Chapter 23- A Quiet Storm Lucia The glass walls of Dante's penthouse bathroom reflected soft ambient light , casting a serene glow over the marble floors and gold - accented Fixtures . Steam billowed in the air an the rainfall shower cascaded over my skin , washing away the tension of the day . Beneath my feet , the heated floors radiated subtle warmth, a koury so snderstated yet impossible to ignore . It was the kind of derail you took for gramed in Danic's world - a world of carefully curated wealth and quiet excess . I reached for the Hennes Jardin collection shower gel , its frosted glass bottle heavy and cold in my hand . The scent of green mandarin and jasmine filled the air as I worked the gel imo a lather , the soft bubbles gliding over my skin . Each movement felt deliberate , almost meditative . My hands smoothed over my arms , my neck , my collarbone , pausing at the faint marks Dante had left behind . His hands . His lips . His control . I closed my eyes , letting the warm water rinse away the suds as I tilted my head back . My hair carried the faint fragrance of bergamot and white tea luxuries and decadent . I wanted to focus on the ritual , to immerse myself in this moment of indulgence . Yes , my thoughts refused to quiet The flash drive . For some reason , Thadn't looked at it . Not yet . persistent reminder of the secrets it promised to reveal . Mark's words had haunted me since the gallery . let my guard down . Evidence of Dame's dealings . His darker side . 11 lay hidden in my clutch , its weight echning in the quiet moments when And yet .. hadn'ı Lalready accepted that darkness ? I rinsed my hair , watching the bubbles it down the draus . I didn't want that flash drive to become a wedge between us . I didn't want to think about when it contained , what i might force me to confrom . But I sad to ask him . Dante's world was built on power and control , but I couldn't be part of it without honesty . Who knowing the man behind the empire . When the water turned lukewarm . I turned off the shower and stepped out the plush hatheist , reaching for a thick white towel cimbroidered with Dante's initials Wrapping it around my body , Feaught sight of my reflection in the floor - to - ceiling mirror . My skin was flushed from the heat , my hair dripping dark rivulets down my back . The clawfoot tub in the cemer of the room beckoned me already filled with water and fragrant oils . I had set it up before my shower , loving I would need more than just a quick rinse to calon my restless mind : As I sank into the tub , the warmth enveloped me , and the scent of Diptyque's Baies both oil fled the room - a delicate mix of blackeram leaves and roses . My muscles loosened , the tension in my shoulders melting away as let my body flow . Irested my head against the edge of the usb , my eyes drifting shut . Dod 1 want Dome to be perfect No. I knew he wasn't . I duin't want the polished mark he wore for the world . What I wanted was honesty . I wanted him to tell me the truth , no matter how clark it was . Because somewhere between the passion and the power struggles , he had become more than just my fance . But could handle the trut I sighed , sinking deeper into the water , letting incradle me . The idea of confronting him terrified me , not because I feared his amwers , but because I feared what they might mean for us . Once my fingers begin to prune , I forced myself to move , to break free from the comfort of the tub . I droned the water and stepped onto the bathmat , wrapping myself in mother towel The cream melted into my skin as massaged it gently over my fee , the fini scem of ocean and luxury lingering in the air , until my reflection red back at me- polished and composed . My armor In the Eichen , the scent of roasted rosemary chicken and freshly baked bread filled the air . The chef had outdone himself , as always . Dante stood at the head of the dining table , a glass of red wine in his hand. His sua jacket was gone , and his sleeves were rolled up , revealing strong forearms . He looked every bit abe mafia billionaire CEO - limpeccably dressed yet entirely at ease in his domain . Join me , car " he said , gesturing to the seal across from him . Thesitated for only a moment before taking my place . The table was set with crisp white linens and for chins , the kind of understated elegance that only old money could achieve . The candles cast a soft glow , their flames dancing in the low light As the first course was served - creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes - 1 decided to test the waters . " We need to tak Dante's eyes niet imine , dark and unreadable , " Noc over dinner , " " It's important . " " So is enjoying this meal , " he said smoothly , unking a sip of his wine . " We can discuss whatever's on your mind after we eat . " Histone left no room for argument , and I bit back a sigh . For all his charm and composure , Dante had a stubborn streak a mile wide . The dinner proceeded with polite conversation. He asked about the youts center , his interest genuine despite the tension lingering between to . I told him about the latest design adjustments , the permits , and the he fundraising efforts . Seling Chapter 23 - A Quiet Storm He listened intently , his focus unwavering , as if nothing else in the world mattered . It was one of the things that had drawn me to him - his ability to make you feel like the cemer of his universe , even if only for a moment . By the time dessert arrived - dark chocolate souffle with a hint of orange - the atmosphere had softened . Dame leaned back in his chair , warching me with a small , enigmatic smile . " You're quiet tonight , " he said , his voice low and smooth . I set down my fork , meeting his gaze " I'm thinking " " About ? " " You . His smile widened , though his eyes remained serious . " Then I hope your thoughts are kind , cara " " They're complicated , " Tadmitted . He leaned forward , his elbows resting on the table as he studied me . " I wouldn't expect anything less from you " We sat in silence for a moment , the weight of unspoken word hanging between us . And I knew that once the plates were cleared , once the wine glasses were emptied , we would have to face the storm that had been brewing since the gallery . But for now , we remained in this fragile moment of peace , the quiet before the inevitable confrontation And couldn't decide if was ready to break ir .. Title: Contracted CEO Husband Regrets On Divorce Eve In "Contracted CEO Husband Regrets On Divorce Eve" by CrushReel, a unique romance unfolds between two individuals bound by a marriage contract yet estranged for years. Just as divorce seems imminent, unexpected connections spark between them, leading to a twist of fate. 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