Chapter 324

"Get some sleep. It's late," Ethan murmured softly. He pulled Clara into his arms, dimming the lights in their bedroom until only a faint nightlight glowed—just enough so she wouldn't feel unsettled in the dark. Clara didn’t say a word. She lay quietly, her head resting against Ethan's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, enveloped in his embrace. Then she looked up. In the still darkness, her eyes found his without hesitation. Ethan blinked. “What is it? You wanna talk to me?” Her gaze was calm and steady, but in the low light, her expression was hard to read. “I just wanted to say… it’s time, Ethan,” Clara said quietly. They both knew exactly what she meant—no need for explanation. As the words left her lips, Ethan’s arm suddenly tightened around her waist, almost like his body flinched before his mind could react. The grip wasn’t gentle. Her waist ached from the pressure—he wasn’t holding back. Clara stayed silent, eyes fixed on him, unmoving. Ethan’s voice was lo