His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire? novel Chapter 940

“No! That's not it!”

Panic-stricken, Harvey grabbed her frail shoulders. “Ellie, I love you! It’s precisely because I love you so deeply... that I can’t bear to touch you! Nobody understands better than I do what you've been through to get here! So, I won't force you into anything sexual. My reasons for marrying you... they're more about wanting to protect you!”

Ellie was taken aback, her gaze piercing into him as if she was seeing this man for the first time. She knew that if Harvey hadn’t pleaded with Avery to take her as his wife, she might have ended up in an unmarked grave somewhere long ago. There was gratitude, indeed. But that bit of gratitude couldn't wash away the years of his unforgivable sins. Nor could it bring back Tom, a vibrant and kind soul, who bled out in front of her.

“Since coming to Helgen, I’ve been feeling uneasy, not a single night has passed where I’ve slept soundly.” Ellie gently rested her head on Harvey’s shoulder. “Stay with me tonight... would you?”

...

In the dimness of the night, they shared a bed but remained untouched, like two devout believers. Perhaps it was the exhaustion from a night spent in endless turmoil, but Harvey fell into a deep sleep the moment his head touched the pillow. Ellie suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze dark and unlit, fixated on the man before her. Holding her breath, trembling, she slowly unbuttoned Harvey's shirt. Clutching the cross tightly, firmly in her palm, her eyes red as if bleeding.

*

Helgen, as its name suggested, was lush with forests, the canopy layered like a sea of clouds. A picturesque beauty, characteristic of a tropical monsoon climate. If it hadn't been for the brutal storms and the vilest aspects of humanity he'd witnessed here, beneath this natural façade and the law of the jungle, he might have considered it home. Living a simple life, relying on each other, maintaining a modest business.

Today, the sky was a relentless drizzle. Avery walked alone to the Rose Sanatorium to visit his mother, umbrella in hand. In Helgen, his investments were widespread, any venture he financed bore the name “Rose.” A small comfort, a token of remembrance for a love far away.

“How are you feeling today, Mom?”

Mrs. Chambers sat under the eaves, lost in the rain. Avery sat beside her, gently holding his mother's frail hand. It was devoid of flesh, devoid of life. Mrs. Chambers gaped, oblivious to his words.

“Mom, it’s Ave, do you recognize me?” Avery patiently reminded her of his identity.

“Ave!”