Substitute Bride: Utterly Pampered by Her Billionaire Husband Chapter 4: Feeding Him with a Spoon

With haste, Hayden Crawford’s fingers halted, and the veil obscuring her face remained untouched.

His gaze drifted to the girl slumbering on the bed. Should her eyes flutter open, they promised a captivating depth, dark like a kitten’s, capable of a gentle, drawing scratch upon your soul.

A profound blend of innocence and subtle allure emanated from her.

Hayden Crawford’s eyes then fixed on the faint red mark adorning her neck. Her skin was exceedingly delicate; a mere gentle pinch earlier had sufficed to leave a fresh crimson trace.

Turning away, Hayden Crawford returned to the sofa and settled down.

His persistent sleep disorder seemed to be escalating, a condition her acupuncture surely couldn't mend. Nevertheless, her medical aptitude was undeniable. He had indeed managed a brief period of rest earlier, cradled within her palm.

Approximately ten minutes, perhaps.

Such a short respite of sleep had been a distant memory for him.

Hayden Crawford’s attention returned to the slender form on the bed, his thoughts lingering on the petite, soft nature of her hands.

...

The following morning.

Seated in the dining room, Serena Sterling sipped on the nourishing red date and lotus seed soup served by a maid, while the elderly Mrs. Crawford beamed beside her, engaging in pleasant conversation.

"Serena, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I felt an instant fondness. If Hayden ever dares to mistreat you, you must tell your grandmother, and I shall personally intervene to teach him a lesson... Drink up, don't hold back, consume plenty of this red date and lotus seed soup. We must have little ones arriving soon, one after another. Your grandmother longs to cradle little Haydens and little Serenas in her arms..."

Despite her silver hair, old Mrs. Crawford possessed an infectious energy, her demeanor both kind and warm. Beneath her playful exterior, Serena found herself genuinely fond of her.

At that precise moment, a maid's voice announced, "Good morning, Young Master."

Hayden Crawford descended the stairs.

Serena Sterling glanced upwards. Today, Hayden Crawford was impeccably dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored black trousers, an ensemble embodying timeless gentlemanly style. The fabric, expertly cut, lay perfectly smooth without a hint of a crease as he strode down the plush red carpet with an air of innate elegance and commanding presence.

Following closely behind him was a beaming elderly lady, clutching a scarlet cloth marked with a single crimson droplet.

The jubilant lady offered her congratulations to old Mrs. Crawford with a wide smile, "Congratulations, congratulations! May you soon welcome your great-grandchild."

"Excellent, excellent, excellent! Steward, ensure they are generously rewarded!"

Old Mrs. Crawford distributed the red envelopes with abundant generosity.

Serena Sterling’s understanding dawned instantly: the cloth held by the joyous lady was from her bridal night with Hayden Crawford. A woman's virginity was typically signified by bleeding, but as they hadn't consummated their union, the source of the 'blood plum' remained a mystery.

Just then, Hayden Crawford paused beside her. With one hand casually in his pocket, he leaned down, his voice a low whisper in her ear, "I took care of that, shouldn't have been too much for you, right? Are you... still a virgin?"

His question was startlingly direct. Serena Sterling, who had never even experienced a date, felt her fair earlobes instantly bloom with a deep blush.

In that instant, their proximity created an intimate aura, with Hayden Crawford lowering his head to converse with Serena Sterling as if they were a pair of inseparable newlyweds.

Old Mrs. Crawford promptly covered her eyes with her hand, exclaiming, "I see nothing, I avert my gaze, please, you two continue."

Yet, even as she spoke, old Mrs. Crawford stealthily peeked through her fingers.

Hayden Crawford observed Serena Sterling's subtly flushed earlobes. His strong brows lifted slightly, radiating the potent, attractive charisma of a mature man. "You haven't reached twenty yet, still nineteen, so you haven't been intimate with... a man, is that correct?"

Serena Sterling was indeed quite young, only nineteen years of age.

Hayden Crawford, at twenty-seven, stood in the prime of his manhood, remarkably handsome and seasoned.

His relentless questioning, coupled with their close proximity, made Serena Sterling acutely aware of his warm breath against her sensitive skin, fueling an urge to flee.

"Would you like some?"

Serena Sterling turned abruptly, taking her spoon and directly offering the red date and lotus seed soup to his lips, her sole aim to silence his probing inquiry.

