Jenna Roland frowned at the six takeout containers on the table. Her slender fingers could barely hold four. The remaining two were impossible.

She turned to Ethan Roscente standing nearby, her eyes pleading. "Ethan, could you help me with these?" Her voice was soft as a feather brushing against skin.

Ethan silently picked up the last two containers and strode toward the elevator. Jenna hurried after him, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

Back home, she stuffed the containers into their double-door fridge. The hum of the appliance echoed loudly in the silent night.

Ethan sat on the couch, his face suddenly pale. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead. His long fingers gripped the armrest tightly.

"Are you okay?" Jenna knelt before him, studying his expression.

"I'm fine." He turned away, his voice cold.

A gurgling sound came from his stomach. Jenna noticed his clenched jaw, the tense line of his profile.

"Was it the spicy crawfish at dinner?" She reached out to steady him, but he pulled back.

Ethan stood abruptly and headed for the bathroom. At the door, he paused and shot her a warning glare. "Don't follow me."

Jenna froze as the bathroom door slammed shut. Guilt twisted inside her—she remembered forcing him to try the spicy dish earlier.

The wall clock read 2:10 AM. Jenna grabbed her keys and rushed out.

Wind howled past her ears as her e-bike sped through empty streets. Her dress flapped wildly, hair streaming behind her.

The pharmacy's bright lights cut through the darkness. Breathless, she described the symptoms. When the clerk handed her two boxes of medicine, she didn't wait for change.

By the time she returned, sweat had plastered her bangs to her forehead. Hands shaking, she poured water and held out the pills.

"Take these." Her voice came in gasps.

Ethan stared at her flushed cheeks and disheveled hair. His Adam's apple bobbed. "You didn't have to do this."

"You're my husband." Jenna's eyes curved into crescents. "Now swallow them."

As he took the pills, his fingertips brushed her cold hand. He threw back his head, the water smoothing down his throat. Unconsciously, his gaze softened.

"Thanks." The words were barely audible, but they sent a tremor through Jenna's heart.