After several days of rest and slow recovery, Sophie was finally discharged from the hospital. Her body was still weak, but she was healing. Back home, it wasn't the nurses or staff who took care of her—it was Leonard.
Leonard had returned to Yan's Group and resumed his role as CEO following his uncle's arrest. Despite his busy schedule and work responsibilities, he insisted on looking after her himself. He changed her bandages with care, reminded her to take her medicine, fluffed her pillows, and tucked her in when she needed sleep. He even cooked for her—though she couldn't help teasing him when his porridge came out a little too thick. Through it all, Leonard never once wavered. He stayed by her side, patient and devoted. And with every small act of care, Sophie felt it clearly—Leonard truly loved her. She saw it in his eyes when he looked at her, in the way he softly said her name, and in how he held her hand each night like he never wanted to let go.
Ever since Leonard revealed his true self, stepping out from behind the act he once used for protection, Sophie found herself blushing more than ever. Her heart would skip a beat whenever he walked into the room, especially when she saw the confident spark in his eyes or heard the calm strength in his voice. The way he moved now, poised, composed, and effortlessly in control, made it clear just how capable he truly was.
As she sat beside the man who had cared for her, protected her, and loved her without hesitation, Sophie realized something quietly powerful: she didn't have to choose between who he was before and who he was now. She loved all of him. Because it was all real. All true. And all hers.
One quiet evening, Leonard gently insisted on helping Sophie wash her hair, reminding her that her wound was still healing and she needed to be careful.
She tried to protest but the soft determination in his eyes left her no choice but to agree. Now, with her head resting on a towel at the edge of the warm bathtub, Sophie let herself relax. Leonard knelt beside her, sleeves rolled up, carefully massaging shampoo into her scalp. His hands were steady and gentle, each motion calming and precise. The scent of jasmine filled the steamy air, wrapping them in a peaceful stillness.
Leonard then rinsed her hair thoroughly, making sure not to let any soap remain. When he was done, he wrapped her hair in a large, fluffy towel and helped her out of the tub. Sophie sat quietly at the vanity while he dried her hair, his fingers tenderly combing through the damp strands. He dabbed away the water on her forehead and cheeks, and when she opened her eyes, she found him looking at her with soft, steady affection.
Her heart stirred at the sight of him—so focused, so kind. She smiled, her expression warm and full. Leonard caught it and asked gently, "What is it?" Sophie shook her head with a slight blush.
"Nothing," she whispered. "I'm just… really happy." He paused for a moment, then leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "Good," he murmured. "Because I plan to keep making you happy—for the rest of our lives." His words were simple, yet they carried all the love she could ever need.
Sophie looked up at him, touched by the tenderness in his words. "Thank you, Leonard," she said softly as he gently dried the last of her hair.
"But you don't have to do everything. I could've asked Aunt Yu to help." Leonard paused, then lifted his hand to her cheek, his touch warm and steady.
"You're my wife," he said quietly. "Taking care of you is my honor." The way he said it—so sincere, so full of love—made her heart flutter.
Before she could respond, Leonard leaned in slowly, closing the space between them. His gaze was steady and calm—not playful like before, but deep and full of emotion. "I want a kiss from my wife," he murmured, his voice low and certain.
Sophie's breath caught, her face flushing with warmth. She opened her mouth to speak but couldn't find the words. Leonard simply smiled, then closed the gap and kissed her. His lips were gentle but sure, and in that kiss was everything he felt for her—care, love, and quiet devotion.
Sophie's heart pounded wildly in her chest. She reached up, her arms slipping around his neck, pulling him closer as she kissed him back, pouring into that kiss every ounce of love, relief, and longing she had been holding inside. Leonard's embrace tightened, strong and protective, his arms wrapping around her like he was afraid to let go. He deepened the kiss with care. Gently, he lifted her into his arms, and Sophie instinctively curled against him, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt, her ear pressed to his chest where she could feel the solid, calming rhythm of his heartbeat. He carried her with ease and grace, lowering her onto the bed with practiced gentleness, never once breaking the kiss.
As she lay back, Leonard's hand moved gently along her arm, then his thumb brushed her cheek, grounding her in the moment
Under the soft glow of the lamp, Sophie's skin glowed gently, her damp hair fanned out across the pillow. She bit her lip, her cheeks warm, and looked up at Leonard. Gone was the playful look he once had—his eyes were calm, steady, and filled with deep affection.
He gently cupped her face, brushing her cheek with his thumb. "Sophie…" he murmured, voice low and full of feeling, "you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." His gaze stayed locked on hers, not just admiring her looks, but the person she was. Then he leaned in, kissing the side of her neck with soft, lingering touches—each kiss full of meaning, not just desire.
His hands slid down, fingers tracing the hem of her top before lifting it slowly, letting the fabric whisper away. She raised her arms, her skin pebbling under his gaze as he drank in the sight of her. His own clothes followed—his shirt shrugged off, his belt undone with a sharp tug—until there was nothing left between them but heat and want.
Then his mouth was on her again, kissing down her throat, her collarbone, lower. "I missed having this with you Sophie" he growled against her skin, one hand skimming up her thigh, teasing, claiming. She arched into him with a gasp, her fingers digging into his shoulders as he guided her beneath him.
When he finally slid inside her, it was with a slow, aching push, his forehead pressed to hers. "God, you feel perfect," he breathed, her lips parted as their bodies joined. Every movement after was deliberate, deep, as if they were relearning each other. Not just pleasure, but home.
Sophie's breath hitched, her hands finding his shoulders for support as the world faded around them. "Leonard…" she whispered, her voice trembling. Leonard smiled against her skin, as if every small reaction from her stirred something deep in his heart. "I love you," he said quietly, his arms wrapping around her, holding her close like she belonged there—with him. His lips traced down to her collarbone, his hands gently following the shape of her body.
Their breathing slowed and deepened together, falling into sync as they held each other in the soft light of the room. Leonard's hold tightened slightly, bringing her closer until nothing stood between them. He leaned down, his breath brushing her ear.
"Sophie…" he whispered again, her name tender on his lips. She tightened her grip on his shoulders, her body warm beneath his touch, feeling his steady love in every careful motion.
Their bodies moved together with ease. Sophie buried her face into the crook of his neck, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat against her own.
"Leonard…I love you too" she whispered. Leonard drew back just enough to look at her, his eyes soft but serious, his thumb gently brushing her cheek. Without waiting another second, Leonard dipped his head and captured her lips in a kiss that was deep and full of emotion. Sophie responded without hesitation, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck, surrendering to the moment. Their lips moved in harmony.