Chapter: 1850

She then warmed some essential oil in her palms and began to massage Alberto's left knee.

Alberto reopened the file in his hands and started to read under the Light.

The living room suddenly became quiet, and the air was filled with a faint odor of essential oil.

Feeling a bit weary from squatting, Rachel grabbed a small cushion from the sofa to sit on. She continued to massage Alberto's leg carefully. Meanwhile, Alberto could feel the warmth of Rachel's hands on his shin. He tried to focus on the documents, but his attention kept drifting back to her.

He'd catch glimpses of her every now and then.

When looking at her, he could maintain his inner peace. He wished time would stop right there.

Would everything have turned out differently if they hadn't split up four years back?

Or if Abby were still alive...

But there were no ifs. After their divorce and Abby's passing, she held a deep grudge against him. Alberto found himself filled with regret countless times. He suddenly understood why his grandma had insisted on his marriage to Rachel.

She was well aware that since childhood, what he craved most was the comfort of a loving home.

Yet, the Sullivan family couldn't provide him with that warmth, so she arranged for him to have a wife, hoping he'd finally find the home he longed for.

He used to think he didn't need such a thing.

He didn't know when, but he knew he had a strong desire to have a family with Rachel.

He believed it was because his dislike for her kept growing, and he found her increasingly irritating. He forced himself to ignore his true feelings.

"Rachel..." Alberto's mind wandered for a moment before he called out to her.

“What?" Rachel raised her head and stopped what she was doing. “Mr. Gibson, is there anything wrong?"

Alberto was feeling overwhelmed and confused.

He was uncertain about his reactions if Rachel continued. He might embrace her or reveal his true identity.

After a brief moment with his eyes closed, Alberto opened them again, having calmed the storm of emotions inside him.

"I think we're done for today. I'm feeling a bit tired," Alberto said as he put down his trousers. There was no emotional change in his tone.

“But your right leg hasn't... Rachel was still searching for the right moment to ask her question.

"We can continue tomorrow."

Since he said so, Rachel didn't want to say anything more. She nodded and said, “Alright, I'll help you upstairs."

"Okay."