Chapter 286

Ethan's tone turned noticeably forceful, while Clara had completely run out of strength, her whole body leaning into him just to stay upright. Her eyes began to blur, and with Ethan pressing in, she struggled to take deep breaths, trying to hold herself together. But she wouldn’t say a word. Even then, Ethan didn’t back off. The tension between them hung heavy until it was Clara who finally gave in. She couldn’t deal with this version of Ethan—she broke down, voice trembling with tears. “I can’t…” “What can’t you?” Ethan locked eyes with her, sharp and unrelenting like a hawk watching its prey. “I can’t take feeling like this…” she choked out, practically sobbing. “Call me your husband,” Ethan pushed again, undeterred by her collapse. Clara’s breathing turned shallow, her mind starting to fade. Under his command, her body followed suit like instinct. “…Husband.” It was a whisper, barely audible, but Ethan caught it clearly. And in that fragile, desperate tone, his emotions seemed to re