"Um… thank you. But Rui… can you wait outside first?"
Rui Griffin studied her pale face as he set her down gently. Instead of leaving, he reached for a sponge and a bottle of shower gel.
Reina froze.
The moment she realized what he intended, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Even after everything that had happened between them, this—being cared for so closely, so quietly—felt different. Too intimate in a way she wasn't ready to face.
"Husband… I can do it myself," she said quickly.
Rui's expression darkened slightly.
It wasn't anger, exactly—but something restrained. Displeasure… maybe even disappointment.
He had already stepped back, as if to respect her words.
But seeing that shift in him made Reina hesitate.
He was her husband now.
And last night… he had already taken care of her when she couldn't even keep her eyes open.
Before she could overthink it, she reached for the edge of her clothing and quietly began to undress.
Rui paused.
Understanding flickered across his eyes.
He didn't say anything—just turned away briefly, giving her a moment of dignity, before preparing the sponge with gentle, practiced movements.
When she settled into the tub, warm water filling the space around her, Rui stepped closer again.
This time, his touch was careful.
Measured.
He started at her shoulders, the soft sponge gliding over her skin with deliberate restraint, as if he were concentrating more on not crossing a line than anything else.
Reina tensed at first.
But nothing improper followed.
Only steady, quiet care.
Gradually, her shoulders loosened.
"You can turn around," he said softly.
She obeyed.
The water rippled as she shifted, her back now facing him. Again, his movements remained controlled—washing, rinsing, nothing more.
"Raise your arms," he added.
She did, and he finished quickly, efficiently.
Then, after a brief pause, he stepped back.
"You can wash the rest yourself," he said, his tone calm but edged with something unspoken. "Otherwise… you won't be getting out anytime soon."
Reina's face turned bright red.
She didn't argue.
Taking the sponge, she finished quickly, her heart oddly unsteady.
A moment later, his voice came again—lighter this time.
"Time to wash your hair."
Reina blinked.
Somehow… she felt a little disappointed.
The thought startled her.
What am I even expecting?
She sank slightly into the water, trying to hide her expression.
Rui returned with shampoo, and this time, when he worked through her hair, his touch softened again—slow, patient, almost soothing.
"Rest properly tonight," he said quietly. "We're not in a rush."
Her eyes flickered up to him.
There was a faint hint of amusement in his expression, but also something steadier—reassurance.
When he finished, he wrapped a towel around her shoulders and helped her step out carefully.
His movements were efficient now, almost as if he was deliberately keeping his distance.
"I'll wait outside," he said. "Get dressed."
Reina nodded.
When she returned to the bedroom, she found him already lying on the bed, eyes closed.
Asleep.
For a moment, she just stood there, surprised.
So… he really was tired.
A small, quiet thought settled in her chest.
Maybe… she had been overthinking everything.
She slipped under the blanket carefully, trying not to disturb him.
After a moment of hesitation, she shifted closer and rested her hand lightly against his side.
Warm.
Solid.
Real.
Rui didn't move, but his presence alone felt grounding.
Reina closed her eyes slowly.
For the first time in a long while, the silence didn't feel empty.
It felt safe.
And somewhere deep in her heart, a quiet certainty began to take shape—
Marrying him…
might not be something she would ever regret.