Chapter 5
That punch didn’t land on my face.
It slammed into the wall right beside me.
Then he stormed out like the room was on fire, but not before ordering me not to go anywhere.]]
Where could I even go?]]
I only existed in this world for him.]
No parents. No family.]
Just him.
The thought hit harder than I expected, leaving a dull ache in my chest.]
But pain from the soles of my feet quickly took over.
I carefully lifted one foot and winced at the torn skin and blood.[]
I carefully
All I could think about was how to make it to the living room-
To get the first aid kit and try to dull the pain somehow.[]
While I was still frozen there, trying to figure it out,[]
The bedroom door opened again.[]
It was our live–in doctor.
She knelt down and gently cleaned the wounds, then wrapped them with care.[]
“Mrs. Ashbourne, no water for at least three days, alright?“[]
I nodded obediently. [
“Sorry to make you come all this way so late. Thank you.”
She hesitated, packing up her supplies, before quietly saying,
“Mr. Ashbourne was the one who asked me to check on you.“[]
1 froze.
I thought he’d just left me here like I didn’t matter.
The doctor looked conflicted, then added,
“People can say what they want, but… I really think Mr. Ashbourne still cares about you.“[]
I looked her in the eye and said sincerely.
“He’s a good man.”
That’s exactly why I needed to be a good wife.]
No complaints. No resentment]
just figure out what he needs most-]
And give it to him
So I pulled out my phone and sent him a message]
“Come home. I know I messed up
And Ethan did come home
Chapter 5
With Sophia.]
His eyes barely flicked over my bandaged feet before he said coldly.[]
“Sophia’s dealing with some pregnancy nausea.“]]
“I want you to look after her.“]]
Sophia clung to Ethan like a timid little lamb and said softly.[]
“Ethan, Lillian’s hurt. We shouldn’t bother her.“[]
“Don’t worry about it,” he said, eyes locked on mine, voice tight like he was grinding his teeth,[]
“She’s perfectly fine.“]
For a moment, I was too stunned to respond.[]
When we first got together, I once sprained my ankle just walking.[]
He freaked out- -0
Garried me up and down the stairs himself,[]
Took me to every appointment, never missed one.[]
He didn’t rest until I could run again without a limp.
But now?
Now I was actually injured, and he could barely look at me.
e.0
And he says I’m “perfectly fine.“[]
The difference between love and indifference is… staggering.
Still smiling, I stood on one foot and hopped over to Sophia.[]
“You’re right, Ethan. I’m totally fine.“]
I reached out and took Sophia’s hand, all warm and friendly.
“Whatever cravings you have, just tell me. I’m a great cook.“[]
And right on cue, Ethan’s brow twitched.
Loving Line