Once everything was settled, Colby made his way back to Sophie, effortlessly scooping her up from the couch like he''d been doing for the past month.


    Sophie, who had hardly needed to walk on her own, teased him with a yful grin, "Colby, if you keep pampering me like this, my arms might still work, but my legs are going to stop cooperating." "Doesn''t matter to me," Colby replied with a genuine smile. "I could carry you forever." His strength was impressive, and even in hister years, he''d probably still be lifting weights like it was nothing. Sophie was light as a feather, making it easy for Colby to lift her without breaking a sweat.


    Back in their cozy room, Colby gentlyid Sophie down on the bed. The dim light cast soft shadows as he settled beside her.


    Sophie looked over at him, a soft smile ying on her lips. "You always watch over me when I''m asleep. This time, let me be the one watching over you."


    "Alright," Colby agreed, holding her hand and cing it over his heart, as if drawingfort from the touch.


    Sophie let him be, soon hearing the steady rhythm of his breaths. Colby was a light sleeper; even the faintest sound could wake him.


    Not wanting to disturb him, Sophie watched him quietly, tracing the strong lines of his face with her eyes-his prominent nose, thin lips, the slight rise of his Adam''s apple, and his elegant corbones. Suddenly, Colby murmured, "How am I supposed to sleep with you staring at me like that?"


    Caught in the act, Sophie quickly averted her gaze,ughing softly. "I just woke up; I''m not really sleepy yet. Just, you know, taking in the view."


    Noticing her rosy cheeks, Colby squeezed her hand a little tighter. "William said your injury''s nearly healed."


    His words made Sophie blush even more. "It''s not healed yet!"Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "Did you skip the meds this morning?"


    Realizing what he meant, Sophie asked, "You''re talking about the medicine?"


    She had thought... well, never mind.


    "I''ll grab the first-aid kit," Colby said, already on his feet and heading to the bedroom.


    Sophie leaned back against the bed, watching him bustle around. Shez couldn''t help but think about the past month-Colby diligently tending to her wounds, morning and night.


    en


    A wound that should''ve taken two months to heal was almost better, thanks to his care.


    Colby returned with the kit, expertly unwrapping the bandages to reveal her still-healing wounds, stark against her pale skin.


    "I won''t look good in dresses anymore," Sophie sighed.


    Colby met her eyes, "Once it''s


    healed, I find the best doctor for scar removal. You''ll be rocking those beautiful dresses again in no time."


    "It''s too deep; it''ll never heal right. I''ll be ugly, and you won''t love me anymore."


    Colby paused, her words meant as a joke but striking him deeply. Leaning close, he pressed a tender kiss to her injured shoulder.


    "I love you no matter what. Whether


    you''re beautiful or not, sick or


    healthy, young or old. I, Colby, always love Sophie, until myst breath."