Win My Husband Over to Find My Child
Chapter 385: The Three Words Held His Unwavering Feelings

Chapter 385: The Three Words Held His Unwavering Feelings

Calix’s voice resonated in the quiet rose garden. The breeze carried his words away but, they were perfectly audible to Leslie.

"Leslie, I know Poppy is the link between us," Calix resumed talking after a brief pause. His voice shaky from the emotions he tried suppressing, "But, she’s not the reason behind this."

Once again Calix paused, letting the fountain and the wind leave their echoes. He quietly examined Leslie’s countenance, silently praying he wouldn’t see a trace of disdain in her eyes.

Before, Calix’s request was centered around Calliope’s existence despite already acknowledging his budding feelings for Leslie. He hoped she would give them a chance to be a family.

Now, Calix wanted to be open with his blossoming feelings for Leslie. Not just to be a family because Calliope was their daughter but, because he loved her as a man to a woman.

Seeing that Leslie hadn’t said anything in response, Calix unconsciously clenched his hands together. His lips trembling, he forced more words out of his mouth.

"We’ve only known each other in a few months but, I’ve come to care for you beyond what I initially expected. I wish we could be true husband and wife. And... I hope you feel the same."

This moment reminded Calix of the night he opened up about Calliope to Leslie before. Uncertainty, fear of being scorned by her and dread of the unknown shrouded his heart.

Everything was just the same.

"Even if... even if you don’t believe me now, can I still ask for a chance? I promise to...?!"

Stunned, Calix stared dazedly at Leslie before stiffly lowering his gaze. His eyes fell on the back of her hands as she covered his with her palms.

The familiar warmth caught him in a trance. But... why did she suddenly hold his hands?

"Calix, look at me."

Leslie’s serene tone pulled Calix out of his momentary daze. As if he was enchanted by a spell, he lifted his chin and locked his gaze on her face. Her smiling countenance was reflected in her eyes.

In the sea of blooming roses, she was still the most beautiful to him.

Seeing the dazed look on Calix’s face slipped a chuckle out of Leslie’s lips. She brought his broad hands into her grasp, gently squeezing them while still looking at him.

"Calix, do you really want us to be true husband and wife... Not only because of our daughter? You care about me, en?"

Despite already guessing his feelings for her, she still needed him to clearly voice them. She also yearned for the affirmations before they took a step forward together.

Whether what she had in mind was true or not, she couldn’t deny her heart was leaning toward him.

Blinking, Calix fully snapped out of his reverie. He quickly nodded before firmly stating, "I do. I care about you, Leslie. Not as friends but, as a man to a woman."

Leslie’s smile seemed to soften following his words. As if the allure in her countenance had given him more strength, he whispered the words he had been longing to tell her.

"Leslie, I love you."

The last three words were softly spoken yet, held his unwavering feelings.

And...

Calix witnessed the most beautiful scenery in his life through the starlight sparkling in Leslie’s eyes.

Dumbfounded, Calix’s lips shivered. Anticipation gushed out of his pounding heart. He hadn’t heard Leslie’s reply but, he believed she...

"Does it mean you’re courting me now, Mr. Xu?"

Leslie’s question drew a smile on Calix’s lips. Nodding repeatedly, he hurriedly responded, "If you allow me to, Mrs. Xu."

"Hehe, I accept your courtship."

Taking one of her hands off Calix’s, Leslie covered her mouth. Giggles continued flowing out between her lips. The echoes harmonized with the gentle lapping of the water and the rustling of the leaves.

Calix pursed his lips, taking some time to register Leslie’s answer in his mind. His awkward yet loveable behavior tickled her heart.

"No wonder you’re getting more affectionate with me..." Leslie playfully teased Calix. She pointed to the man’s chest, "Do you think I didn’t notice?"

Blinking, Calix asked weakly, "...you noticed? Since when?"

"Just recently..." Leslie smiled sweetly. Her eyes glimmered with delight, "But, I still need to hear it from you."

"You’re right."

Calix quietly reminisced about the times he tried testing the waters, to see how much Leslie was comfortable with him. The recent one was when he initiated to hug her while sleeping.

Pressing his lips, Calix cautiously asked after a brief pause, "Leslie, do you remember when I carried you in the pool before[01]? That time, I wanted to ask you something."

Leslie retraced her memories before sheepishly saying, "I sneezed. I remember you had something to say but... haha, I sneezed."

How could Leslie forget that time? She was highly conscious of Calix being so close to her. When she tried asking him, he said he would tell her next time.

"I will ask you again."

"...yes?"

Leslie stared at Calix as he slowly moved his body closer. She inevitably held her breath at the sight of his devilishly handsome face being magnified in front of her.

"I wonder how far..." Calix put one arm around Leslie’s waist, further shrinking the distance between them. His darkened gaze remained on her eyes, "...will you let me touch you?"

Stunned by Calix’s question, Leslie’s mind blanked out for a second. Blinking, she openly looked at him as those words were registered in her mind.

"Why don’t you see for yourself?"

Leslie’s words were barely a whisper but, they were audible enough to Calix.

"May I? You can stop me if you’re not comfortable."

Leslie just nodded once. Her cheeks bloomed in the color of the red roses.

Calix let out a throaty chuckle. Inching closer, he let Leslie’s familiar floral scent envelop his senses as he gently brushed his lips on her forehead.

Sensing no resistance from her, he moved to her eyes. Once again she showed no unwillingness.

"Are you okay with me, Leslie?"

"...I’m okay."

Leslie’s bashful tone carved a smile on Calix’s face. He directed his lips to her cheeks and the tip of her nose before molding them onto her soft lips.

His heart swelled in happiness when her dainty arms encircled his neck as she returned his passion with the same enthusiasm.

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