Sunlight streamed through the curtains as Elena slowly opened her eyes. Her head was still heavy, but the fever had subsided. She shifted under the soft blanket and found herself alone in the bedroom.
A faint clatter came from outside. Curious, she dragged herself out of bed and followed the sound into the kitchen.
There, wearing an apron over his formal shirt, stood Ethan — making coffee.
She blinked. "Are you... domestic now?"
He looked up, startled, then smirked. "You're awake. How are you feeling?"
"Like someone tried to bake me in an oven and left me out in the rain."
He chuckled, handing her a cup of hot coffee. "Perfectly dramatic. That's how I know you're feeling better."
Elena sipped it, the warmth spreading through her chest. "Thanks… for everything yesterday."
"You don't have to thank me," he said, leaning against the counter. "I was just—"
"Worried?" she teased.
He raised an eyebrow. "Of course. You're my… wife, remember?"
Her cheeks turned pink. "You like pulling that card, huh?"
"Oh, I do. It's fun watching you blush."
Elena gave him a playful glare and turned away, but not before he noticed her smile.
"By the way," he added, "You scared Alex too. He cried before sleeping last night."
Guilt washed over her. "I'll talk to him. I shouldn't have walked out like that."
Ethan moved closer, lowering his voice. "I shouldn't have pushed you either. I was just… scared. That you were leaving
Their eyes met.
"I haven't figured this out yet," he admitted. "You and me. This… marriage. But yesterday, when I saw you walking in the rain like that, it hurt."
Elena looked down. "I was angry. And hurt, too. I thought you didn't care."
"I do," he said simply.
The silence between them was soft, electric, filled with everything unsaid.
Then suddenly—
"Ewww! Are you guys going to kiss?" a tiny voice called out from the hallway.
Both of them jumped.
Alex, wrapped in his blanket like a burrito, peeked from the corner.
Elena burst into laughter. Ethan groaned.
"Go back to bed!" Ethan called out.
"Too late! I saw everything!" Alex giggled and ran back to his room.
Ethan looked at Elena. "We're never living this down."
She smiled. "I kind of like this… weird little family."
And for the first time, Ethan didn't argue.