Sophia's chest felt tight.

Her fingertips lightly brushed Ethan's pale face. "Why did you hide it from me?"

Ethan caught her cold hand. "I didn't want you to worry. I'll be fine after gastric lavage and some rest."

"This makes me worry even more."

He kissed her fingers. "You're pregnant. Emotional stress isn't good. I didn’t expect someone to take photos."

"What about Isabella?"

Disgust flashed in Ethan's eyes. "She barged in, and I kicked her out immediately."

"Who drugged you?"

"I’ve sent someone to check the surveillance footage." Ethan smirked coldly. "Isabella is definitely involved."

Sophia's stomach churned.

Isabella's shamelessness was beyond imagination.

Even after Ethan had made his stance crystal clear, she still clung to him.

Her skin must be thicker than bulletproof armor.

Sophia had never met anyone so devoid of shame.

"Are you still feeling unwell?" she asked softly.

Ethan answered honestly, "The drug worked too fast. It had already spread by the time I got here."

"What can I do?"

"Go home and rest."

Sophia shook her head. "I can't sleep."

"Having you here makes it worse for me." Ethan chuckled. "Seeing but not touching."

"You still have the energy to joke?"

"I don’t like seeing you upset." He pinched her cheek. "Smile for me."

Sophia forced a small smile.

Ethan's eyes softened. "My Sophia looks the prettiest when she smiles."

"Stop teasing me."

"I used to shower you with cards. Now I realize you prefer sweet words."

Sophia's ears turned pink. "I’m not good at sweet talk either."

Ethan thought: It’s fine. I can sweet-talk myself.

But who wouldn’t want their lover’s honeyed words?

His phone suddenly rang.

It was Victor.

Sophia answered for him.

"What’s going on with the news online?" Victor’s voice was stern.

Ethan scoffed. "Isn’t this exactly what you wanted?"

"Nonsense! Don’t create a scandal!"

"I’m in the hospital getting my stomach pumped." Ethan replied coldly. "Either you investigate, or I’ll call the police."

"Don’t you dare!" Victor snapped.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Feeling guilty?"

"I’m thinking of the company’s stock price!"

Ethan gave a perfunctory response and hung up.

Seeing his exhaustion, Sophia said, "Get some sleep."

"Stay with me."

"You first."

Ethan chuckled. "Who was talking about divorce earlier?"

"What if it were me in a hotel room with someone else?"

Ethan’s gaze turned icy. "I’d kill him."

"And you blame me?"

When she saw the news, Sophia’s heart had felt like it was being sliced open.

Ethan hooked an arm around her neck, pressing his forehead to hers. "It feels good to be cared for like this."

Sophia froze.

There was a hint of vulnerability in his tone.

But she was the one who should feel vulnerable.

"Sleep," she said, pushing him away and tucking him in.

But Ethan couldn’t sleep.

The drug’s remnants left him restless.

Especially with Sophia so close.

Her scent made his skin burn.

He pushed himself up. "I’m going to shower."

Sophia steadied him.

His steps were unsteady, his tall frame weighing heavily on her shoulders.

She gritted her teeth and bore it.

Ethan tried to walk steadily but stumbled.

"Sorry about this," he murmured.

He hadn’t wanted to go home—partly because of her pregnancy, partly because he didn’t want her to see him like this.

The more you love someone, the more you want to remain perfect in their eyes.

Sophia didn’t mind. "Between husband and wife, there’s no need for formalities."

Ethan smiled.

She was the light of his life.

For her, he had defied medical odds and stood up again.

They entered the bathroom.

Sophia adjusted the water temperature.

Ethan leaned against the wall, unbuttoning his hospital gown. "You should leave."

Sophia didn’t move, her ears turning red. "Let me help."

She was more afraid he’d fall.

Ethan eyed her flushed earlobes. "The first trimester is risky."

Sophia wiggled her right hand. "I’ll use this."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Do you know how?"

"Teach me," she said, cheeks burning.

Ethan chuckled. "Alright."

Sophia locked the door.

Ethan stood under the spray, water cascading down his toned chest.

Broad shoulders, narrow waist, muscles defined.

Pure masculine allure.

Sophia stepped closer, her hand gliding over his abs...

Ethan tilted his head back, gazing at her through half-lidded eyes.

She was a quick learner.

His eyes lingered on her delicate fingers.

Intoxicating, like fine wine.

Time blurred.

When it was over, Ethan panted, looking at her.

In this moment, his love deepened.

Her allure was his alone to know.