Sophia, with a voice as soothing as a lullaby, reached out to touch Ethan's wounded brow.

Ethan paused when he noticed Vivian standing at the doorway, his instincts compelling him to brush her hand aside. His heart skipped a beat, and he let Sophia's hand continue.

Sophia tenderly stroked Ethan's injury, her eyes brimming with concern. "Does it still hurt? You've got quite a cut there."

"No, it doesn't," Ethan replied, rubbing his forehead before sitting up.

He had ...