She forced herself to take a few bites. Her stomach twisted with every swallow. As soon as the food touched her tongue, a wave of nausea rolled through her suddenly, sharp and unexpected.

She froze, gripping the edge of the table.

Jabco noticed immediately.

“Stop,” he said, setting his spoon down. “What’s wrong?”

She swallowed hard, trying to push the feeling down. “Nothing.”

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