Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 440: How Long We Waited

Chapter 440: How Long We Waited

"What is it?" Alexander worriedly asked.

Rain smiled at him and said, "Ivan found a less invasive surgical option for your father’s brain tumour. It’s called minimally invasive neurosurgery, and it has shown promising results. It has quicker recovery times and fewer complications than traditional open surgeries."

She continued, "Clifford’s wife underwent a similar procedure recently. The surgery was successful, and she’s recovering well. This approach and follow-up treatments can significantly increase the chances of a full recovery."

Alexander listened intently, absorbing the information. The mention of a successful case gave him a glimmer of hope.

"So, there’s a real chance he can recover fully?" he asked.

Rain nodded. "Yes, but timing is crucial. The sooner he undergoes the surgery, the better his chances. Delaying it could increase the risks."

Alexander sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "We need to talk to him. Convince him not to wait until after the wedding."

"I agree," Rain said, squeezing his hand. "We’ll do it together."

Rain nodded and explained, "Ivan’s been updating me on Kelly’s progress. It’s truly remarkable. The minimally invasive surgery she underwent has led to a swift recovery, and she’s responding well to follow-up treatments."

Alexander listened intently as Rain continued, "Ivan believes this approach could be beneficial for your father, too. The procedure involves smaller incisions, which means less disruption to brain tissue, reduced pain, and a quicker recovery time. Patients often experience shorter hospital stays and can return to their daily activities sooner."

Alexander nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "I appreciate you sharing this, Rain. It’s a lot to take in, but knowing there’s a less invasive option with promising outcomes gives me hope."

Rain squeezed his hand gently, offering a reassuring smile. "We’ll get through this together." She was feeling positive about it because if Kelly managed to survive this, then so would her father-in-law as well.

*****

At Palan Island.

Kelly narrowed her eyes as she watched Clifford prepare their dinner in the kitchen.

As usual, she was sitting on the kitchen countertop, swinging her legs slightly. It had become a routine, Clifford doing everything while she just watched. He was pampering her far too much, even though she had told him many times that she was already feeling much better.

It had been almost four weeks since her surgery, and still, Clifford wouldn’t even let her do simple things like cooking or helping around the house.

"I’m so bored already," Kelly said with a pout. "All I’ve done these past few weeks is be taken care of by you."

Clifford glanced at her with a soft smile but said nothing as he stirred the pot.

"And it’s not just that," she continued, folding her arms. "You’re still avoiding skinship like I’m made of glass! Even Dr. Ivan said it was okay as long as we took it slow."

She hopped off the counter and walked toward him. "Ivan even said two to three weeks before... you know, resuming certain things," she added, looking up at him with raised brows.

"And it’s already been almost four weeks, Cliff."

Clifford froze slightly, a blush creeping up his neck.

Kelly smirked. "What, cat got your tongue?" She reached up and gently cupped his cheek.

"I miss you," she murmured. "Not just the pampering or the cuddles... I miss us."

He swallowed hard, his hands twitching at his sides. "Kelly, I just... I didn’t want to rush you. I was scared of hurting you."

"You’re not going to hurt me," she said firmly. "I know my body. I trust you."

She rose on her toes and kissed his jaw, slow and warm. Clifford exhaled sharply, the tension in his shoulders melting little by little.

She knew Clifford too well by now.

If she didn’t take the initiative, he’d probably keep holding back until he drove himself crazy. Her sweet, stubborn husband had always been overly careful with her, especially after the surgery, but lately, she could tell his patience was hanging by a thread.

It was in the way he held her at night, his arms a little tighter, his breathing a little deeper. She could feel the tension in him every time they cuddled. And not just that, sometimes it was visibly obvious too. The way his erectness inside his boxers gave him away when he thought she wasn’t paying attention. It always made her smirk.

She had teased him a few times, playfully brushing her hand against his chest or whispering something naughty in his ear just to see him jump and scramble to the bathroom like a flustered teenager. It was adorable, but also unfair to both of them.

Clifford was trying so hard to be respectful and careful, but she was more than ready and more than a little eager to close that gap between them again.

With a mischievous smile, she said, "Smells good." Looking at the pot while slipping her arms around his waist and resting her cheek against his chest. "But I think I’m craving something else tonight."

Clifford tensed slightly, the spoon pausing mid-stir. "What... what else are you craving?"

She slowly looked at him, eyes twinkling. "You."

Clifford swallowed hard, eyes locked on hers. "Kelly..."

She gently placed her hands on his chest, her fingers tracing slow, teasing circles over the fabric of his shirt. "I know you’re trying to be careful. But I’m okay now, Clifford. I feel better, stronger. And I miss you."

His hands hovered near her waist, as if unsure whether to hold her or keep his distance. She could see the internal battle in his eyes, desire clashing with caution.

"Dr. Ivan already gave the green light weeks ago," she whispered, her lips brushing his jaw. "I miss being close to you. Don’t you miss me too?"

That was all it took. His restraint finally snapped.

With a groan of surrender, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, deep, slow, and full of longing. It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t reckless. It was the kind of kiss that spoke of how much he’d held back, how much he wanted her, and how much he had missed her warmth.

"I missed you every single night," he said hoarsely, pulling back just enough to rest his forehead against hers. "I was just really scared to hurt you."

"You won’t," she whispered. "I trust you."

He smiled, brushing her hair back gently. "Then I’ll take it slow. You just say the word if anything feels off."

She leaned in, her lips curving into a grin. "The only thing that feels off is how long we waited."