Archer Rhys had been in a bad mood ever since he got back.

Grace Winslow was quick to notice.

After thinking for a moment, she waited until everyone was busy and pulled Archer Rhys outside.

"Did something happen? Can you tell me?" Grace turned her head to look at Archer.

Archer forced a smile. "It’s nothing. Monkey’s heading out on a mission, and I’m just a little worried about him."

"If something is wrong, you can tell me. I might not be able to help, but at least I can listen." Grace looked up at Archer, her expression earnest.

It felt as if she had never truly looked at the man before her. Only now did she notice the few white hairs at his temples.

He looked gaunt and unwell, as if he hadn’t been sleeping properly.

She frowned and instinctively reached out, her cool fingers resting on Archer’s cheek. "Why do you look so worn-out? Didn’t you sleep well last night?"

"I’m fine, I’m used to it. On missions, you learn to be a light sleeper. The slightest noise and you’re wide awake. I was in the military for a long time and brought that bad habit back with me. It’ll take a while to shake, but I’ll adapt." Archer smiled and shook his head, then took Grace’s small, cold hand and tucked it into his pocket. "It’s cold out here. Let’s go back."

"Archer," Grace said suddenly, stopping him.

Archer didn’t turn around, but he stopped in his tracks. "Do you know what I hate more than anything?"

Archer didn’t answer, but he pressed his lips together, looking tense.

"I hate being lied to more than anything. Anyone who deceives me will never get a second chance. You are no exception."

"We’ve known each other for years, so you should understand my temperament. I don’t tolerate any deceit—not even the smallest bit. Don’t lie to me. If I find out you have, I won’t hesitate."

Grace’s voice was soft, her words floating lightly on the air, but for some reason, they made Archer’s heart pound in his chest.

It was as if none of his secrets could escape her piercing gaze.

He opened his mouth, but it took a long moment for the words to come out. "Grace, I’ve waited for you for so many years. I want to be by your side forever."

"I’m sorry. There are things I can’t tell you because of confidentiality agreements. Please, trust me. I promise I won’t keep anything from you that I’m allowed to share."

Grace looked at the man before her. She saw urgency in his eyes, but also sincerity, and a hint of evasion.

She was silent for a moment. "It’s the wound, isn’t it? There’s a problem. It isn’t healing, right?"

She wasn’t a fool; it was obvious something was wrong with Archer. At first, she had truly believed him, thinking the wound kept tearing open simply because he wasn’t following instructions.

But thinking about it now, she knew that was impossible.

He had been in a coma for months. If the wound had been normal, it would have healed long ago. How could it still be like this?

Archer was stunned that Grace had realized the truth. He smiled bitterly. "I’m sorry. I didn’t tell you because I was afraid you’d worry. I never intended to deceive you."

"Grandpa said he’s going to contact a domestic specialist for me, a top expert in traditional Chinese medicine. I’ll go see him after the New Year. The wound will be fine."

Grace sighed. "You see? You won’t even tell me something like this. I’m your partner, not an outsider. Don’t you think I’m worthy of your trust?"

Archer grew flustered. "Grace, I was wrong. Please, don’t be angry."

"I’m not angry. I’m just sad. This is something we should be facing together, but you hid it from me to face it all on your own. Your wound probably hurts at night, and you just grit your teeth and endure it, not wanting to trouble me or make me worry."

"But if we’ve chosen to be together, doesn’t that mean we’re supposed to worry about each other?"

"Archer, I’m not as fragile as you imagine. I’m braver than you think." Grace looked at his anxious expression with a look of resignation.

She took Archer’s hand. "Let’s go back inside. I’m looking at your wound."

"Grace..."

But Grace didn’t give him a chance to object, pulling him firmly back toward the house.

After pushing him into the room and closing the door, Grace spoke bluntly. "Take it off. Let me see."

Archer instinctively covered his chest. "I... I don’t know about this. Right here?"

"What, you want to go somewhere else? Hurry up and stop dawdling." Grace gave him an annoyed glare.

Archer finally, hesitantly, began to take off his clothes.

The wound was bleeding again, and there were faint signs of suppuration. The inside of his shirt was stained a pale red.

Grace frowned. Archer watched her expression, apprehensive. "Maybe you shouldn’t look?"

"I’m looking! This wound needs to be treated!" Grace glared at him, her tone unyielding.

Archer sighed and obediently took off his shirt.

"Go lie on the bed," Grace commanded.

Archer obediently went over and lay down.

Grace went to get the first-aid kit.

Thanks to Caleb Forrest, she had cared for the paralyzed Old Mrs. Warren for many years and had become adept at treating wounds and changing dressings.

The medicine was all from the hospital; there were anti-inflammatories, as well as some medication to promote wound healing.

Grace sorted through the supplies, then set to work on the suppurating wound. She cleaned it, disinfected it, and applied the ointment. Archer remained stock-still the entire time, his nerves stretched taut.

Grace’s eyes traced the other scars on his body. Several were dangerously close to his heart. An inch in the wrong direction and he wouldn’t have survived.

Her fingers instinctively traced one of the scars near his heart.

A shiver ran through Archer’s entire body. His voice was strained. "Grace, d-don’t move around."

Grace glanced down at him. Seeing his face flush and his ears turn bright red, she found it amusing. "What? Am I not allowed to touch?"

"Too bad, I’m going to."

The corners of Archer’s eyes turned red. He looked at Grace pitifully. "Grace, please, have some mercy. I’ve been single for thirty years."

Grace leaned closer, her warm breath caressing the side of his face. "So? Can’t handle a little teasing?"

"I can’t. Don’t tease me... I’m afraid I won’t be able to control myself..."

The words were barely out of his mouth before Grace leaned in and pressed her lips to his.

Archer’s eyes shot open, his mind exploding with fireworks.

His mind went blank as he stared, dazed, at Grace.

Grace’s face was bright red and her heart was pounding, but she held Archer’s gaze. "Physical attraction is perfectly normal. Or do you not want to touch me because you’re disgusted that I’ve been with another man?"

Archer’s heart felt like it was going to pound its way out of his chest. He shook his head instinctively. "Of course not. How could I possibly be disgusted with you?" 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"I was too late. That’s why you were tricked by that scumbag. It’s my fault."

A smile played on Grace’s lips as she leaned even closer. "Archer, what are we going to do about that? Because right now... I want to eat you alive."