Chapter 53: Healing Touch

Chapter 53: Healing Touch

"You are my medicine."

Emily felt a slight twitch in her brow.

Here it comes.

The master of cheesy lines is back, armed with his latest pickup line.

Yet, despite herself, Emily found that she was... actually a little charmed by it. Maybe it was because they were so close. His gaze felt warm, almost as if it was heating her face.

Ethan's eyes were fixed on her lips, still rosy even without makeup. His gaze deepened, and his throat bobbed more heavily with each swallow.

It was as if he were thirsting for something just out of reach.

But as Ethan leaned in, about to quench that thirst, Emily sprang back as if scalded.

She turned her head away, mumbling, "I don't think you're really in pain."

"When you're here, I'm not," Ethan continued, tightening his grip on her hand and pulling her down to sit beside him.

As he started to sit up, Emily quickly reached out to help, propping up the pillow behind him.

Once Ethan was upright, his commanding presence returned. He looked at her with those deep eyes, and Emily found it impossible to hide from that intense gaze. She awkwardly lowered her eyes, only to find herself staring at his bare chest.

The thin blanket had long since slipped away, revealing the powerful muscles and defined lines of his body.

She had seen it before, yet now she felt a sudden shyness. Her eyelashes trembled as she averted her gaze, unsure where to look.

"By the way," Emily decided to change the subject, "have I… experienced something like this before?"

She struggled to find the right words.

Had you protected me so selflessly before?

But she knew he had once harbored deep misunderstandings about her. People always said he was cold toward her, that he despised her. Where would such selflessness come from?

Emily rephrased her question: "Have I been through something like this before?"

Ethan looked puzzled. "What?"

"I heard," Emily pressed her lips together, watching his reaction, "that you wore a splint before?"

Ethan visibly froze, his expression shifting slightly.

"You remember that?"

Emily shook her head. "Just a very vague impression."

Ethan's gaze dropped, his expression unreadable.

That was back when they had just gotten married, a time when he was filled with the most conflict and struggle.

He had married her with a possessive, almost vengeful heart, convinced that his feelings were cold and detached. But every time she smiled at him with those bright, almond-shaped eyes, every time she wrapped her arms around his neck and purred like a kitten, every time she cried and her tears welled in the corners of her eyes, he felt his heart stir uncontrollably.

And with each flutter of his heart came more suspicion and doubt…

He had used every ounce of restraint to suppress his feelings, convincing himself over and over again.

But when that mast fell toward her, he hadn't hesitated for a second before rushing over to shield her with his body…

Emily had shed many tears over his shattered arm. It was because of that incident that she became convinced he loved her, growing increasingly spoiled.

Even when they argued, and he coldly denied any feelings for her, she would just lift her chin, refusing to believe him.

"I know you love me. If you didn't, why would you risk your life to protect me? Just keep pretending you don't care, hmph!"

Ethan could never find the words to counter her.

She was right. In such a dangerous moment, his most primal instincts had betrayed the deepest parts of his subconscious…

Ethan closed his eyes for a moment, pulling himself out of his memories.

"It was nothing serious," he said softly, meeting her gaze. "It's all in the past."

Emily blinked, scrutinizing him for a few seconds before slowly raising her eyebrows.

"You don't want me to remember?"

Confusion flashed in her eyes as she prepared to ask something else. Then her nose twitched, and she quickly covered her mouth with her arm, letting out a sharp sneeze.

Ethan immediately frowned. He touched the back of her hand, his gaze dropping to her feet—sure enough, her delicate toes were bare, resting on her slippers.

"Barefoot again," he scolded softly.

Emily glanced down, finally realizing how hastily she had come running. She wriggled her rosy toes, trying to defend herself. "I'm not cold."

Before the words left her mouth, she sneezed twice more.

Ethan sighed, moving over and pulling back half of the blanket.

"Get in."

Emily's next sneeze was cut short by his words, turning into a string of interrupted coughs.

She looked up at him with misty eyes, her cheeks turning pink.

Ethan tugged the blanket lower, patting the spot beside him. "Hurry up."

His bare chest was clearly visible, the defined muscles of his abs standing out.

His face was as chiseled as a sculpture, and his body was equally impressive. Years of discipline had sculpted his muscles, just the right amount of masculinity.

As he sat there, Emily's eyes darted around, unsure where to look.

It was strange.

They had done the most intimate things before, yet now, just looking at his abs or meeting his gaze was making her heart race like a lovestruck teenager. Her cheeks flushed.

What's wrong with you?

…

Ethan noticed every small change in her expression. Satisfied, he curled his lips and urged her again, "Come on."

He touched the back of her hand. "You're cold."

Emily: "…"

She shot him a sideways glare. "You're the cold one—"

Before she could finish, Ethan gently tugged her with his uninjured arm, pulling her close.

"What are you afraid of?" he asked in a low voice, glancing down at himself.

"You've seen it all before."

Emily: "…"

You're not suffering from burns, you're suffering from excessive boldness.

She wasn't about to back down.

Emily kicked off her slippers and climbed in, letting him guide her into his arms while carefully avoiding his bandaged arm.

Ethan pulled the blanket up, as if planning to warm her with his body. He didn't cover them too tightly, leaving space for her.

With one arm wrapped around her, his chin rested on her forehead, and he closed his eyes, perfectly content.

