Chapter 72: Unexpected Compromise

Chapter 72: Unexpected Compromise

"I don't know either," Emily said after a moment of thought. "Annie Sassen's most famous travel shoot lasted five years. But she hasn't been out shooting for a long time; the last time was several years ago…"

Emily's voice trailed off, her words fading into silence as she sensed the oppressive mood around Ethan. He kept his eyes lowered, his lips pressed into a tight line, and his jaw clenched.

Emily watched Ethan closely, feeling her earlier excitement dissipate. Her eyes now showed a mix of curiosity and unease. The silence stretched between them for a few seconds before Emily opened her mouth, yet no words came out.

She wanted to explain to him how working with Annie Sassen was a coveted opportunity for many photographers. She wanted him to understand the frustration of being stuck in a creative rut and how rare such chances were…

But she couldn't bring herself to say it.

She found it difficult to assertively tell him, "I have to go." She was also concerned that he might say "no."

For some reason, she now found herself oddly afraid of conflict with Ethan. It was strange because they used to argue and bicker like it was second nature.

Ethan suddenly lifted his gaze. "I'll go with you."

Emily didn't catch it clearly. "Huh?"

Ethan's dark eyes met hers for a few seconds.

"I'll go with you."

Emily was even more stunned.

After a moment, she forced a smile, though it seemed stiff. "Stop joking. How could you come with me?"

She knew well that his offer was practically impractical, irrational, and even a bit childish, yet her heart raced at his words.

She imagined countless reactions from him but never one where he said, "I'll go with you." What was even more surprising was that after he said it, she naturally pictured them traveling and shooting together…

"You can't just take off. The media is busy with acquisitions, and aren't there new projects in the group as well?" Emily adjusted Ethan's tie at his throat, her words trailing off.

Ethan was well aware of these issues.

He looked at Emily with deep concern, holding her small hand over his chest and sighing softly.

"I understand that travel shoots are spontaneous, and you don't like being constrained. But I'll still have someone follow you discreetly. If anything happens, a bodyguard will be there immediately."

He lowered his gaze, his brows furrowing slightly. "I'm worried about where you might go. I'm concerned you might be uncomfortable in some places."

His wife had been pampered since childhood, always accustomed to material abundance. Since marrying him, this had only increased.

She was used to private cars and planes, and now she was going to travel the world with a camera? To Ethan's standards, it seemed like a budget trip…

He couldn't possibly feel at ease about it.

Ethan blinked slowly, raising his hand to gently caress Emily's face. His thumb traced from her temple to her lips, pressing down firmly yet gently, a touch that was both possessive and tender.

His precious wife, so delicate and beautiful, shouldn't have to endure hardships. Yet, having seen her spread her wings, he couldn't bear to keep her confined.

"My phone will be on 24/7. Call me immediately if anything happens," Ethan said, his tone carrying an authoritative edge rarely used with her. "Even if nothing happens, call me every day."

Emily looked up at him, her face filled with a mixture of surprise and unspoken excitement. Her eyes sparkled with a new brightness, different from the excitement she had felt when reading emails.

So he understood. He understood her and her photography.

The scene of her crying and scolding him for not understanding seemed like a distant memory.

She hadn't noticed when he started to understand photography…

Emily sniffed, burying her head into Ethan's chest and hugging him tightly. Ethan embraced her, taking the chance to kiss the top of her fluffy head, inhaling the fragrance of her hair.

"Why?" he asked, his voice carrying a smile. "Are you reluctant to let me go? Then don't go."

Emily shook her head against his chest, her movements soft and affectionate as she nuzzled against him, her voice now a gentle murmur.

"Hubby…"

Ethan's breath hitched, his throat tightening. He responded with a soft "mm," lowering his head to kiss her more passionately. One hand slipped to the back of her head, his long fingers weaving into her hair with a dominating possessiveness.

His kiss was intense, and Emily, leaning back, was kissed breathlessly. This time, she didn't push him away or urge him to stop; instead, she wrapped her arms around his narrow waist, trying to match his rhythm.

Ethan only released her when her face was flushed and her ears were red, pressing a few more kisses on her eyelashes, attempting to kiss away the droplets of moisture. But when Emily opened her eyes, he noticed her gaze was also filled with shimmering tears…

Emily leaned against him, taking a moment to steady her breathing. Ethan's hand, previously on her head, now rested on her ear, subtly teasing her earlobe with a certain intention.

Emily quickly grabbed his restless hand. "But what about Grandpa?"

When Grandpa learned that the studio was closing, he had assumed his granddaughter-in-law was expecting a great-grandchild, and he was thrilled. He had frequently sent her messages about "happy pregnancy" and even secretly sent a generous red envelope.

Now, she was leaving with his red envelope in her pocket…

"You don't need to worry about Grandpa," Ethan said, holding her shoulders firmly. "Emily, do you remember what I said when I proposed?"

"I didn't just want a wife. I didn't want you to merely be part of the Harrison Family. You are my wife, and to me, your desires and feelings are what matter most."

He tightened his grip on her shoulders slightly, reassuring her.

"With me around, no one can force you or stop you. Go ahead and do what you need to do."

He no longer had the luxury of choice. To him, it was never about "wanting or not wanting," only "whether it should be done or not."

Now that he was in this position, he didn't even have the right to give up.

Yet, he found it acceptable. At least this way, he had the power and determination to support her in everything.

As long as he stood strong behind her, no one would dare to say a word against her.

Emily clearly felt this unwavering support. She smiled, giving him a reward kiss on the chin.

"Oh, by the way," Emily suddenly remembered and turned serious, "there's something else I need to tell you."

Ethan responded with a curious "Hmm?"

"Next month, at the Poly auction, there will be two rare Hermès bags. You need to get both of them for me."

Ethan paused, surprised. "That's it?"

He thought there might be something more…

This was very typical of his wife. It suited her artist persona who enjoyed the pleasures of life.

But that was fine. If she ever stopped loving spending money, he would lose one of the advantages he had in winning her favor.

"One is Himalayan matte white, and the other is Birkin Ferrari red. I've wanted both for a long time," Emily said seriously. "Make sure to get them."

Ethan nodded. "Got it. I'll buy them."

He suddenly smirked. "Anything else you want to tell me?"

Emily met his knowing gaze, her lips forming a playful pout.

She slowly raised her lashes, turning to smile at him like a mischievous little fox.

The little fox suddenly grabbed his tie and pulled it down, planting soft, teasing kisses on his cheek, stubble, lips, and nose.

Once done, she wrapped her arms around his neck and gently wiped away the faint lip marks from his face.

"Is this okay?"

Ethan tilted his head, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. "Not quite."

He loosened his tie and removed it. "Why do you always grab it? Do you like it?"

Emily was about to say, "I can't kiss you if I don't grab it because you're so tall," but her hands were caught by him. The tie, made of fine fabric, wrapped around her wrists, binding them firmly.