No More Waiting, She Chooses Love
Chapter 728

Ernest fell silent.

I wasn't entirely sure what he meant, but thinking about his past with Yolande, I couldn't help but scoff, "You can't possibly be scared. After all, it's not like you're lacking in female company." Ernest didn't respond, just kept his gaze fixed on me, making me feel uneasy.

Just as I was about to ask him why he was just staring without speaking, he murmured, "I'm more afraid of something happening to you than of you being distant with me."

So, he'd rather have me misunderstand him, get angry, yell at him, even push me away, all to ensure no one else could hurt me.

His intentions, though misguided, were genuinely protective.

I understood that fear of losing someone, especially when it comes to someone you love.

"Save your sweet talk. You're just trying to deceive me," I retorted, not agreeing with his approach. "True love means sticking together through thick and thin."

Ernest's fingers gently caressed my cheek, "I'd rather lose the whole world than lose you."

He seldom made such openly sentimental statements, but this one struck a chord with me.

A bittersweet ache welled up in my chest, recalling the misunderstandings and the cold jibes during our time apart. To provoke him, I had even deliberately gotten close to others, which must have hurt him deeply.

"All you do is talk pretty," I accused, as I bit his lower lip, a mix of frustration and affection.

The bite, intended as a small revenge for all the hurt, grew more intense, almost losing control...

But he was injured, and I couldn't let myself get carried away. I finally forced myself to stop, resting my forehead against his chest, breathing heavily...

Ernest chuckled softly, clearly understanding my turmoil.

"Don't laugh," I said, feeling a bit embarrassed and annoyed.

Yet, he laughed again, prompting me to lightly nudge him, "You're laughing now? If it weren't for your injury, I'd have you..."

Ernest leaned closer, whispering, "If you really want to, I can help you in other ways..."

His wandering hands made me instantly grasp what he meant.

Although we'd explored a lot together, using his hands like this was new typically, there was no need. But how, he was suggesting it, a departure from his past self, seemed his 'modeling' gig had taught him a few things.

"Seems the gentleman has broadened his horizons, must've had a good teacher," I teased. Unfazed, he replied seriously, "One must always be learning."

"It's not just about learning; you have to apply it. I suppose the gentleman hasn't shied away from practical applications?" I played along with the word game.

"You're the first. Care to be my guinea pig?" he said, his hand becoming bolder.

This was a hospital room, and though no one was likely to enter, I wasn't about to let him continue. Dodging, I laughed, "No thanks! No thanks..."

The more refused, the more Ernest

teased, and I kept dodging,

forgetting about his injury in the heat of the moment until I heard him grunt in pain. I immediately stopped.

en Narugi

"Did I hurt you?" I asked, worried.

Ernest shook his head, "It's nothing."

I knew better than to believe that. He was just too stubborn to admit it.