The calm excellence of Freya is beyond her reach. She shines so brightly, always the center of attention wherever she goes. A woman who combines beauty and strength, even she has stirred feelings as a woman. James loves her deeply but can only bury this love in his heart and silently protect her.

"James, let's go back. Young Master Bradley will take care of Freya," Sophia tugged at his sleeve.

It was only then that James withdrew his gaze, along with the mist in his eyes.

He nodded and said, "Let's go."

"Okay."

Sophia smiled and naturally linked her arm with his.

James was still somewhat stiff as before, but this time he did not immediately remove her hand. Instead, he let her hold onto him as they walked out of the hospital.

Outside, the rain was pouring down heavily.

Sophia looked at the sudden heavy rain, leaned her head on James's shoulder, squinted her eyes and softly said, "I never thought I would see the first rain of the year with you." With a mischievous smile in her eyes, she pulled James and rushed into the rain, "James, running in the rain when you're in a bad mood can dispel all unpleasant things."

Turning back and smiling at the man, Sophia's hair quickly got wet as the rain intensified. James had not expected Sophia to be so willful, actually pulling him into the rain with her. His body was fine, but Sophia had caught a slight cold a few days ago. What if getting wet like this worsened it?

Without hesitation, James took off his suit jacket and held it over Sophia's head, then led her towards the direction where their car was parked.

Sophia hid under the umbrella of the man, her body shivering from the cold rain, suddenly feeling warm.

She glanced at the man beside her, feeling closer to him than ever before. Even when James was by her side in the past, she always felt like he was far away. But tonight, he showed her tenderness, reigniting hope in her previously dimmed heart.

Although the car was not parked nearby, being with her beloved man made it feel like they were just inches apart.

Sophia wished that this road would never end, and that she and James could walk together indefinitely.

Because the man was distracted, Sophia, wearing high heels, didn't notice the puddle in front of her and stepped right into it.

As water splashed around, Sophia twisted her ankle in her high heels and fell straight to the ground.

Just as she thought she would land in an embarrassing manner, she suddenly felt a strong male hand tighten around her waist, steadying her.

Sophia looked up in panic, only to meet the worried gaze of James.

In that moment of eye contact, Sophia's heart skipped a beat.

From the first time she saw James, Sophia was attracted to the man's cold and noble aura, which is why she repeatedly lowered her pride to get close to him.

Although James has always been polite to her and never crossed any boundaries, this proximity only made Sophia more fascinated, to the point where she couldn't let go now.

"James, I like you, really like you a lot." When emotions ran deep, Sophia confessed unabashedly.

James was slightly taken aback.

Then, Sophia directly threw herself into his arms, stood on her tiptoes to grab onto his neck, with eyes filled with immense expectation, "And you, have you ever liked me even just a little bit?"

James deeply looked into Sophia's eyes, where the surging emotions were too hot, making him awkwardly avert his gaze. Unexpectedly, Sophia immediately turned his head back, and sternly said, "Answer me, no evasions allowed." The two stood in the rainstorm, which showed no signs of calming down, but rather getting heavier. Soon, both of them were completely drenched. After a moment of silence, James's thin lips slowly raised, "Sophia, I..." Sophia quickly reached out with her small hand, with delicate fingers pressing against his lips, she said softly, "Admit it, it's not that you have no feelings for me, it's that you have always struggled to overcome the hurdle of peace in your heart. But James, truly, I don't mind. I believe I can use my passion to warm your heart, slowly remove the barrier of peace from your heart, and completely occupy you." Sophia was straightforward in character, but also had a shy side as a girl. After saying these words, her face turned completely red. Mu James had no idea what to say, just staring blankly at her. However, he, who was usually rational, quickly regained his composure and said calmly, "Let's talk in the car first, the rain is too heavy, and you seem to have a slight cold. Standing in the rain will only worsen it."

Although there were no emotional words, each word and sentence warmed Sophia's heart deeply. He cared for her, she knew. Even though he didn't respond to her words, Sophia was already content. Because she truly discovered that James's heart was slowly opening up to her. Of course, it didn't matter that he didn't take the initiative; she could pursue him actively. "My feet hurt, I can't walk anymore," she pouted in grievance. "Okay." James finished speaking and suddenly bent down his tall stature, the implication couldn't be more obvious. This time, Sophia was pleasantly surprised, so... he wanted to carry her? Worried that the man might change his mind, Sophia didn't dare to delay and climbed onto his back, reaching out to hold onto his neck. The man's back was broad, and the warmth coming through the shirt made Sophia's entire heart feel warm.

Pressing her face against his back, Sophia earnestly tried to sense Everyone about him, with a happy and sweet smile always on her lips.

In the hospital room, raindrops the size of beans came in, mixed with a piercing cold wind, hitting the glass with a crackling sound.

Until this moment, Bradley, who had been sitting still, suddenly turned his head to look towards the window.

"Freya, it's raining, I'll go close the window!" After saying this, he got up, closed the window, and then sat back down in the same position as before.

But then he remembered something and stood up to go to the water cooler, pouring a glass of water and taking a cotton swab to patiently moisten Freya's dry lips.

"Yara has been crying, wanting to find her mommy. If you don't wake up, I won't be able to comfort her." The man continued to wipe back and forth, and soon Freya's lips regained their color.

"The South Country has sent a message urging us to return. I plan to take you back in the next few days. How about we rest well in the Southern Palace?" He seemed to be asking for her opinion, but after waiting for a long time without a response, he smiled and said, "If you don't speak, I'll take that as your agreement. The cherry blossom garden in the South Country has just opened, I'll take you to see it."

Setting down the cotton swab, he bent down and placed a kiss on her forehead.

For a long, long time, so long that time seemed to stand still.