No Substitute for Love

Chapter 7

Lily decided to take a different approach in guiding Alex towards understanding her true desires. In their secret online conversation, she advised him to pause the imitation game and try a more subtle method.

"Alex, why don't you ask your wife about her favorite celebrity?" Lily suggested.

Eager to put this new plan into action, Alex burst into their bedroom, startling Lily, who was lost in thought. "Hey, I was thinking,Who do you think is the hottest guy in Hollywood?" he proposed, a hopeful glint in his eye.

Caught off guard by Alex's sudden enthusiasm, Lily fumbled for a response.

Alex, realizing his overenthusiasm, composed himself and casually inquired, "I want to know more about your celebrity crushes."

Lily raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question. "Why do you want to know?"

Alex shrugged, trying to look innocent. "Just curious."

Lily bit back a laugh, knowing full well what Alex was up to. She decided to have a little fun with him.

"Well, if you must know," she said, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "I've always had a thing for Arnold Schwarzenegger."

Alex's eyes widened in shock. "Arnold Schwarzenegger? Really?"

Lily nodded, fighting to keep a straight face. "Oh yeah. Those muscles, that accent... there's just something about him that gets me all hot and bothered."

Alex looked dumbfounded, clearly not expecting that answer. Lily could practically see the gears turning in his head as he tried to process this new information.

"I mean, I guess I could see the appeal," he said slowly, flexing his own bicep. "He is pretty buff."

Lily had to turn away to hide her smile. She knew she should probably come clean, but the idea of Alex trying to imitate the Terminator was just too hilarious to pass up.

Satisfied with this new information, Alex nodded and left the room, believing he had gathered a crucial piece of the puzzle. Meanwhile, Lily, amused by the situation, couldn't resist the temptation to play with Alex a little further.

Intrigued by this revelation, he eagerly awaited further guidance from his online mentor.

Lily, enjoying the power she held over Alex, continued her playful instructions. "To capture your wife's attention and appeal to her preferences, I suggest you start showcasing your physique more often. Don't be afraid to flaunt what you've got! Additionally, try to be more affectionate and touchy-feely with her. Women often crave physical attention and reassurance from their partners."

Alex, though hesitant at first, found himself drawn to the idea of embodying the qualities Lily had described. The thought of being a more attentive and physically affectionate husband appealed to him, even if it meant stepping out of his comfort zone.

With a mix of excitement and nervousness, Alex replied, "I'll give it a shot. I trust your guidance, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make my wife happy."

As Lily read Alex's response, a flutter of anticipation danced in her chest. She couldn't wait to see how Alex would incorporate these new elements into their relationship. The prospect of a more confident, affectionate, and physically alluring Alex sent a thrill down her spine.

Over the next few days, Lily watched in amusement as Alex threw himself into his new role. He started working out obsessively, doing push-ups and sit-ups at all hours of the day. He even bought a set of dumbbells and installed a pull-up bar in their bedroom doorway.

"Hasta la vista, baby," he growled, doing his best Arnold impression as he pumped iron in the living room.

Lily had to bite her lip to keep from laughing out loud. She had to admit, Alex's dedication was impressive. And seeing him all sweaty and muscular was definitely not a bad thing.

He started wearing more form-fitting clothing that accentuated his toned physique, and he made a conscious effort to be more tactile with her, offering gentle touches and lingering embraces.

Lily found herself melting under Alex's newfound attention, relishing the warmth of his skin against hers and the tender looks he bestowed upon her. She marveled at the power of a few simple words and how they had the ability to transform their relationship in such profound ways.

Alex, already a sight with his well-built frame, became even more of a distraction when he casually paraded around in his loose-fitting pajama bottoms, his upper body on full display. Lily couldn't help but marvel at the sight. Despite his usually reserved demeanor, here he was, showcasing what was underneath all those layers he typically wore.

For two whole years, Lily had played the role of the innocent bystander, never daring to let her imagination wander too far regarding Alex's physique. Rarely did she even get a fleeting glance.

But now, as she observed the defined lines of his muscles, a warm smile graced her lips. Showing off his physique more often was just one piece of advice she had for him. More importantly, she had emphasized the importance of touch.

Alex, maintaining a stoic expression but with a hint of a blush creeping onto his cheeks, looked down at her with a faint challenge in his eyes.

"I think I might have a fever. Can you check for me?" he said, his voice devoid of any emotion.

Obliging, Lily reached out to feel his forehead. However, Alex had other ideas. Seizing her wrist gently, he guided her hand downward.

"Forehead's not the best spot to check. It needs to be lower," he insisted, his eyelids fluttering slightly.

Lily, caught off guard, could only muster a puzzled, "Huh?"

Without waiting for her to comprehend, Alex moved her hand further down—past his lips, his neck, and then to his chest and abs, before abruptly stopping.

Feeling the firmness and strength under her fingertips, Lily's cheeks flushed a deep red. The sensation was intoxicating, leaving her wanting more.

Almost without thinking, her fingers traced a small circle over his muscle, causing Alex to stiffen instantly.

With a tight-lipped smile, he quickly moved her hand away, "That's enough. So, do I have a fever or not?"

Shaking her head, Lily replied, "You're warm, but it doesn't seem like a fever."

She wasn't lying; he was indeed quite warm. But whether it was a fever or not, she couldn't be certain.

With a nonchalant "hmm," Alex turned and walked away, giving Lily a chance to see that not only were his ears flushed, but his face was also a deep shade of red.