Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!
Chapter 546: May Time Be Gentle

Chapter 546: May Time Be Gentle

Ella shrank her neck slightly. "Is that really me in the painting?"

It looked so ethereal, almost unreal. Was she truly that beautiful?

Eric let out a low chuckle. "Who else could it be? If it’s not you, then who? Are you feeling a sense of satisfaction because of how beautiful it is?"

Ella giggled. Of course, she felt satisfied. Every woman had a bit of vanity—it was just a matter of how strong it was.

"Of course. But only if you think it’s beautiful—then I’d truly feel satisfied."

The implication was clear: she didn’t care how others saw her. The only opinion that mattered to her was his.

Eric had been in a sour mood earlier, but hearing that, he couldn’t help but smile. His warm breath landed on the back of Ella’s neck.

Before she could react, he turned her around and captured her lips, his kiss deep and consuming.

Ella instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, responding to his passion.

Eric was careful of her belly as his hands trailed down, his movements growing increasingly fervent. But then, an image flashed through his mind.

Abruptly, he pulled away.

Ella’s slightly dazed face was tinged with a delicate blush, like the soft hues of a sunset.

Eric exhaled heavily, his chest rising and falling. Yet, the burning desire within him was gradually fading.

With a sigh, he withdrew his hands and leaned against the desk, his frustration evident.

Sensing his mood, Ella felt both awkward and concerned, but she wisely chose not to say anything. Instead, she reassured him with a few gentle words before heading downstairs.

She asked Mrs. Harris to bring Eric a large glass of warm milk, hoping it would help him sleep soundly that night.

That night.

The cold night sky was void of both the moon and stars. From the window, one could see the distant sea, its surface shimmering like silver fish scales under the faint light.

Dark silhouettes loomed in the distance.

Ella gazed toward what had once been her and Brandon’s marital home in her past life. A faintly mocking smile curved on her lips.

That past life felt like a distant dream.

In this life, she was fortunate to have Eric.

Eric walked into the room, exhaustion written all over his face. He hung his coat aside, ran a hand through his slightly disheveled hair, and made his way to the wardrobe.

"I’ve already laid out your clothes, and I’ve prepared the bath. Go wash up," Ella’s gentle voice rang out.

She sat on the bed, her long, slightly damp hair cascading over her shoulders, glistening under the warm light.

Dressed in a loose, moon-white cotton nightgown, the fabric draped over her fuller frame. Though she no longer had her former slender curves, the natural grace of womanhood still radiated from her.

Eric walked over and ruffled her hair, as if trying to mask the weariness in his eyes. "Wife, you’re the best."

"Less talking, more washing. Go, and get some proper rest," Ella teased with a smile.

She had added a drop of lavender essential oil into the bathwater, hoping it would help him relax and sleep better.

Eric pressed a light kiss on her forehead—soft as a butterfly’s touch—before heading into the bathroom.

Ella leaned against the headboard, her mind drifting back to a conversation with the psychologist Amelia had introduced to her.

"Mr. Nelson’s emotional trauma likely stems from his mother’s tragic fate. Witnessing such a horrifying event firsthand—especially at the age of seven—would leave scars on anyone. Even an adult who experienced something like that would carry shadows of it for the rest of their life."

"Though his autism was treated and he has since lived like any normal person, the circumstances surrounding Old Mr. Nelson and Grace’s marriage might have reignited his survival instincts, his need for revenge..."

"Now, Old Mr. Nelson is no longer the man he once was. There’s no longer a need for revenge, and Eric seemingly has everything—his wife, his children, a happy life. On the surface, he appears content. But if something were to trigger those old, painful emotions, he might fall into despair once again... or even develop depression."

"Mr. Nelson is a man who seeks perfection. Losing his mother at a young age remains the deepest regret of his life. There’s no doubt he harbors guilt, frustration, and an unbearable wish that he could travel back in time to save her."

Ella rubbed her temples, feeling a slight ache. She had been worrying too much about Eric, which was why she had secretly reached out to the female psychologist through Amelia.

Eric wasn’t seeking treatment right now, which likely meant the issue wasn’t too severe.

All along, he had always been able to handle everything perfectly.

But this time was different. His emotions were clearly affected by those photos—he had become irritable and repressed. Ella could feel it all too clearly.

If he weren’t suppressing it, then back in the study just now, given his personality, he would have locked the door and... indulged in their passion.

Ella sat there, momentarily lost in thought, and happened to catch sight of the letter on the nightstand.

It was a letter from Aurora. It contained only warm greetings and never once mentioned Everett again.

Perhaps Everett had finally stopped looking for her?

At some point, Eric had finished his shower. When he walked out and saw Ella still sitting on the bed in a daze, he frowned slightly.

"It’s late. Why aren’t you asleep yet?"

Pregnant women tended to tire easily and sleep more. Before all of this happened, Ella would usually fall asleep before him.

Ella smiled. "I just wanted to sit for a bit and think about some things."

Eric was drying his hair, a single drop of water still clinging to his face. When he sat beside her, Ella reached out with her little finger and gently wiped away that crystal-clear drop.

"Go to sleep, wife," Eric said, as if he didn’t want to talk much. He lowered his gaze and turned toward the window, continuing to dry his hair.

"Eric, are you still holding on to the past?" Ella hesitated for a moment before walking up behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his shoulder. "You were just a child back then—it wasn’t your fault."

"I’m not." His tone was stiff.

Ella’s fingers lightly traced his chest. "If something is troubling you, talk to me. Don’t keep it inside. I don’t want you to fall into depression because of this."

She had heard that depression was difficult to treat and prone to relapse. She would never allow her man to sink into such despair.

Eric turned around. His hair was almost dry now. Tossing the towel aside, he let out a faint, somewhat relaxed laugh.

"Don’t worry. I said I’m fine, so I’m fine."

Ella stared into his eyes, sensing something.

Suddenly, she realized—Eric wasn’t being completely honest. He was just trying to reassure her so she wouldn’t worry, especially since she was pregnant.

She understood that.

"That’s good. I remember you always keep your promises to me." Ella smiled, as if she had stopped worrying. "Our daughter will be born in three months—you’d better come up with a beautiful name for her."

At that moment, something flickered in Eric’s eyes—hope.

Their daughter was almost here. He was about to have another little princess. His two sons would have a little sister.

Although there was still an unshakable unease inside him, something inexplicable weighing on his chest,

He held Ella close, the two of them standing there in quiet companionship.

Then, he leaned in and kissed her softly, pouring all his tenderness into that moment.

Ella melted into the kiss, utterly intoxicated.

To have a love like this—may their days be peaceful, and time forever gentle.