The Rebirth of My Dead Billionaire Wife

Chapter 239

Avery stirred awake as sunlight streamed through the windows of Ryan’s bedroom, casting a soft golden glow over the space. She blinked a few times, disoriented for a moment, until she felt the warmth of Ryan’s arm draped over her waist.

Turning her head slightly, she saw him still asleep, his chest rising and falling steadily. His features were relaxed in the early morning light, and for a moment, Avery let herself take it all in—the peacefulness of the moment, the quiet intimacy of waking up together.

Her heart swelled with a happiness she hadn’t felt in a long time. She shifted slightly, causing Ryan to stir. His eyes fluttered open, and a slow smile spread across his face as he saw her.

“Good morning,” he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.

“Good morning,” Avery replied softly, her fingers tracing light patterns on his chest.

Ryan tightened his arm around her, pulling her closer. “I could get used to this,” he said, pressing a kiss to her temple.

Avery laughed lightly. “Don’t get too comfortable. I’m sure my morning breath is awful.”

“You’re perfect,” Ryan said without hesitation, his hazel eyes filled with warmth.

After a few minutes of quiet cuddling, Ryan stretched and grinned. “Come on. Let’s start the day right. Shower first, then I’m making you breakfast.”

Avery raised an eyebrow, amused. “You’re making me breakfast? This I have to see.”

“Hey, I’ve got some skills,” he said, winking as he climbed out of bed.

He held out his hand, and Avery took it, letting him lead her to the bathroom. The water was already warm by the time they stepped into the spacious glass shower.

The steam rose around them as Ryan lathered shampoo into his hair, his playful smile never fading. “See? I’m domestic.”

Avery rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a laugh. “Domestic would be folding laundry, not just looking cute in the shower.”

Ryan laughed, leaning down to kiss her quickly. “Noted. Laundry lessons next time.”

The shower was filled with lighthearted teasing, shared laughs, and tender touches. By the time they stepped out, the tension of the world outside felt miles away.

In the kitchen, Ryan proved he wasn’t bluffing about his breakfast skills. He moved confidently around the space, whisking eggs and flipping pancakes with ease.

Avery leaned against the counter, sipping coffee from a mug he had handed her. “I have to admit, I’m impressed. I thought your skills ended at ordering takeout.”

Ryan smirked. “Low expectations work in my favor. Now you’re amazed by basic competence.”

Avery chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re ridiculous.”

He plated a stack of golden pancakes, topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of syrup, then slid the plate in front of her.

“Try it,” he said, his hazel eyes dancing with anticipation.

Avery cut a small piece, lifting it to her lips. The flavor burst onto her tongue—light, fluffy, perfectly sweet.

“Okay,” she said, nodding appreciatively. “I take it back. You’re a culinary genius.”

“Thank you,” Ryan said, grinning as he sat down across from her with his own plate.

They ate together, trading bites and continuing their playful banter. For Avery, it felt like the start of something real, something she hadn’t dared to hope for in a long time.

Just as they were finishing their meal, Ryan’s phone buzzed on the counter. He glanced at it briefly, then frowned.

“It’s my boss,” he said, standing up to take the call. “Let me just—”

He didn’t finish the sentence before answering, his tone polite and professional. “Hey, good morning. What’s up?”

Avery stayed at the table, picking at the remaining strawberries on her plate. But as Ryan’s conversation continued, she noticed his expression shift. His jaw tightened, and his brows furrowed.

“Wait, what?” he said sharply, his voice lowering. “Are you serious?”

Avery set her fork down, her stomach tightening as she watched him pace the kitchen.

“Yeah, I’ll check,” Ryan said, his tone clipped. “Thanks for letting me know.”

He hung up and immediately grabbed his phone, his fingers flying across the screen.

“Ryan?” Avery asked hesitantly. “What’s going on?”

Ryan’s face paled as he stared at his phone, his hand tightening around it.

“It’s Ji-Yeon,” he said finally, his voice thick with anger.

“What about her?” Avery asked, dread settling in her chest.

“She leaked intimate photos,” Ryan said, his gaze meeting hers. “Of us. From when we were together in Korea.”