**TITLE: Created 521**
**Chapter 521 I Missed You**
“Your grandmother has unwavering faith in Jessica,” Jonathan said, his voice a soothing balm against the tumult of Anneliese’s anxious thoughts. His gaze locked onto hers, steady and reassuring, like a lighthouse guiding her through a stormy sea. “She has no idea that you’ve been struggling like this. If those nerves are still getting to you, why not grab a little snack, freshen up, and then give her a video call? It might just help ease your mind.”
As his words settled into her heart, a profound sense of relief enveloped Anneliese, wrapping around her like a warm embrace on a cold day. She leaned her head into the comforting palm of his hand, savoring the moment they shared, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her.
“Thank you…” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, heavy with unspoken emotions.
Thank you for understanding me, for standing by my side, for rushing back just when I needed you the most.
Jonathan’s thumb glided gently along her soft earlobe, a tender caress that sent her heart racing. Yet, with a playful twist, he pinched it lightly, igniting a spark of mischief within her.
“Hm?” Anneliese blinked up at him, confusion dancing in her eyes, mixed with a hint of mock protest.
His expression shifted, concern etching itself into his features as he chuckled softly. “You nearly gave me a heart attack,” he replied, his tone half-serious, half-amused, a playful glint in his eyes.
A warmth blossomed in her chest, and the moisture of unshed tears threatened to spill over. She sniffled, overwhelmed by the emotional weight of the moment, feeling lighter yet more vulnerable than she had in a long time.
“Hubby, I missed you.”
Her words hung in the air, rare and vulnerable, an unguarded admission that she seldom allowed herself to voice.
For a fleeting instant, Jonathan was caught off guard, his usual stoicism faltering as her airy confession washed over him like a tide, dismantling the emotional barriers he had built around his heart.
His voice thickened with emotion, and a small, genuine smile began to form on his lips. “Say it clearly. Just how much did you miss me?”
Anneliese hesitated, pondering how to convey the depth of her feelings. How had she never realized how much he reveled in teasing her?
With a playful spark igniting in her eyes, she crooked a finger at him, beckoning him closer. Jonathan leaned down, curiosity dancing in the depths of his gaze, his heart racing with anticipation.
She curled her finger again, urging him to lower himself even further, until their noses almost brushed against one another, the world around them fading into oblivion.
His mind raced with possibilities, wondering what delightful mischief she was concocting, when suddenly, she puckered her lips and shot him a mischievous glare that seemed to mock his romantic instincts.
Jonathan chuckled, his deep-set eyes sparkling like stars scattered across a midnight sky, illuminating the space between them.
This was not just any smile; it held a confident, almost sultry edge that sent a delightful thrill coursing through Anneliese, igniting a warmth deep within her.
Her heart fluttered, her lashes quivering as she closed her eyes, bracing herself for the sweet kiss she hoped would follow.
But instead, he laughed softly, the teasing lilt in his voice sending delightful shivers down her spine. “So, baby, you were craving my body, huh?”
Surprise flickered in her eyes as her lashes fluttered in disbelief, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and amusement. Jonathan lifted a hand, gently tapping her nose with his knuckle, a playful gesture that made her huff in mock annoyance.
“Easy now. Behave yourself. You’re not fully recovered yet. Once you’re better, we’ll—”
Her lips remained adorably puckered, and as realization dawned on her that he was teasing, she huffed again, her eyes snapping open, and her fist cocked, ready to playfully thump him.
Jonathan allowed her to playfully hit him, fully aware that her tiny punches were more affectionate than forceful, a testament to their playful dynamic.
He grinned, watching as color returned to her cheeks, the shadows of fear and exhaustion lifting like morning mist, revealing the vibrant woman he adored. Quietly, he exhaled, feeling a serene sense of peace wash over him, grateful for this moment of levity.
They were newlyweds, blissfully in love, reunited after a brief but harrowing separation—each moment now charged with an intensity born from longing and desire.
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