The steward quickly interjected, "Young Madam, that is your spoon!"

The Young Master suffered from a severe mysophobia; that spoon had been used by the Young Madam. The steward hurried to fetch mouthwash.

Serena Sterling’s long lashes fluttered; her desperate attempt to silence him had resulted in her feeding him with her own spoon. This...

Hayden Crawford straightened, having accepted the spoonful of soup. A faint frown creased his brow, but then, under the watchful eyes of everyone present, he consumed the spoonful of red date and lotus seed soup.

The steward stood utterly bewildered. What was happening with the Young Master?

Young Master, didn't you forget your severe cleanliness obsession?

Old Mrs. Crawford nodded, a look of deep satisfaction gracing her features. Having lived over seventy years, her judgment of character was remarkably astute. Her immediate liking for Serena Sterling was a powerful indicator; this young woman was clearly destined to be with her grandson.

"Wonderful, wonderful! You two have shared a bowl of red date and lotus seed soup. It appears I shall soon be welcoming a great-grandchild from Serena's womb," old Mrs. Crawford declared, her joy radiating like that of a delighted child.

With the spoon in her hand that had fed Hayden Crawford, Serena Sterling eyed the half-finished bowl of red date and lotus seed soup, uncertain whether to consume it.

Just then, Hayden Crawford settled into his seat, his gaze filled with concern as he asked, "Why the hesitation? Eat it quickly before it turns cold."

"..."

Serena Sterling understood; Hayden Crawford was doing this deliberately, having let her feed him earlier with the same spoon, and now he desired her to continue using it.

This implied an indirect... kiss between them.

"Yes, Serena, why aren't you eating? Hurry up and have some, I'll get you another bowl later," chimed in old Mrs. Crawford.

Quickly, Serena Sterling finished the remaining red date and lotus seed soup with the spoon, declaring, "I'm full, Grandma. I can't eat anymore."

Observing the girl's endearing blend of playfulness and innocence, Hayden Crawford's thin lips curved upward, his mood evidently improved.

...

Following breakfast, old Mrs. Crawford inquired of Serena Sterling, "Serena, do you have plans to go out later?"

Serena Sterling nodded affirmatively, "Grandma, I intend to visit my family."

"Visiting family is a good idea. Hayden, accompany Serena and bring gifts. As the son-in-law, you must not neglect these courtesies," old Mrs. Crawford instructed Hayden Crawford promptly.

Serena Sterling's attempt to object came too late, as Hayden Crawford had already approached, stating, "Very well, let's go together."

The pair departed Orchid Court, arriving at the expansive lawn. Hayden Crawford gallantly opened the passenger door, gesturing, "Get in."

Serena Sterling waved her hand dismissively, "Grandma can't see us now. You go ahead; I'll take a taxi home."

Hayden Crawford raised an eyebrow, "Weren't you just saying we had to maintain appearances in front of Grandma? Get in, and don't make me repeat myself a third time."

This man was undeniably forceful and domineering.

However, a jolt went through Serena Sterling's heart; he had agreed to the peace agreement she had brought up the previous night!

Without further refusal, Serena Sterling obediently entered the luxurious vehicle.

As the luxury car glided down the road, silence persisted between them. To ease the awkwardness, Serena Sterling turned her gaze toward the window.

Reflected in the gleaming car window was Hayden Crawford's image. He appeared focused on driving, his large hands calmly gripping the steering wheel, executing turns, lane changes, and acceleration with seamless fluidity.

Serena Sterling's attention was drawn to the expensive luxury watch adorning his sturdy wrist, an item reportedly worth millions.

She remained uncertain about his true identity; all she knew was that they had reached a peace agreement, which would facilitate her actions within the Sterling family.

Serena Sterling shifted her focus back to the rapidly passing scenery outside the window.

...

Approximately thirty minutes later, the luxury car halted before the Sterling family's imposing gate. Serena Sterling looked down, attempting to unbuckle her seatbelt.

But she found herself unable to do so.

"Allow me," Hayden Crawford leaned over.

Serena Sterling relaxed her grip, enabling Hayden Crawford to assist her with the seatbelt buckle.

Indeed, Hayden Crawford had caught a hint of Serena Sterling's delicate fragrance the previous night, and now, in such close proximity, all he could perceive was the girl's delightful scent.