Eric stopped in his tracks, his gaze falling on the delicate fingers that clutched his hand. His expression deepened. “Why?”

Sarah lowered her eyes, lying, “I ... I’m scared.”

The excuse was so flimsy that Sarah didn’t dare look up, unsure if Eric would believe her. She added softly, “I just took some medication. I’ll be fine after some sleep.”

Eric lowered his gaze; from his angle, he could see Sarah’s face, pale with fear. Her small face, with its beautifully shaped eyes and long lashes that cast delicate shadows, was flushed from the fever, making her fair skin look even more supple.

For some reason, Eric felt his heart soften. He turned and skillfully opened the door, carrying her into the bedroom.

Sarah finally relaxed a bit. She had been so tense that her entire body was covered in sweat, making her feel sticky and uncomfortable. Even her hair was damp. Right now, all she wanted was to take a bath and go to sleep.

“I’m fine now.” Sarah’s tone suggested she hoped Eric would leave. After all, Eric was used to the luxury of a large mansion and had never deigned to stay in her small apartment.

“All right.” Eric responded, but he didn’t leave. Instead, he raised his hand, pulling off his tie, and then began to unbutton his shirt...

Sarah was dumbfounded, almost unable to breathe, her eyes widening in shock. “Why are you undressing?”

Was Eric really thinking about satisfying himself even when she was sick? Was he even human? Eric lifted his gaze, his dark eyes locking onto hers. Sarah’s heart pounded wildly. She couldn’t bear Eric scrutinizing her so closely. His gaze wasn’t like anyone else’s—it was filled with a burning desire when he looked at her. As if she were standing naked before him.

Sarah bit her lip, “I’m not feeling well.” The underlying message was clear: she wasn’t in a condition to serve him in bed. And besides, if they were about to get divorced, they probably shouldn’t be sleeping together anymore. Eric didn’t say a word, his expression darkening as if a fire had ignited within his eyes.

The next moment, he leaned down, bracing his hands on the bed, and whispered in her ear, “Sweetheart, I’m not that much of a beast.”

He called her “Sweetheart,” a term so seductive and alluring. Seeing the blush on Sarah’s face, Eric smiled in satisfaction and turned toward the bathroom. Sarah’s face started to burn—why did he insist on doing things that could be easily misunderstood?

Soon, Eric emerged from the bathroom, giving Sarah a glance and saying that the water was ready. His gentleness surprised her. Sarah, a natural clean freak, couldn’t stand the sticky feeling on her skin any longer.

She immediately wanted to soak in the tub. She stood up, but the sudden movement made her dizzy, and she nearly fell. She couldn’t take it anymore.

Fortunately, Eric caught her just in time and carried her directly to the bathroom. His familiar scent made Sarah’s heart race, and she stammered nervously, “Put me down.”

Eric obliged, placing her on the edge of the tub, and then reached out to help her unbutton her dress.

He moved with practiced ease, like someone going through the motions of a routine task, undressing her without a hint of awkwardness, as if he were simply doing his job.

His fingertips were cold against Sarah’s skin, causing her to shiver involuntarily. She quickly clutched at her collar, her face turning a deep shade of red, and said shyly, “I can do it myself. Please leave!”

Seeing her nervous demeanor, Eric smirked and lazily remarked, “You know, this is the first time I’ve ever helped you bathe and had a bathe with you.”

Her ears turned crimson.

In the past, after their lovemaking, there had been a few times when Eric, exhausted, had carried her to the tub to help her wash up. However, during those baths, Eric had always...

Now, whenever Sarah saw Eric by a bathtub, she couldn’t help but think of what had happened back then. She forcibly pushed those images out of her mind, took a deep breath, and pushed Eric away. “Eric, leave.”

Eric didn’t tease her further and walked out of the bathroom. The door slammed shut behind him.

After her bath, Sarah felt much better. She wrapped herself in a bathrobe and opened the door, only to find Eric still there.

Sarah decided to ignore him, drying her hair and preparing for bed, but Eric suddenly grabbed her and carried her back to the bathroom.

“Are you planning to sleep with wet hair?” Eric asked as he gently parted her hair and picked up the hairdryer to dry it for her.

