"What has you so happy?" A deep, magnetic voice drifted down from the top of the staircase.

Sophia looked up to see Ethan descending slowly, his hand resting on the banister.

She hurried toward him, a smile playing on her lips. "The medical report came back clear. I'm just relieved."

But inwardly, she thought: Finally, I’ve avenged you.

How could she not be thrilled after teaching that old fox a lesson?

Ethan studied her with a penetrating gaze. "Just that?"

Sophia lowered her lashes. "Mm. I was worried about my immune system. If it were compromised, it might affect... conceiving."

The moment the word "pregnancy" left her lips, Ethan’s expression flickered.

Sophia immediately realized her mistake.

Once, it had been her health in question. Now, it was his.

She quickly wrapped her arms around his waist, tilting her face up with a radiant smile. "Waking up to you every morning and falling asleep in your arms—that’s more than enough for me. Children will come when they’re meant to. All I want is to grow old with you."

The woman who once blushed at sweet nothings now spoke them effortlessly.

Even she was surprised.

But in times like these, there was no such thing as too much affection.

If it helped Ethan’s recovery, she’d do anything.

Ethan didn’t respond, only tightened his grip on her hand.

At dinner, Sophia personally cooked a lavish spread with Maggie’s help.

She’d even called Shane to come home early.

Compared to dealing with corporate sharks, Shane preferred family meals.

Midway through, Shane suddenly remarked, "Heard Old Man Laurent lost a finger. Karma’s a bitch."

Sophia calmly placed a piece of sweet-and-sour ribs on Ethan’s plate. "Try this. I made it myself."

Ethan didn’t glance at the food, instead giving her a meaningful look.

Sophia continued eating, unperturbed.

The meal tasted especially delicious tonight.

She even went back for seconds.

After dinner, Sophia retreated to their room.

Ethan followed close behind. "You did it?"

Seeing no point in hiding it, she nodded. "Don’t worry. It’s airtight."

She briefly explained what had happened.

Ethan’s expression darkened. "Well done. But don’t take risks like that again. Old Man Laurent holds grudges. He won’t let this go."

Sophia tilted her head with a smirk. "Don’t underestimate your wife. I may look gentle, but my methods are cutting-edge. Caught him completely off guard."

The corner of Ethan’s mouth lifted. "Next time, talk to me first."

"Okay." Sophia reached out to embrace him.

Ethan ran his fingers through her soft hair. "You’ve been clinging to me a lot lately."

She buried her face in his chest. "I wish I could shrink you down and carry you in my pocket everywhere."

The words felt familiar.

Years ago, he’d said the same to her.

Ethan silently vowed to remember every detail.

Afraid the medication would steal his memories.

Afraid he’d forget how it felt to love her.

Late that night, half-asleep, Sophia felt a warm hand caress her face.

Long fingers trailed down with quiet yearning.

She pretended to be asleep.

The hand slipped beneath the covers, exploring further.

Sophia silently shed her nightgown, yielding to his touch.

The sensation sent her pulse racing...

This was the first time Ethan had initiated since his diagnosis.

Her heart swirled with anticipation and nerves.

After a pause, Sophia leaned up to kiss him.

Ethan pinned her beneath him, responding fiercely.

This kiss was more urgent, more desperate than ever.

Between breaths, his voice was rough. "If I lose control, tell me to stop."

"Mm."

Weeks of pent-up desire erupted at once.

To Sophia’s surprise, it lasted longer than usual.

Drenched in sweat and boneless, she murmured, "Not done yet?"

"Mm."

Ethan suddenly stilled. "Sorry."

She clung to him. "It’s fine. Keep going."

He pulled away, lying flat on his back. "Forget it."

Staring at the ceiling, his thoughts were heavy.

Not just his emotions—even his desire was fading.

Sophia rested her head on his shoulder. "Want me to help?"

"No."

Ethan brushed damp hair from her forehead. "Did I hurt you?"

She shook her head. "It was good."

He pressed his forehead to hers, his worries deepening.

The next morning, Sophia woke to an empty bed.

Panicked, she searched the house. "Ethan?"

No sign of him anywhere.

The staff hadn’t seen him either.

Her heart pounded as she scoured the grounds with bodyguards.

Finally, she spotted him returning from a morning run.

Sophia sprinted over and hugged him tightly. "Where were you? Why didn’t you tell me?"

Ethan patted her back. "Just running. The meds cause weight gain. You were sleeping so soundly."

She exhaled in relief. "You’re tall. A little weight won’t matter."

"Afraid you’d leave me if I got fat."

Sophia’s heart ached even as she laughed. "I’ll run with you tomorrow."

"No need. The guards are with me. Sleep in."

She blinked. "I’m scared of gaining weight too. Scared you’ll leave me."

Ethan smiled faintly.

For a wife like this, he had to beat this illness.

After breakfast, Sophia went upstairs to find Ethan writing in a journal.

In this digital age, seeing him use pen and paper was rare.

Curious, she approached.

His handwriting was bold, strokes flowing like dragons.

"What are you writing?"

Ethan looked up. "Don’t want to forget. Recording our story."

He needed to remember how it felt to love her.

Even if the medication dulled it, he’d fight to feel it again.

Sophia’s eyes burned as she hugged him from behind.

Ethan clasped her hand. "I’ll take you shopping tomorrow."

"You can go out?"

"Type II bipolar is manageable with meds. Rumors are spreading at the company. A public appearance will shut them down."

Sophia nodded. "Okay."

The next afternoon, they arrived at a luxury boutique with bodyguards in tow.

Ethan gestured vaguely. "Wrap up everything here."

Sophia quickly stopped him. "Don’t waste money. I won’t use most of it."

"Then pick something." He handed her a black card. "Use mine."

She chose just one purse.

Ethan frowned. "Only one?"

"It’s enough."

Leaving the store, they continued browsing the mall.

Sophia watched Ethan discreetly.

His demeanor was calm, if distant. A small relief.

But unlike before, he now had a compulsive urge to spend—a symptom of his condition.

She alternated between gently stopping him and indulging him. They could always return items later.

Letting him vent was what mattered.

On their way back, a black luxury car abruptly cut them off.

The door opened, and Adrian stepped out with his own guards.

His gaze swept over Sophia before locking onto Ethan.

This was a test—to gauge Ethan’s condition.

Ethan smiled coolly, giving nothing away.

Adrian cursed inwardly at the misleading rumors, then turned to Sophia. "My grandfather lost a finger, and you’re out shopping?"

Sophia replied evenly, "I’ve made myself clear. Harassing me further is just pathetic."

Adrian spat, "You’ll see. I will find proof!"

As he turned to leave, sharp pain lanced his neck.

Ethan had moved silently, now gripping him from behind.

Adrian struggled uselessly, panic rising. "Let go!"

Ethan’s voice was ice. "Bother Sophia again, and I’ll make sure you regret it."