Rhianna reported to the hospital punctually every day. Rylee had begun rehabilitation, though three years in bed had taken a toll, despite his exceptional physical condition. He needed time to adjust.
Rylee felt like he was regressing. He didn't want Rhianna to be too exhausted, but he also eagerly anticipated seeing her every day. So, he hoped his recovery would be swift.
As the saying goes, haste makes waste.
Today, it was already 11 o'clock, and the girl had not appeared as usual.
Rylee glanced anxiously at the clock on the wall.
To ensure Rylee rested properly, Rhianna had taken charge of his phone, leaving the mighty Mr.Palmer unable to contact his beloved.
Just starting his rehabilitation, Rylee, who was usually so agile, found his current state frustrating. He gripped the support frame and managed to stand, taking small, laborious steps towards the window. It took him ten minutes to cover the ten-step distance.
From there, he could see the vehicles arriving at the hospital, but even after standing by the window for twenty minutes, watching, there was no sign of Rhianna.
For the first time, the ever-composed Mr. Palmer began to worry.
He suddenly understood the female protagonists in the TV dramas he watched during recovery, constantly fretting over everything. He had become just like those anxious characters.
Half an hour later than her usual time, the door to the ward creaked open.
The girl entered, holding a sky-blue thermos, her cheeks flushed, breathing heavily.
Upon hearing the door, Rylee instinctively turned to rush toward her, forgetting his physical state. The sudden movement caused him to lose balance.
Seeing him about to fall, Rhianna hurried over.
But Rylee, though still recovering, was much larger than Rhianna. Their hasty movements led to Rylee falling onto Rhianna.
His warm breath brushed her neck, making it tingle.
They hadn't been this close in a long time, and the position was unexpected.
She had rushed over to prevent him from falling, never expecting this outcome.
Her softness and sweetness so close stirred Rylee's emotions.
She has always been the beloved of him, forever the object of his longing heart and enchantment.
"Rylee, I… I made soup for you."
Her soft voice snapped Rylee back to reality, realizing the impropriety of their position.
He tried to prop himself up with his arms, but his muscles, still weak, failed him, causing him to collapse back onto Rhianna.
And, more embarrassingly, a certain part of his anatomy, uncooperative in his current state, pressed firmly against her thigh.
Though they hadn't been intimate for three years, Rhianna could immediately sense his physical reaction.
Rylee, frustrated with his condition, felt a deep sense of fulfillment from the sudden closeness.
Considering Rylee's recovery, and the frequent visitors, Rhianna had maintained a respectful distance, even when they were alone. Rylee had noticed this and felt both helpless and defeated.
"I…" Rhianna began, wanting to suggest she get up.
Rylee spoke first, "Don't you like this position?"
His deep voice was so close to her ear that it sent shivers down her spine.
"I was late because I was learning how to make the new soup today... and then I got stuck in traffic."
Her rambling explanation made Rylee chuckle.
"I know," he said, but he couldn't hide his worry.
Rylee placed his arm next to her, making it easier for him to support himself. He looked at her flushed cheeks, her bright eyes filled with moisture, her fluttering eyelashes, and her slightly parted red lips. She was breathtakingly beautiful.
"Honey, you're wet."
That statement hit her like a thunderbolt. Rhianna had been focused on Rylee's upper body pressed against her and hadn't noticed that his hand had slipped into her lace panties.
Wearing a dress made it easy for him to reach. Despite his condition, he still had the mood to tease her?!
More importantly, she was embarrassingly wet. She had lived without desire for three years, keeping herself busy. Just being touched by Rylee, Rhianna instantly became so promiscuous, and she closed her eyes in resignation.
Rylee, seeing her reaction, smiled even more.
"Don't worry, once I'm fully recovered, I'll satisfy you."
His serious tone made Rhianna's face burn with embarrassment. That wasn't what she meant!
Just then, the doctor walked in, making Rhianna feel utterly mortified as if caught in the act.
After the routine check-up, the doctor said Rylee's recovery was going well.
Rhianna glanced at Rylee's still-energetic state and knew she would never feel comfortable asking the doctor about his condition again.
*
Three months later
Rylee's excellent physical condition meant he recovered faster than most. However, the doctor advised continued rest after discharge to avoid any lasting effects.
Today was Rylee's official return to the army.
Milton, seeing his commander alive and well, was moved to tears.
But the general insisted on another medical check-up and granted Rylee another month of leave.
The general prepared a long speech urging Rylee to rest, intending to groom him as his successor and didn't want him to die young.
Unexpectedly, Rylee readily agreed. The general didn't know that Rylee had something very important to do once he fully recovered.
*
Atop C Mountain, under the night sky filled with stars, Rhianna had visited before, but this time, Rylee held her hand.
Rhianna was too worried about Rylee to appreciate the stunning view. He had just been discharged, yet he took her hiking to see the night scenery, ignoring the doctor's advice.
Rylee noticed her frown and, taking advantage of her distraction, pressed her against a tree.
Caught off guard, Rhianna's heart raced. The fireflies around them made the moment even more magical, but Rylee's sudden closeness made her even more anxious.
Seeing Rylee lean in for a kiss, Rhianna placed her elbow between them to stop him.
"I think we should head back down early."
It wasn't the right time for romance; Rhianna was genuinely worried about Rylee's health.
"You're not fully recovered yet," she added, breathless. Although Rhianna claimed that she and Rylee were indeed an couple married for a long time, the man's possessive advance left her breathless.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything to you up here."
Rhianna:??
She instantly understood what he meant by "do anything."
Rhianna bit her lip, feeling a bit angry.
But before she could react, Rylee picked her up effortlessly and continued up the steps.
"Be good. Don't struggle."
Though she wanted to resist, the overwhelming masculine presence surrounding her made her weak.
Rylee carried her into a rose garden, where glass lanterns illuminated the night and fireflies danced around.
He gently placed her on a flower bench, then knelt on one knee before her, like a knight pledging his loyalty to his beloved princess.
No words were needed.
*
In the following month, Rylee prepared the most unique wedding for her.
By the blue Aegean Sea, under the clear skies of Saipan, and within the sacred walls of Selby Abbey...
Seeing her in a pure white wedding dress, Rylee knew that no scenery could compare to her beauty.
And through his actions, he demonstrated his promise to her: his gaze, his heart, his entire being—everything was for her.
