Ethan Sullivan watched Nathan Laurent's disheveled state with a faint smirk.

He gave his bodyguards a subtle nod.

Several guards immediately stepped forward, hauling Nathan out by his arms.

Grimacing in pain, Nathan still managed to spit out a threat, "You'll pay for this!"

Luna Valentine emerged from the hospital room, her cold gaze sweeping over him.

"That incident in Dorset Village—you orchestrated it, didn't you?"

Nathan's eyes darted evasively. "Bullshit!"

Slap!

A sharp crack echoed as Luna's palm struck his cheek.

She flexed her wrist. "Consider that interest."

Nathan exploded with rage. "You little bitch!"

As he raised his hand to retaliate, Luna flipped him over her shoulder, slamming him onto the floor.

His four lackeys lunged forward.

Whoosh—

Silver blades flashed through the air.

Four throwing knives embedded themselves precisely at their feet.

Shane Prescott leaned against the doorframe, twirling another blade in his left hand.

"Take one more step, and the next one goes through your eyes."

The men froze instantly.

Nathan trembled with fury. "Useless! All of you!"

Once the group had slunk away, Ethan entered the hospital room carrying a food container.

"Mom stayed up all night making this soup."

He opened the lid, releasing a rich, savory aroma.

Shane's throat moved as he eyed the delicate durian cake.

"She made this herself?"

Ethan nodded. "Twelve failed attempts before this one."

Shane's eyes grew warm.

He took a spoonful, letting the sweetness melt on his tongue.

"Good?" Ethan asked.

"Yeah."

"Glad to hear it." Ethan rubbed his stomach. "I nearly threw up eating all the failed versions."

Shane chuckled.

After Ethan left, only the two of them remained in the room.

Luna stared at the bandages on Shane's right hand. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Just a scratch."

"Liar." Her eyes reddened. "What really happened with the brake failure?"

Shane clasped her hand. "I did it on purpose."

"You—!"

"They've gone too far." His gaze hardened. "I won't let them hurt my family."

Luna exhaled sharply and pressed her face into his palm.

"Then I'll protect you."

Shane's chest tightened. He cupped the back of her head and kissed her fiercely.

The kiss was urgent, almost desperate.

When Luna finally pushed him away, her cheeks flushed as she gestured downward.

"You..."

Shane's ears turned red. "It's been too long since I've seen you."

Luna snorted. "Old house on fire?"

"Only for you."

He guided her hand to his chest. "Marry me."

Her smile faltered.

"My father—"

"I know." Shane brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I'll find a way."

Luna rested her head against his shoulder. "I don't care about any of that."

Shane tightened his arms around her. "I do."

He found her lips again, kissing her slowly, deeply.

"We're a match made in heaven," he murmured against her mouth.

Luna wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.

Outside, sunlight streamed through the window, merging their shadows into one.