Chapter 100 Applying
Ointment
When Norton saw the bruises marring Yvonne’s back, a sharp chill ran through him, sinking into his bones. His entire body tensed as a cold fury settled in his chest.
Sensing his shift, Yvonne hurriedly pulled her nightgown back on, her fingers gripping the fabric as if shielding
herself from his reaction.
She was terrified that the sight of her bruises had repulsed him. Her voice was barely above a whisper, soft and uncertain. “I didn’t want you to see. You insisted.”
His jaw clenched, his anger simmering. “If I hadn’t seen it myself, just how long were you planning to hide this
from me?”
She said nothing. She had never intended to tell him. She didn’t want his pity.
“Wait for me on the bed.”
His voice was firm as he turned and walked out.
When he returned, he carried a medical kit.
“Lie down and turn your back to me.”
Though his expression remained composed, his tone had softened.
Yvonne’s hands clenched around her nightgown as she shook her head. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do,
but there’s really no need.”
She wasn’t ready to lay her wounds bare again.
Not even for him.
“I’ll
say
it one more time–lie down.”
His voice had turned icy.
Yvonne hesitated, but before she could protest, he leaned in, his tone laced with warning. “Do you want to lie down yourself, or should I cut your clothes off with scissors?”
A nervous breath escaped her lips. “Can you turn off the lights?” she asked quietly.
“I’ll leave one wall lamp on,” he relented.
His willingness to compromise made her stop resisting.
Slowly, she lifted the hem of her nightgown, exposing the full extent of her injuries.
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Chapter 100 Applying Ointment
Her pale skin made the bruises look even more severe, dark shadows blooming across her back.
When Norton pressed his fingers gently against her skin, she flinched, biting down on her lip to muffle a gasp.
“I’m applying ointment and massaging the bruises. It’ll help them heal faster,” he explained, his voice steady. “It might sting a little, so try to bear with it.”
“Okay,” she murmured, though a hint of apprehension laced her voice.
“If it hurts too much, just cry out.”
The cool ointment sent a soothing chill through her skin.
But as his hands moved, kneading carefully, a sharp pain shot through her back.
It burned.
The warmth of his palms and the ointment intensified, spreading over her skin like fire.
The sensation burned, an unbearable mix of heat and pain.
Despite her best efforts to stay silent, soft whimpers escaped her lips.
After nearly ten minutes, she could no longer endure it.
“Norton, are you done? I can’t take this anymore,” she pleaded. “Can you stop now?”
Norton paused, and relief flooded her–until he spoke. “No. Ten more minutes.”
And then he continued.
Eventually, whether from sheer exhaustion or the pain dulling into something tolerable, her eyelids fluttered
shut, and she drifted into sleep.
By the time morning came, the bed beside her was empty.
She hurried to the bathroom, her heart pounding as she turned her back to the mirror.
The sight made her stomach drop.
The bruises had darkened, spreading across her skin, making her back look even worse than before.
And Norton had seen it all. The thought only deepened the weight in her chest.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
When she opened it, a servant greeted her with a warm smile. “Norton arranged for a massage therapist to
come before he left. It should help with your recovery.”
Yvonne instinctively shook her head. More massages? Her back couldn’t take it.
“I don’t need it.”
The servant hesitated, looking slightly uneasy. “But he insisted that you complete the treatment under supervision. Besides, the therapist is already here, waiting downstairs.”
“Alright then,” Yvonne relented.
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Chapter 100 Applying Ointment
When the therapist arrived, Yvonne was surprised.
A young woman stepped inside, her delicate features giving her a polished, professional air. Something about her presence felt reassuring.
“Mrs. Burke, please lie down,” the therapist encouraged with a gentle smile. “I’ll adjust the pressure to suit your condition. Just relax and let yourself unwind.”
“Okay,” Yvonne murmured.
After the session, the therapist caught the concern in her eyes and reassured her. “I used a blend of essential oils that improve circulation and speed up healing. With this treatment, your bruises should fade in about three
days.”
“Really?” Yvonne asked, her voice tinged with hope.
“You can trust me.”
After breakfast and bidding Edmond farewell, Yvonne headed home.
On the way, her phone rang.
It was the car repair shop, calling to update her on the status of Norton’s vehicle.
Not knowing much about car repairs, Yvonne simply asked, “How much will it cost to fix?”
“One million,” came the reply.
Hearing the amount, Yvonne rubbed her temples in frustration.
It was a headache. She didn’t have that kind of money, but she had to pay for the damage she caused to
Norton’s car.
“Alright, ensure the repairs are done thoroughly. I’ll transfer the full amount to you,” she promised.
Back home, she pondered how to earn money.
After much thought, she decided she needed to find a job.
Although the salary wouldn’t be quite high, it would at least support her.
Even if she divorced Norton in the future, she would have her own career.
But she knew she needed his approval first.
He hadn’t been home for days.
She assumed he was on a business trip and wouldn’t return for a while, so she called Leif.
“Hello, Leif.
Do you know when Norton will be back?” she asked.
Leif glanced at Norton, who was sitting not far away, and quickly replied, “He is at the airport now. He should be home tonight.”
“Thank you.”
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Chapter 100 Applying Ointment
Knowing Norton would return, Yvonne made a trip to the supermarket.
She bought some groceries and prepared a home–cooked meal.
Although it couldn’t compare herself to a chef, the food was delicious. And he could enjoy it as soon as he got
home.
Norton arrived around eight in the evening.
As he entered, he found the dining table was laid with a home–cooked meal, emitting a faint aroma and looking
quite appetizing.
Not seeing Yvonne, he searched around and finally found her in the kitchen.
She was intently watching the pot, so much so that she didn’t notice him standing at the kitchen door.
“Did you make all these dishes?” he asked aloud.
