***

Early in the morning, after scrubbing off the lingering stickiness from last night, Lillian Reeves felt her sore and limp body much more relaxed.

Her body was still sore, her legs weak, but the warmth spreading over her skin where he had touched her made her face flush all over again.

Their wedding night had been... something. From the passionate moments to the slow tenderness of their morning bath, she was beginning to see layers in her new husband. Cold and aloof most of the time, but in bed? He was another man entirely—dominant, intense, yet surprisingly considerate.

In terms of sexual matters, he considered her feelings a lot and wasn't rude, as a result, her first time wasn't particularly painful, it was just a bit lengthy and she felt a bit uncomfortable due to the aching.

Just as she was thinking, the bathroom door was opened and a tall and robust figure walked out.

The man was covered in water droplets, even though he was only wrapped in a bath towel.

As soon as Lillian looked up, she saw his robust figure. A white towel sat dangerously low on his hips, teasing the sculpted V-lines leading downward.

"Why aren't you wearing any clothes?" Lillian immediately averted her eyes, her face was so red that it seemed like it was about to bleed.

After the exclamation, she felt a bit overly shocked.

After all, they had already done all the intimate things, and just took a bath together.

Upon seeing her coy and shy look, Ethan lips twitched slightly, almost like he was amused.

"Does it still hurt there? Do you need me to get some medicine? Hmm?"

The deep and clear voice spoke, causing Lillian's heart to pound uncontrollably.

"No, it doesn't hurt anymore." Lillian dared not look at his face.

They had known each other for just a month. Met only twice. This marriage had been rushed and devoid of emotions. So why was her heart doing this weird little flip every time he spoke?

Suddenly concerned about her private matters, Lillian felt extremely shy.

"I'll go make breakfast, you rest for a while and I'll call you when it's ready."

"I'll do it," Lillian said, peeling the blanket wrapped around her.

He was a surgeon, skilled in handling a scalpel; how could he be tasked with cooking?

Lillian stood quickly, throwing off the blanket. But the second her feet touched the ground, her legs wobbled.

Oh no.

She had no idea that her legs were so weak they couldn't support her.

With a soft yelp, she nearly toppled forward, but a strong arm caught her before she hit the floor.

Ethan was quick to react; with a swift stretch of his arm, he held her steady.

Caught off guard, Lillian found herself held against him, her face pressed against his bare chest.

Huff...

Her face was quite hot; it felt as if she had a fever that was causing her to overheat.

"I'm sorry..."

She apologized quietly, somewhat annoyed at her own carelessness.

"You should rest. I will go and cook."

"You're a surgeon who holds a scalpel, how can you wield a kitchen knife?" Lillian raised her eyes, looking at his heroic brows.

Ethan narrowed his eyes, his deep, dark eyes staring at her. He spoke, his low and mellow voice saying, "Apart from being a doctor, I am also your man and it's my responsibility to take care of you."

The sound of his voice with its electric-like magnetism was dangerously close, causing Lillian's heart to flutter.

For the first time in her life, someone was siding with her this much.

Ethan gripped her waist with his strong hands, using his absolute strength to place her on the bed.

"If it's really hurting, I'll go get medicine."

Lillian was gently placed on the soft bed. She turned her head, her slender eyelashes trembling slightly, and whispered, "It's not that painful. You...you should go make breakfast."

Ethan's focused gaze fixed on her embarrassed face, "Alright."

His newlywed wife, now a woman but still acting like a young girl.

"If you feel uncomfortable, call me."

Ethan said in a deep voice, then turned around and went to the kitchen to make breakfast.

Only when she heard the noise from the kitchen, did Lillian dare to reveal her flushed face.

"Sigh..."

This is mortifying.

About twenty minutes later, Ethan changed into casual clothes in the cloakroom and then returned to the room to carry Lillian to the dining table.

Lillian, at first, wanted to reject the offer, but she was rendered helpless by Ethan's domineering demeanor. His strong arms easily picked her up.

Well okay, having someone carry her to the dining table wasn't so bad after all.

When Lillian was placed on her dining chair, she noticed a soft seat cushion.

"Ethan, you're so considerate," she said.

"As your man, it’s my duty." Ethan replied with a frosty voice, his handsome and stern eye gaze mixed with his machismo made quite a pair alongside her words.

Coincidentally, Lillian's petite figure added the touch of gentleness and elegance often described in women from the Southern region.

These two were indeed complementary.

Breakfast was simple: egg noodles. Its color was light, making it unassuming, but surprisingly, it was incredibly delicious.

To make something as simple as noodles taste good demonstrated impressive culinary skills.

As Lillian Reeves met the eyes of the man sitting upright before her, she commented, "These noodles are very good. You know how to cook?"

Ethan's expression was calm. Without trying to hide anything, he straightforwardly replied, "This is the only dish I know how to make."

Lillian heaved, "humm...."

"I can cook. I can make lunch for you in the future. Grandma says you always don't eat properly, when you're busy, which isn't good."

Lillian said this without realizing Ethan was staring at her with a deep, ink-like gaze in his eyes.

To her, although it was a flash wedding, Ethan gave her the impression of a man with accountability and responsibility.

Though, he was an excellent surgeon, with a somewhat revered job. As his wife, she should take good care of him, but Ethan had taken it upon himself.

Their first meal was heavenly, the atmosphere was bland but there was no specific awkward moment.

After finishing their noodles, Ethan silently began to clear the table and kitchen.

Lillian just sat in her chair, stealing glances at his towering figure from time to time.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

A hurried knock interrupted Lillian's thoughts.

The person outside seemed ready to break down the door with their force.

"Lillian, open the door! Pay back the money. You could even ripped off your own brother!" Outside, the voice of Lillian's younger brother, Daniel Reeves, rang out aggressively.

The words were very ugly.

Lillian's fair little face suddenly turned as cold as frost.

Ethan had just finished washing the dishes and was drying his hands when he heard the roar from outside.

With a stern face, he walked over to open the door.

"Ignore them." Lillian tried to stop him.

But Ethan had already opened the door.

With a stern expression on his face, Ethan coldly looked at the two people at the door.

Watching his tall and broad back, Lillian was startled. He may have been just a regular doctor, but when he turned cold, his presence carried a powerful aura that felt almost oppressive.