Chapter 38

Cassidy's lips parted slightly, but no words came out. Shock surged through her like a rising tide, crashing against every corner of her thoughts. Under Stefan's deep, steady gaze, Cassidy felt her heart race. After a long pause, she finally found her voice. She asked, her eyes full of confusion, "Why?" "You're my wife, so I won't let anyone hurt you," he said calmly, his eyes cold and unwavering. Everything around them seemed to stop, with only the sound of her heartbeat echoing in her ears. The room was bright and clean. Morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting soft light across the marble table. Cassidy's eyes trembled. It took her a moment to steady herself before she looked at Stefan and said softly, "Thank you." … That afternoon, Zoe received a video call from Camelia overseas. "Sweetheart, did you have a good holiday?" she asked. Camelia was wearing a breezy vacation dress with a sunhat and sunglasses, with the blue sky and sea behind her. She smiled and