Sarah’s thoughts were in turmoil as she stared blankly into the mirror. Eric’s black hair was still damp, giving him a different kind of allure.

The familiar scent continued to fill her nose, making her heart race. Eric’s actions were a form of torture for her—she was afraid she might not want to let go.

After Eric finished drying her hair, Sarah looked at him through the mirror and softly said, “Thank you.”

Eric stood behind her, the two of them close. One of his hands rested on the table, and his eyes lazily watched her reflection. A hint of desire flickered in his gaze. He casually asked, “How are you going to thank me?”

Sarah almost choked on her own breath at his words, her beautiful eyes silently staring at Eric. In the past, she would have thanked him by being intimate, but she couldn’t do that anymore. Not now. She had asked him for a divorce!

In the mirror, Sarah’s eyes were tinged with a delicate pink, the corners of her eyes slightly flushed, a sight that could make any man’s blood boil.

Eric felt a surge of frustration and suddenly reached out to pinch Sarah’s chin, turning her face toward him as he said, somewhat harshly, “From now on, you’re not allowed to look at anyone else like this.”

Sarah was completely dumbfounded, not understanding what he meant. Eric’s eyes darkened, his voice hoarse, “Not everyone is as gentlemanly as I am.”

Seeing his face inching closer, Sarah became flustered. She turned her head, trying to avoid him. However, Eric grabbed her shoulder, his voice low and raspy.

“Don’t move.”

Their lips were so close, their gazes locked, and Sarah thought he was going to kiss her. Her heart nearly stopped, and even her eyelids trembled.

But no, Eric only gently kissed her forehead, as if marking her with a brand. He then lightly pinched her flushed cheek, his voice husky as he said, “This is your punishment which you leave me along.” Eric’s tone was stern. Sarah was speechless.

Wasn’t this just nonsense? But at the same time, she felt like a failure. How could she so easily fall for this man’s tenderness?

Eric’s phone suddenly rang, snapping Sarah out of her indulgent reverie. She instinctively stepped aside, giving Eric some space. He picked up the call and walked out onto the balcony.

After a few minutes, he hung up and walked back in. Sarah was already lying in bed, wrapped in a blanket. She knew Eric was about to leave, but she didn’t move. Before Eric could say anything, she pulled the blanket over her head and said, “Close the door when you leave.”

“Get some rest.” Eric said as he picked up his coat. He walked to the door, then turned back to glance at the bed. Finally, he left.

It wasn’t until the door closed that Sarah peeked out from under the blanket, her eyes filled with tears. She felt as if her heart had been torn open, and something bitter was pouring out.

Everyone knew that Vanessa was the only woman Eric had ever loved. How could Sarah possibly compare to Vanessa? Even if she was carrying Eric’s child who was destined to be unwanted?

Sarah took the pregnancy report hidden in the drawer and tore it to pieces. Now, she was a little relieved she hadn’t said anything. There was no need to further humiliate herself.

At a private hospital.

Eric stood by the window, the moonlight casting a cold, stark light on his sharp features.

“Eric.” Vanessa called out weakly from the bed. She was wearing a deep V-neck purple dress underneath her hospital gown, the fabric clinging to her waist, making her look both soft and alluring.

Eric snapped out of his thoughts and walked over, his tone gentle, “You’re awake.”

“Yes. I’m sorry to trouble you again,” Vanessa said apologetically, “Lena didn’t need to do this. It’s just a minor issue.” She looked touched, her words reminding Eric of how special she had once been to him.

“It’s fine.” Eric’s face remained emotionless, “Do you want to eat something? I can get it for you.”

“No, I don’t want to eat anything.” Vanessa asked softly, “Where were you tonight? Did I disturb you?”

“No.” Eric replied calmly, glancing at his watch, “It’s late. Get some rest.”

“Eric, I’m so scared.”

Vanessa suddenly reached out and hugged Eric from behind, her voice trembling. “Can you stay with me tonight?”

When her soft hands touched his waist, Eric instinctively took a step back. Vanessa’s hands hovered in the air, confusion filling her eyes. The room fell silent, and she felt a wave of awkwardness.