Chapter 225

The king-sized bed was a mess, its sheets tangled in disarray. Ethan Blackwood lay sprawled across it, still deep in slumber.

His sharp, intimidating features softened in sleep, making him look almost angelic. The man’s face was sculpted to perfection—as if carved by divine hands. His skin, bronzed and taut from years of disciplined training, glowed with a rugged, masculine allure.

But there, on that flawless expanse of skin, was a thin, glistening trail of moisture.

Sophia Montgomery’s eyes widened in horror.

Oh God.

That was her drool.

She had sworn to herself—no matter how much he tormented her, she would never lose her dignity. Yet here she was, curled against him like a contented kitten, her head pillowed on his chest, leaving behind evidence of her shame.

Mortification burned through her.

Sophia wasn’t the type to giggle flirtatiously or act coy. She was practical, responsible, and painfully self-aware. She never joked around, never played the coquette.

Now, she wanted to bury herself alive.

Like an ostrich, she tried to duck her head into the blankets, but the movement jostled Ethan awake.

His dark eyes, still heavy with sleep, flickered open. He studied her with lazy amusement.

What is she doing?

Was she… snuggling?

That didn’t seem like her.

Ethan wrapped an arm around her waist, tilting her chin up with his other hand. His voice was a deep, sleep-roughened murmur.

"What’s this? You spent the whole night on my arm, and now you’re burrowing into me again?"

Sophia’s face flamed. She couldn’t explain. She wouldn’t. The harder he lifted her chin, the more desperately she tried to lower it.

His amusement faded.

"What’s wrong?"

Did she need him to stay?

He softened his tone. "I have a board meeting this morning. I can’t be late. But I’ll come back early tonight—"

"No! No!" Sophia blurted out.

This was humiliating.

She took a breath and forced the words out. "You… you have… my drool on you. I’m sorry."

Drool?

Ethan glanced down and saw the damp patch on his chest. A slow, wicked grin curved his lips.

"Trying to mark me, sweetheart?" He chuckled. "Next time, pick a better method. This one washes off too easily."

Sophia’s entire body burned with embarrassment.

"Get up," he ordered.

"You go first. I’ll get up after you leave," she muttered, pulling the covers over her head.

Ethan scoffed. "One of my legs is trapped under yours. How am I supposed to move?"

Sophia froze.

She hadn’t even realized—her legs were tangled with his. No wonder she’d slept so soundly.

"If you don’t let go," he growled, "I’ll lose circulation."

She jerked away instantly, curling into a tight ball under the blankets.

Ethan ignored her, rising effortlessly. He dressed right in front of her—boxers, shirt, tie, trousers, jacket—each movement precise and unhurried.

When Sophia still refused to emerge, he yanked the covers off her. His gaze raked over her before he said coolly, "Stay in bed today. Rest. The maid will bring your meals."

Sophia stayed silent.

"Did you hear me?" His voice sharpened.

It wasn’t a request. It was a command.

"I… heard," she whispered.

She had no choice but to obey.

All she wanted was for him to leave so she could dress and check on Lily. She hadn’t seen her daughter all night. Was Lily scared? Had she cried? Did she think her mother had abandoned her?

Lily was only five. She’d never been away from Sophia before.

Ethan seemed to read her thoughts.

"Ah. Right. You haven’t seen your daughter."

He grabbed a white dress shirt from the closet and tossed it at her. Without waiting for permission, he pulled it over her head, then scooped her into his arms.

He carried her out of the bedroom.

The moment the door opened, Sophia heard a small, worried voice.

"Auntie, where’s Mommy?"

A kind voice answered, "Sweetheart, eat one more bite, okay?"

"I want Mommy!" Lily’s voice trembled, but she was trying so hard to be brave.

"Your mommy and daddy are still sleeping, little one. Do you want a baby brother or sister?" the maid teased.

Lily nodded eagerly. "I always wanted a sibling! But Mommy said it’s just me. Can you ask them to make one for me? I want a sister!"

The maid laughed. "Oh, darling, I can’t help with that. But your parents can."

"That mean man… is he really my daddy?" Lily asked, tilting her head.

"What do you mean?"

Lily pouted. "I saw in the car mirror—he looks just like me. I know he’s my dad. But he’s scary to Mommy. I don’t like him."

"Sweetheart, you can’t call your father 'mean man.' That’s not polite."

"Then what should I call him?"

"Daddy."

Lily hesitated. She wasn’t ready for that.

Even if part of her wanted to call him Daddy, she knew it would hurt her mother.

"Lily," Sophia called softly.

The little girl spun around—and froze.

Her mother stood there, wearing Ethan’s oversized shirt, her legs bare.

Lily’s eyes widened.

"Mommy! The auntie said you and the mean man are making me a baby sister!"

Sophia and Ethan: "…"