Chapter 295

"By the way." Verena tilted her head, a gentle smile resting on her lips as she softly remarked, "Rhonda warmed some milk. I already had a glass, and it was quite good. Let me bring you one."

Isaac was never fond of such drinks. He lightly caught her hand, stopping her. "Thank you, but I'll pass."

Yet Verena acted as if his words had drifted past her ears.

She slipped her hand free and turned, stepping out of the study.

Watching her vanish at the doorway, Isaac shook his head.Still, a faint smile tugged at his lips, his eyes glowing with affection.

Luther's words lingered in Verena's mind.

She knew Isaac cared deeply for her, and to help him heal,she needed to create moments that stirred his instincts without his noticing.

Soon she returned, the milk warm, steam curling upward as she walked back toward the study. At the doorway, she let out a sudden exclamation."Oh no!"

Her tone rang with carefully measured alarm-enough to carry clearly into the study, but not so sharp as to sound false.

Inside, Isaac sat typing, immersed in documents.

The moment Verena's startled cry reached him,he snapped his head up.

Before reason could intervene, instinct spoke louder.

His palms pressed down on the wheelchair's arms,and long-weakened legs sprang into motion with surprising force.

Like a tightly wound spring let loose, he rose from the chair.

But though he had stood before, his legs, long strangers to weight,failed him at once.

After only a few faltering steps, his knees buckled, and he crashed forward heavily.

The dull thud echoed coldly through the silent room.

Gritting against panic, Isaac raised his head, eyes wide with helplessness as he cried out, "Verena! What's wrong?" Fear laced his voice, each word trembling.

But no reply came, and his heart gave a violent shudder.

He clenched his jaw, struggling against the floor with his arms,desperate to rise.

His legs, however,felt like stone.

Anxious and consumed only by Verena's safety, he cast aside all thought of his own state.

"Verena, answer me! Are you hurt?" His brows knitted tightly as he shouted again, "Rhonda! Rhonda!"

At the doorway, Verena had been listening to every sound,her heart hammering with both eagerness and dread.

The moment she heard the crash, her chest clenched,all pretense forgotten, her only prayer that Isaac remained unharmed.

She rushed inside without a second thought.

There he was-lying awkwardly on the floor, his usual composure gone, clothes disordered, beads of sweat on his brow.

"Isaac!" Verena gasped, darting forward to his side,reaching down to lift him. Her arms wrapped firmly around his, pouring every ounce of strength into guiding him to the sofa.

But before she could straighten, Isaac suddenly clutched her arms with unexpected force, making her freeze.

His eyes searched her up and down, frantic. "Verena,are you hurt? Show me the wound!"

The sight of his near-desperate worry struck Verena with both warmth and guilt.

She laid her hand gently over his, steadying him.

Then her other hand moved softly to her rounded belly, caressing it as a calm smile spread across her lips. "Isaac, I'm fine. Don't be so tense. The baby just kicked suddenly, and I was startled. I'm sorry to worry you."

His eyes dropped at once to her belly,surprise flashing before the storm in his gaze began to ease.

He exhaled unevenly, still frowning but with a gentler tone. "So it was only the baby? No pain, no other discomfort?"

Saying so,he too reached out, placing his palm over hers. Verena nodded, her smile softening further."Nothing more. The baby's strong now-maybe just eager to greet you."

At that, Isaac's taut nerves finally began to loosen.

He let out a long breath, drew Verena into his arms,and rested his chin upon her shoulder.

For a moment he was silent; then, hoarsely, he confessed, "It tears at me-not being able to reach you the moment you're in distress."

His embrace tightened, as though he feared she might slip away.

Verena leaned into him, sadness wwashing over her at his words.

She circled her arms around him,patting his back with a gentleness one might offer a wounded child.

"Isaac, hush now. You've done more than enough.You stood for me, didn't you? That shows your legs are waking again-all because you care. How could I possibly blame you?"

Still, Isaac bowed his head, his voice muffled against her shoulder. "But I failed to reach you in time."

Verena lifted his face, guiding his eyes to hers. "That's enough of this discouraging talk." Her brows drew in mock sternness, though her tone held comfort."Answer me one question, will you?"

Her clear eyes held him as she leaned closer.

Isaac, caught off guard, forgot his sorrow for a heartbeat.

His gaze rose to hers, still shadowed but softened."What is it?" he asked gently, his voice raw yet touched by her nearness.

Verena's lips curved in playful mischief. She blinked,drawing out her words. "First tell me-are you wvilling to answer?"

Her fingertips brushed his cheek, warm and delicate.

Seeing her teasing spirit, Isaac felt the weight on his chest lift, little by little.

With a faint, resigned smile, he answered, "I'm willing.If it's you asking, I'll always be willing."

As he spoke, his hands covered hers on his cheeks,soaking in her warmth. His eyes brimmed with quiet devotion.

Verena's smile deepened at his reply, her heart glowing all the brighter.