IMDD CHAPTER 299

Eva’s contented sigh echoed in the room as Gage’s gentle yet firm hands met her skin. He massaged her shoulders, kneading the knots of tension in a way as though he was indeed more than just knowledgeable.

"Is the pressure okay?" he asked softly.

"It's perfect," Eva murmured. “And you’re so… good. Who taught you to be this good? Hm?”

“The guy in the video I watched while tucking our princess to bed…” he admitted.

“Why am I not even surprise anymore?” Eva could only smile before she closed her eyes again at the feel of his fingers dancing along her back, tracing paths of relaxation that delved deep into her muscles, coaxing the stress and weariness to fade away.

His hands moved with confidence, guided by the reactions of Eva's body, each sigh and soft murmur a signpost to her areas of tension. He took his time, ensuring no spot was neglected.

As the massage continued, Eva found herself drifting in a serene space between wakefulness and sleep, her mind quiet, her heart full.

"How do you feel?" he asked.

"Like I'm the luckiest woman in the world," Eva replied, smiling widely.

In the soft glow of the room, as the massage continued, Gage's gentle suggestion broke the silence. "If you’re sleepy, go ahead, darling."

“I don’t want to… I want to at least give you a reward… for all… these…” she replied even if she truly felt so sleepy now due to the amazing relaxation he made her feel.

“I didn’t do all these just to get a reward… I did this because I want to pamper you, Eva. So listen to me, and just let your body relax and fall asleep, okay?”

“God… you’re so sweet…” she uttered and just like that, before Gage could finish the massage, Eva succumbed to the blissful world of slumber.

When she woke up, she’s in the bed, alone.

The morning sun was already high. She felt so revitalized. So good. She remembered all of last night’s activities, and the first thing she did was look at her fingers. And there it was, her ring, gleaming so beautifully.

With the brightest smile on her face, Eva rose and soon went out of their room. She stopped by Gigi’s room but their princess wasn’t there anymore.

Eva headed downstairs and the moment she smelled a delicious aroma, she headed straight to the kitchen. And there she saw them, her husband and daughter, cooking happily together, wearing a matching apron printed with ducks and bears.

Leaning against the threshold, Eva dreamily watched them with a smile on her face, before she lifted her phone and snapped a photo of them.

Gage lifted his eyes, and when their eyes met, he immediately walked towards her. He guided her towards the table as Gigi animatedly greeted her good morning.

And with that, the trio had their breakfast, their little family filled with warmth, and love.

After their meal, Eva insisted to be the one to wash dishes. Gaia asked to go water the plants in the backyard, and when Eva nodded, the little girl rushed outside.

Of course, Gage followed the little girl and helped her set up the hose she would use to water the plants.

“Daddy… you can go help mommy instead. I can do this on my own because it’s very easy.” Gigi grinned at him, making Gage smile back.

For a few moments, Gage stood there, subtly looking around, before he finally patted his little girl’s head and said, “Alright, I’ll go help your mom so we can come here and join you in watering your plants.”

“Okay, daddy.”

Eva was already about to finish washing dishes when Gage approached her. His arms wound their way around her waist before he settled his chin lovingly on the blade of her shoulder.

“I’m guessing Gigi sent you away to come help me.” Eva guessed, smiling.

“She did. Our princess is just so sweet.”

“Like father like daughter.”

Gage chuckled softly.

"You don’t know how glad I am that she took more of your personality than mine, Gage," Eva confessed with a gentle smile.

"She’d be perfect anyway if she took after your fierceness. And maybe she’s got that tigress-like personality she took from you. She’ll probably let it out once she grows up.”

"Which, now that I realize it, isn’t a bad thing, is it? Being too sweet in this world filled with predators is definitely dangerous," Eva mused, her gaze thoughtful.

"Don’t worry, darling. We’re going to teach her well to make sure that when she grows up, she’ll be a strong girl. Just like you," Gage assured her.

Eva finally turned to face him fully, her hands reaching up to cradle his face. "Why are you getting sweeter and sweeter by the day, hm, Gage Acheron? I’m afraid I’m going to have chronic diabetes very soon."

He smiled, a smile so sweet and adorable it nearly melted Eva right there and then.

"Darling… I have something to ask you," he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her hand.

Eva's eyes sparkled with curiosity, a silent prompt for him to continue.

“Can I…” he started, hesitating for a moment as he pressed her palm on the side of his face. “Can I abduct you and Gaia?”

Eva blinked.

“Where are you bringing us?” she asked after a moment of silence.

"It’s a secret for now," he replied, a mysterious glint in his eyes.

“For how… many days?”

“Twenty-five days.”

Twenty-five days… The number echoed in Eva's mind. She quickly did the math, combining the days that had passed since their reunion with the twenty-five days he proposed. They totaled thirty days. It was the same duration of their deal that day she first entered this house.

“Of course,” Eva finally replied, “as long as the kidnapper is you… I’m definitely willing. I’m sure, Gigi won’t mind too.”

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A/N: thanks so much for your patience guys!!