The sound of a turning doorknob echoed through the room.

Shane Prescott's body tensed instinctively, a glint of cold steel flashing between his fingers as a throwing knife appeared in his grip.

Recognizing Ethan Sullivan at the door, he swiftly concealed the weapon, a flicker of unease crossing his eyes.

"Even me?" Ethan stood in the doorway, his gaze darkening.

Shane tossed the knife onto the nightstand. "Reflex."

That single word tightened Ethan's chest.

He strode forward and pulled Shane into an unyielding embrace without another word.

Shane stiffened but didn't push him away.

"It won't happen again," Ethan murmured, his voice heavy.

Shane smirked. "Old habits."

Ethan held him tighter.

"I'll tell Vincent the truth," he said, releasing Shane and turning to leave.

Shane grabbed his sleeve. "Don't."

"Why?"

"Luna's kindness is enough." Shane's expression remained calm. "The rest don't matter."

Ethan frowned. "Victor wants to propose for you."

"No." Shane's tone turned rigid. "I won't owe him."

"He owes you." Ethan paused. "But knowing him, he'd probably botch it anyway."

Shane scoffed. "A miracle that mouth ever built an empire."

"That generation's all the same." Ethan turned. "I'll stop him."

From the balcony, Victor's voice carried through the phone: "He still resents me."

"Shouldn't he?" Ethan countered.

"I was just warning him to be careful—"

"Enough." Ethan cut him off. "Make it right."

The aroma of cooking drifted from the kitchen.

Ethan, now wearing an apron, expertly seared a steak.

Salmon, black truffles, caviar—an elaborate Western breakfast covered the table.

Shane stared at the caviar on his toast, his brow creasing almost imperceptibly.

"Not to your taste?" Sophia asked softly.

She rose and returned with a steaming bowl of dough drop soup.

Shane's eyes lit up.

Ethan silently sipped his milk.

"Sophia's cooking is exceptional," he said, ruffling her hair.

Shane nodded. "Treasure her."

The air grew still.

Ethan set down his glass.

If only back then—

"We should go," Sophia broke the silence.

Shane shook his head. "Stay." He glanced at Ethan. "Take her on your honeymoon."

Four bodyguards waited outside.

Before parting, Ethan embraced Shane once more.

"Alright, enough," Shane sighed. "Two grown men—"

"You'll always be my brother." Ethan clapped his back firmly.

Watching the car disappear, Sophia linked arms with her husband.

"Still trying for a baby?" She blinked playfully.

Ethan suddenly said, "If back then—"

"No 'ifs.'" Sophia cupped his face. "Fate decides."

Ethan swept her off her feet.

The bedroom door slammed shut.

Clothes scattered across the floor.

By noon, Sophia finally surrendered.

"After all these tries..." she panted.

Ethan kissed her forehead. "Let it happen naturally."

Sophia suddenly sat up, raising her legs high.

"The internet says this helps," she murmured, cheeks flushed.

Ethan's gaze burned. "Beautiful."

Sophia burst into laughter.

This man was truly hopeless.