Revenge After Death ( Michael Ford )
Chapter 457

Chapter 457

"Stephie..." Steven was shaken by my self-harm, understanding it as a form of protest against those lurking in the shadows. Yet, he couldn't bear to see me hurt.

He would rather I remain in amnesia than face the unbearable truth. At least I could have lived a carefree life then.

For all the years I had been without memory, Steven had chosen to watch over me from a distance, enduring his own suffering to ensure I remained safe.

He kept himself hidden from me, dreading the idea of triggering memories that would plunge me back into a world of torment. His sole desire had been to protect me.

Even as I had found love elsewhere, he had kept his distance, silently bearing the heartache.

I could only imagine the anguish he felt as he witnessed the woman he loved forget him entirely and fall for another.

"Stephie... will you please look at me? I beg of you, please look at me," Steven's voice sounded distant as he pleaded for my attention, his tone trembling.

Looking into his eyes which were as deep and blue as the sea, I once wished to drown in them. For me, death wasn't punishment but rather a release.

Unfortunately, it seemed I was cursed to be reborn after every death.

"Stephie." Steven led me to the basement as soon as we arrived home.

Holding me in his arms, he whispered, "Stephie, we'll win, no matter what."

"Will we be able to escape from them?" I asked Steven, echoing the same question I had posed when I pleaded for our escape at 18.

"No more running away..." Steven's reply held a sense of finality.

Back then, Steven assured me that we could certainly flee, but our youth and lack of resources led to failure against the rich and powerful.

However, this time, Steven decided against running, and I concurred.

If they were our nightmare, then it was only fitting that we became theirs as well.

"No more running... "I cradled Steven's face and planted a kiss on his lips.

Steven pulled me closer, intensifying the kiss...

It seemed I wasn't very good at kissing. I struggled to replace the right moments to breathe and almost suffocated myself.

Steven tenderly kissed the corner of my eye, wiping away the tears on my face. His breath was scorching. "Stephie... I need you." He sought my consent, making it clear he wouldn't take his next step without it. Now I remembered... When we were young and driven by hormones, we would indulge in kisses like this, our bodies consumed by desire.

"Mutual consent is crucial in lovemaking. Without it, it would turn into rape," I recalled telling Steven.

Back then, despite being easily swayed by desire, Steven always restrained his urges and primitive instincts for Stephanie's sake.

Even though Steven had been like a caged beast, Stephanie had always served as his sole motivation to overcome his violent instincts. It was a testament to his love for her.

"Stephie, we're legally married," Steven reminded me, his gaze intense as if he was proudly declaring his status as my husband.

Stephanie and Steven were no longer the young couple forced to suppress their desires due to their inability to take responsibility for their actions. Now, we were a married couple with the legal freedom to express our love physically.

I paused for a moment, locking my eyes with Steven's innocent yet eager gaze. I felt as though his eyes could alleviate all my worries.

An inner voice urged me to hold him tightly, to trust him completely, and to fulfill all his needs.

A blush crept onto my cheeks. I suddenly realized I had been sitting on his lap since my earlier episode. With his arms encircling my waist, our posture exuded a suggestive intimacy...