Elin, feeling a sudden fondness for the warmth Erick provided, wanted to indulge herself just this once, not holding back her feelings.

"Can you stay with me?" she asked.

Looking at him with watery eyes, her beauty undiminished by her bruises, she appeared fragile.

The silent presence of a delicate woman had the power to awaken a man's protective instincts. Erick couldn't bring himself to refuse.

He had actually intended for Elin to rest alone. For two people who had shared intimacy, sleeping in the same bed wasn't easy. Even a gentle touch could reignite deeper emotions.

Erick decided not to remove his nightshirt and lay down fully clothed, switched off the light, pulled Elin close, and whispered, "Sleep." To make advances on her at this moment would be inhumane.

During today's medical examination, when the doctor asked Elin routine questions, including whether she was menstruating or pregnant, she answered no to all.

Erick realized he had misunderstood. She wasn't currently on her period.

Growing up with a distant father, Elin had always lacked a sense of security. Now, lying in Erick's arms, she felt completely safe and drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Erick, accustomed to sleeping naked, felt uncomfortable keeping his pajamas on out of consideration for Elin's feelings. With her soft body nestled in his arms, it was truly challenging for any ordinary man to drift off to sleep.

In a semi-conscious state, Elin suddenly screamed and started flailing her arms, accidentally hitting Erick in the face.

Startled awake by her inadvertent blow, Erick, concerned she might harm herself, swiftly restrained her flailing arms beneath him.

Elin, her body soaked in sweat, cried out, “Let me go! Let go.."

“Elin! Elin!" Erick murmured, gently coaxing. “Don't be frightened. Open your eyes and see who I am."

At his voice, Elin, bewildered, reluctantly opened her eyes, and found herself gazing into Erick's handsome visage, mere inches away.

She blinked, a tear trickling down from the corner of her eye, whispering, "Erick..."

Clearly still in a daze, Elin hadn't fully roused from sleep yet.

But her soft voice stirred something within Erick. At that moment, Elin's disheveled appearance, with flushed cheeks and moist lashes, rendered her irresistibly fragile. Naturally captivating, her vulnerability alone was enough to stir a man's emotions.

Unsettled by his own reaction, Erick cleared his throat Lightly, attempting to alleviate the tension, and asked, “Are you fully awake now? Would you like some water?"

Elin remained silent, her eyes brimming with an irresistible allure akin to the freshness of spring, their fluttering lashes seemingly dripping with dew, stirring the depths. She embodied boundless desire.