But minutes ago, those same hands had pinned me to the floor.
He changed me into clean clothes, then hauled me to his office without asking.
The building blazed with light despite the late hour. Everyone inside moved with urgent purpose.
When Jesse walked in with me at his side, every head turned.
A senior executive hurried over. "Mr. Gilbert, you're back? I thought you said your wife wasn't feeling well and you were heading home to be with her."
Envious glances drifted our way.
"Seriously, Mrs. Gilbert, you're so lucky."
"We're in the most critical phase of the project, and Mr. Gilbert still leaves on time every single day just to go home to you."
I listened without expression as Jesse half-carried me into his office.
The office was spotless. Not a single trace of a woman's presence anywhere.
But his desk, his bookshelves, were covered in photographs of me. Every stage of my life, framed and displayed.
Jesse settled me onto the couch, his voice so soft it practically dripped honey.
"Lucretia, trust me. Once this project wraps up, I'll fly in the best specialists from overseas to operate on your dad."
He picked up the office phone.