David was stunned. "Is he okay?"
"He’s still in critical care," Carl replied, his face dark with worry. "Vivian, come back to the country with me."
Vivian shook her head adamantly. "No, I’m staying in Country S. I want to be with him. I won’t leave!"
"Fine! Stay if you want!" Carl snapped. "I’ve done so much for you, and you don’t even spare me a glance! My father is in the hospital because of this, Vivian. Think long and hard about your choices. When you’ve figured it out, maybe you can come back to me."
Furious, Carl stormed out. Vivian sat frozen on the sofa, tears streaming down her face, while David immediately began booking tickets, determined to leave Country S as quickly as possible.
After lunch, Ella was escorted back to the bridal suite by her bridesmaids.
Tonight, she and Eric planned to spend their first night as newlyweds in the presidential suite of the Nelson Group Hotel.
Feeling a bit tired, Ella allowed Mia to help her out of her wedding gown and into casual clothes before lying down to take a short nap.
Eric returned to the suite and, seeing his bride, couldn’t help but smile as he removed his jacket and slowly approached the bed.
Ella’s peaceful face and softly closed eyes made Eric tread carefully. He sat down gently and held her hand in his.
As soon as he did, Ella opened her eyes.
"You weren’t asleep?" he asked.
"You’re back?" she replied.
Both spoke at the same time, then laughed softly. The room filled with a quiet sweetness and happiness.
The lighting was warm, and the curtains by the window swayed lightly in the breeze.
Eric pressed a button on the remote, and the automatic curtains closed, blocking out the moon and stars outside.
"Shall we take a bath together?" Eric teased, kissing her hair. "My beautiful bride, you’re the most gorgeous woman in the world today... I’m so lucky to have you as my wife."
Ella rolled her eyes at him. "Stop with the flattery. What are you going to do about Vivian?"
"What do I do? She’s leaving with David tomorrow. Don’t worry, David won’t let her trouble us again," Eric reassured her with a light chuckle.
Ella exhaled in relief. "Good. I’m not afraid of her stirring up trouble anymore. Still... given her unique status, we can’t afford a public fallout. I didn’t want to push things too far and risk damaging your friendship with David."
Eric kissed her hand tenderly. "Thank you for being so considerate. I know this has been difficult for you."
If it had been anyone else as shameless as Vivian, Ella would’ve had no qualms about releasing the video.
But Vivian now understood that Ella was not someone to be trifled with. Hopefully, this would dissuade her from causing any more problems.
"Hmph, it’s all your fault! You always attract so many troublesome admirers. So annoying!" Ella pouted, her lips forming a playful little pout as she vented her frustration.
"It’s my fault, my dear wife. Tonight, let me atone for it—how about a bath together?" Eric teased.
"No way!" Ella gently stroked her slightly rounded belly. "What if you lose control..."
Her cheeks flushed slightly. She knew Eric was struggling—it had been four months since he last touched her, and being a normal man with no other women in his life, it must have been difficult to restrain himself.
Eric chuckled, rubbing his chin. "Why do you make me sound like I’ve been starving for centuries?"
"Because you *have* been starving for centuries! Haven’t you heard the saying—’a day feels like a year’?"
"Fine, then I’ll go take a shower by myself. But... can we?" Eric’s eyes gleamed with warmth and mischief as he locked gazes with Ella’s mesmerizing eyes.
"Well... that depends on how you behave," she replied with a coy smile.
"As you wish, my queen! I’ll take a quick shower and wait for you in bed!" Eric said, his excitement barely contained.
Ella couldn’t help but laugh at his eagerness, though deep down, she felt a wave of fulfillment and happiness.
That night, Eric was particularly overjoyed, finally quenching some of his longing. Even if it wasn’t entirely satisfying, having a taste was far better than nothing.
The night deepened, and the moon retreated behind the clouds. As time ticked by, the first light of dawn began to seep in from the east, illuminating the city ready to spring to life once more.
The next morning, Eric went to see David and the others off at the airport. Vivian, initially hopeful, felt her heart sink further at Eric’s cold demeanor, her sadness growing heavier.
Life settled into a peaceful rhythm.
Before they knew it, Ella’s belly grew larger—five months now. After a detailed ultrasound, the doctor confirmed that the baby was healthy, allowing Ella and Eric to finally relax completely.
The winter sun was warm and comforting.
Eric sat quietly on the balcony, dressed in a black sweater and a white leather jacket, looking fresh and effortlessly handsome.
A book titled *The Complete Guide to Parenting* rested in his hands as soft prenatal music drifted from the room. The sunlight bathed his face, accentuating his striking, sculpted features, making him appear even more captivating.
His eyes held a gentle warmth, like a serene pool reflecting the light of the sun.
Ella stood nearby, watching him in a daze, her gaze full of tenderness and admiration.
This kind of quiet companionship made her heart brim with contentment. But looking at Eric’s face—so unfairly handsome—it stirred a wicked thought in her mind. She wanted to pounce on him and savor every bit of him!
Eric felt her heated, adoring stare and raised his head, meeting her eyes with a mischievous grin.
"What’s wrong, Mrs. Ella? Are you feeling a bit flustered seeing such a handsome man? How about a little ’morning exercise’ to start the day?"
Setting down his book, his gaze sparkled with mischief and affection. The sunlight illuminated his brows and features, casting a golden halo that made him even more irresistible.
Ella’s heart raced. After all these years of marriage, he could still make her heart beat —like a teenager falling in love for the first time.
Marrying a handsome man certainly had its perks. Of course, it helped that he was also kind and virtuous.
"No, Mr. Eric, you’re overthinking it," Ella replied, forcing herself to look away. She held up a tiny sweater in her hand. "Look, I knitted a sweater for our little one."
"My wife is amazing! Every time I see you working on something like that, it makes my head spin," Eric teased with a laugh.
"You wouldn’t understand. A handmade sweater is the warmest and cleanest gift," Ella retorted with pride.
She set down the sweater but suddenly felt a gentle flutter in her belly. Her eyes widened in shock, and she immediately placed her hand on her stomach.
"Eric... the twins... they’re moving, aren’t they?" she said, her voice filled with awe and excitement.