Sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains as Sophia Laurent slept soundly in Ethan Sullivan's arms.

The phone rang abruptly.

Natalie Sullivan's cheerful voice came through: "Sophia, I got four hot spring tickets. Want to relax together tomorrow?"

Rubbing her sore calves, Sophia remembered yesterday's hike and this morning's "exercise." She agreed readily.

The next morning, four black sedans headed toward the northern hot spring resort.

The weekend resort buzzed with activity. Couples holding children's hands were everywhere, their laughter like silver bells.

Ethan's gaze involuntarily followed a toddling little girl.

Sophia gently squeezed his fingers. "Do you like children?"

"You're enough for me." He tightened his grip.

"We'll have children." Sophia lifted her face, sunlight dancing on her lashes. "Such good genes shouldn't go to waste."

Ethan chuckled. "Mrs. Sullivan is getting more confident."

"Learned from you." She blinked. "Bad influence."

"Cheeky Sophia." He affectionately tapped her nose.

The outdoor hot spring was surrounded by lush greenery. Steam rose as Sophia emerged from the changing room in a black swimsuit.

Water droplets rolled down her porcelain skin. Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed.

"Cat got your tongue?" Sophia poked his abs playfully.

Ethan pulled her into the spring, warm water enveloping them instantly.

"Sit here." He patted his thigh.

Sophia's ears turned pink, but she obediently straddled him. Ripples swayed as their breathing grew ragged.

"Natalie and—" Her words were cut off by his lips.

A scream pierced the air. "Ethan! Sophia! Emergency!"

Sophia pushed Ethan away to see Natalie running with her phone. "The police called! They found the hit-and-run driver!"

Ethan's face darkened. Wrapping Sophia in a robe, he rushed her to the changing room.

Twenty minutes later, in the interrogation room.

A man in an orange jumpsuit cowered on the chair. Seeing Ethan, he trembled. "Victoria Windsor hired me! She paid me fifty grand!"

Ethan punched the wall, blood seeping from his knuckles.

The iron door clanged open.

Victoria was dragged in, covered in blood. Spotting Sophia, she grinned viciously. "That bastard died well!"

Sophia's vision blurred. She slapped Victoria hard.

The sharp crack echoed in the room.

"Give me back my child!" Her voice was hoarse, tears streaming.

Natalie grabbed a chair to smash, but officers restrained her.

Ethan choked Victoria against the wall. "You're dead."

Victoria laughed maniacally. "Isabella's dead, my daughter's insane—you won't be happy either!"

Sirens approached as another police car arrived.

The lead officer hurried over. "Mr. Sullivan, we found this at Victoria's residence—"

He handed over a bloodstained diary.

The first page clearly outlined Victoria's murder plan in her own handwriting.