Emily felt Ethan's warmth all around her. His body was naturally warm, and with nothing between them, she felt like she was being enveloped in heat.

The warmth was almost too much, yet she found herself unwilling to pull away.

She nestled quietly against him, resting her face in the crook of his neck, feeling both comforted and strangely at peace.

After a while, Ethan exhaled softly.

"I want you to remember the past," he said, answering her earlier question. "But I'm also afraid you'll remember…"

His voice was soft, with a gravelly undertone that sent a warm breath against her temple. For a moment, Emily felt a bit lightheaded.

It was the first time she had heard him use the word "afraid."

A man like him, afraid?

Emily blinked a few times, staying silent.

"I want you to remember how much you used to love me," he continued, his voice thick with emotion. "But I'm afraid you'll remember…"

He didn't finish his sentence. Emily tilted her head up, determined to ask, "Why are you afraid I'll remember?"

She studied his face, pouting slightly. "You must have treated me badly before."

Ethan's gaze darkened, a flash of guilt crossing his eyes.

"My biggest mistake," he said quietly, lowering his lashes as his gaze softened on her face, "was not daring to love you."

Emily's eyes widened in surprise.

Ethan held her tighter.

"Forget the past if you must. Just remember that I love you now…"

Emily remained still, resting in his embrace.

She thought back to the last time he held her, telling her, "No one loves you more than I do."

To be honest, she hadn't believed it before.

But today, when he shielded her with his body, she believed him…

"If something had really happened today," Emily said slowly, "you have the Harrison Family and Creston Media behind you. Didn't you think about that?"

She looked up at him. "Weren't you scared afterward?"

Ethan shook his head. "There wasn't time to think."

He looked into her eyes. "I'm not scared."

"I'm more afraid you'd leave me."

Emily's heart skipped a beat.

Something seemed to pierce her heart, a slight sting that made her whole chest feel soft.

She averted her eyes slightly, pouting with a touch of pride.

"If something really had happened to you today, I… I would have taken responsibility…"

As she spoke, her voice grew softer, and her face flushed with heat.

Ethan's entire face lit up, no longer looking like an injured man but someone reborn.

His lips curled into a smile, and without any hesitation, he pressed his forehead against hers.

His finely sculpted features loomed large in front of her, and Emily suddenly thought that what she had said wasn't a lie.

Even if he were brain-damaged or crippled, as long as his face wasn't ruined, she might be willing to take care of him.

Yes, selling cameras to support him wouldn't be out of the question…

"I'm fine now, but will you still take responsibility?" he whispered in her ear, his body leaning over hers, pinning her down completely.

"How will you take responsibility, hm?"

His deep, magnetic voice caressed her cheek, his warm

breath deliberately teasing her ear.

Emily felt the firm muscles of his chest press against her, his body heat rising.

Before she could say anything, her body suddenly tensed.

"You—" Emily's face turned bright red. "Ethan, you shameless man!"

She didn't need him to explain; she knew hospital gowns didn't come with belts.

"Not my fault, it's been over half a year," Ethan mumbled in his defense, showing no signs of restraint.

He leaned in closer, his voice even softer. "Let me blow off some steam, okay?"

Emily: "…!"

Emily's eyes filled with embarrassment as she stared in disbelief at his bandaged arm.

The human-shaped teddy bear Ethan was confirmed.

And one with unwavering determination.

Ethan immediately understood what she was thinking, letting out a hoarse chuckle.

"I'll just give you a kiss," he pleaded, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "Is that okay?"

Emily bit her lip, swallowing hard but didn't move away.

Ethan's gaze darkened, his urgency tempered by restraint. He leaned down and pressed his lips softly to her forehead.

He closed his eyes, savoring the moment, then moved down to kiss her eyelid.

He watched as her ears turned red.

Her long eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings against his chin.

Ethan let out a low groan.

Instead of quenching his fire, this only seemed to fuel it.

His eyes darkened further, and he grasped her delicate chin, staring at her rosy lips for a couple of seconds before lowering his head—

The phone on the bedside table suddenly vibrated loudly.

Ethan ignored it, intent on continuing.

Emily let out a small sound, turning her head away and pushing his chin with her hand, signaling for him to answer the call.

Ethan let out a heavy sigh, resigned as he reached for the phone. His arm, however, remained firmly wrapped around her, as if afraid she might escape.

Emily had no intention of leaving. She rested her chin on his chest, returning to her previous position.

Ethan glanced at the screen and froze in surprise.

"Grandpa?"

Emily was also taken aback.

The Harrison Family's patriarch rarely contacted his successor directly.

She stayed nestled in his arms, listening closely to the conversation.

The old man must have heard about Ethan's accident and called to check on him. Ethan explained the situation in a few words, and the old man didn't press further.

After a pause, the old man spoke again. "Have you and Emily really divorced?"

Ethan instinctively looked down at the woman in his arms, meeting her sharp gaze.

He hesitated before giving a faint "Yes."

Emily held her breath, listening intently. To her surprise, the old man didn't immediately demand the billion-dollar settlement like Daniel had. Instead—

"Sigh, what are you doing at your age… You're already thirty…"

Emily smirked silently.

See? I'm not the only one who thinks you're old.

But her smile quickly faded when the old man continued—

"So, when are you coming back? Your grandmother and I have arranged a blind date for you!"

"You'll listen to the family this time. Get married quickly and give us a grandchild!"