But Erick couldn’t shake his desire for Elin.


    During the years she was away, he had lived a celibate life, but upon reconnecting with Elin, he found himself truly struggling to control his desires.


    Elin, being more straightforward than Erick,forted him afterward by saying, “We’re both adults, and having needs is normal.


    Don’t worry about it.


    We can simply bepanions.


    ”


    By uttering those words, Elin unmistakably acknowledged that their rtionship was solely that ofpanionship.


    However, Erick struggled to fully ept this term.


    Especially when Elin assumed the role ofpanion, it heightened theplexity of their emotions.


    He hoped she loved him, yet deep down, he harbored a certain fear of her developing feelings for him.


    He knew he couldn’t provide her with what she truly desired.


    All he could do was provide her with the necessary assistance and some sce, nothing beyond that.


    Erick stood up and said softly, “You’ll sleep in this room, and I’ll be next door.


    Call me if you need anything.


    Try to get some rest early.


    ”


    With that, he turned around, ready to leave for a rest.


    However, a delicate hand caught the corner of his nightshirt.


    As Erick looked down, his gaze moved from Elin’s hand to her face, and he asked in a deep voice, “What’s wrong?”


    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.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    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 andy 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 alwayscked a sense of security.


    Now, lying in Erick’s arms, she feltpletely safe and drifted into a peaceful sleep.


    Erick, ustomed to sleeping naked, felt ufortable 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 iling her arms, identally hitting Erick in the face.


    Startled awake by her inadvertent blow, Erick, concerned she might harm herself, swiftly restrained her iling 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…”