Chapter 419

The only one who knows how to protect herself and her mother.

Sophia was deeply moved by those words. She pulled Lily close, wrapping her arms around the little girl. "Sweetheart, I know you're always looking out for me."

Lily nuzzled against her mother's shoulder. "Mommy, the only reason I don’t want to go to the playground every day is because yesterday, there was a three-person ride. It needed a daddy to hold the mommy, and the mommy to hold the baby."

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I really wanted to play, but Uncle Nathan refused to hug Aunt Eleanor..."

The driver nearly choked on his own breath.

Nathan was barely thirty, while Aunt Eleanor was well into her fifties.

The idea of him embracing her was absurd.

The driver shot a pleading look at Ethan, who merely arched a brow.

"Nathan, take us to the amusement park," Ethan commanded.

"Yes, Mr. Blackwood!"

Sophia could only sigh.

When they arrived, Sophia's stomach twisted at the sight of the roller coaster's towering, serpentine tracks. The steep drops and sharp turns made her knees weak.

She wasn’t usually timid.

Nor was she fragile.

But heights? They terrified her.

Her legs trembled involuntarily, and she barely registered Ethan stepping close behind her.

Then she saw Lily’s excited face, her tiny hands clapping. "Yay! Finally, I get to ride with Mommy and Daddy!"

Sophia realized then—it wasn’t about the ride. It was about the three of them being together.

Swallowing her fear, she took a deep breath and climbed into the cart.

Lily settled into Sophia’s lap, while Ethan sat behind them, his strong arms encircling them both.

Being pressed so close to him, his legs bracketing hers, sent heat rushing to Sophia’s cheeks. Before she could retreat, his grip tightened, pulling her firmly against his chest.

The sensation was unexpectedly safe.

Her fear of heights dulled, replaced by the solid warmth of his embrace.

Then the ride launched.

Wind screamed past them as the cart hurtled forward. Sophia shrieked, her fingers digging into Ethan’s forearm.

Lily giggled, turning to beam at her. "Don’t worry, Mommy! I’ll protect you!"

The little girl clutched Sophia’s arm, as if her tiny hands could shield her.

But when they reached the steepest drop, Sophia buried her face in Ethan’s chest like a frightened bird.

His arms never loosened.

By the time they returned home, Sophia was still trembling. Two hours later, her stomach remained in knots. She barely touched dinner before retreating to the bedroom.

Ethan could handle putting Lily to bed.

Alone, Sophia examined the delicate amber bracelets on her wrist. The warm golden glow was mesmerizing.

She couldn’t look away.

The door creaked open.

Ethan strode in, his presence filling the room. Without a word, he scooped her into his arms.

"Do you like them?" His voice was low, velvet-rough.

"N-no," she lied, averting her gaze.

She had never owned jewelry before. Growing up, survival had been her priority.

The only piece she’d ever cherished had been buried with Aunt Eleanor.

But every woman loved beautiful things.

Sophia was no exception.

Ethan’s lips brushed her ear. "Liar."

His breath was hot against her skin. "If you don’t like them, why can’t you stop staring?"

Sophia stiffened.

"You know what happens when you lie to me," he murmured, his tone darkly playful.

Sophia swallowed. "I... I like them. Now put me down."

Ethan chuckled.

Instead of releasing her, he carried her into his bedroom—a space that exuded power and masculinity.

Sophia’s pulse raced as he laid her on the bed, caging her beneath him.

His gaze burned into hers. "If you love these bracelets so much, why did you return them when you left Blackwood Manor?"

His voice turned dangerous. "Do you want the jewelry but not the title of Mrs. Blackwood?"

Sophia’s breath hitched.

"Or," he continued, "do you hate my family so much that you’d reject their gifts? Even though you know how much they adore Lily?"

"No!" Sophia’s voice cracked.

Tears welled in her eyes as she shoved against his chest. "I love these bracelets! Is that a crime?"

Her voice rose. "I didn’t steal them! Your family gave them to me willingly!"

She glared up at him. "I returned them because I didn’t want you to misunderstand me! Can’t I have some dignity?"

Her chest heaved. "From the moment we met six years ago, you’ve doubted me. Accused me of scheming. Tell me—what have I ever done to deserve your distrust?"

Her voice broke. "I’m a person, Ethan. I have pride!"

Tears spilled over. "If it weren’t for Lily, I’d rather die than stay like this!"

She gasped as his lips crashed onto hers.

This kiss was different—softer, almost tender. He kissed away her tears, his touch achingly gentle.

He didn’t apologize.

But for the first time, his hands held her like she was something precious.