My Bratty Wife

Suzy’s heart leaped with a desperate hope, her mind a mixture of disbelief and elation. "Please let this be true, please let this be true," she whispered, her feet flying as she ran towards their bedchamber, the joyous cry echoing in her ears.

She reached the doorway and her breath hitched. Ryan was indeed awake, seated propped up against the pillows, Davis carefully holding a glass of water to his lips. His gaze met hers, a flicker of surprise and a soft warmth spreading across his pale face. A silent question seemed to form in his eyes, "When did she come back?"

Without a word, Suzy rushed to the bedside and threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly, burying her face in his chest. "Thank you," she sobbed. "Thank you for coming back to me."

Ryan grunted softly from the pressure on his injured waist. Suzy immediately realized her mistake and tried to pull away, her face filled with remorse. "Oh, I’m so sorry," she apologized, her voice trembling. "I got carried away."

But Ryan, his arms weak but determined, pulled her back into his embrace, grunting slightly. "I think," he murmured, his voice a little strained but filled with affection, "I can endure this pain... I’ve faced worse."

He gently broke the hug, his hands reaching up to cup her face, his thumbs softly wiping away the tears that streamed down her cheeks. "I missed you," he said, his voice low and husky, his eyes filled with love. "So much, Cassandra."

Suzy’s tears flowed even more freely now, tears of relief and overwhelming joy. She leaned into his touch, her hands reaching up to hold his. "I was scared, I thought I wouldn’t see you again."

"Don’t be. Where would I go when you are not with me, My Duchess?" Ryan asked.

"Your hands are no longer cold," she whispered. "I missed your warm touch so much."