His innocent wife is a dangerous hacker.-Chapter 496 His care

Bella shifted slightly on the bed and immediately hissed, her brows knitting together as a dull ache spread through her waist and lower body. She pouted, sinking back into the pillows, clearly offended by her own soreness. "Jay told me he’ll take me out to see Jace’s new house," she said, her voice small and grumpy. "But I don’t think I even have the strength to sit properly."

Leo, who was buttoning his dark shirt, paused mid-motion. "He... what?" He turned toward her, surprise flickering across his face. "Jace found a place already?"

"Mm-hmm," Bella replied, tugging the blanket higher around herself. "Jay helped him with everything."

Leo nodded slowly, absorbing that. But then his attention drifted back to her, and his expression changed.

Her face was still warm, flushed in a way that had nothing to do with sleep. Faint marks shadowed her skin, soft and obvious against her fair complexion. Even her collarbones and shoulders bore quiet evidence of the night, and the oversized shirt she was wearing did nothing to hide how tender she looked.

Definitely not leaving the house.

Bella caught him staring and immediately frowned. "It’s fine if it’s on my body," she complained, pointing accusingly at him, "but why did you have to leave marks on my face too?" Her finger jabbed the air as she glared at him, clearly offended.

Leo didn’t even try to look apologetic.

He shrugged, completely unbothered, a smug little smirk tugging at his lips. "You looked too tempting," he said calmly, as if that explained everything. "I lost control."

She huffed, turning away and pulling the blanket over herself dramatically. "You’re impossible."

He chuckled softly, walking closer and smoothing the covers around her. "Rest," he said gently now, the teasing gone from his voice. "You stay in bed today. I’ll bring your food to your room, and I’ll tell Jay you’re sick."

Bella peeked out from the blanket, considering that. Then she nodded, satisfied.

"Good."

She curled up comfortably, still wrapped in his shirt, while he stood there looking annoyingly refreshed, calm, and perfectly put together. As he leaned down to kiss her forehead before leaving, she closed her eyes, warmth spreading through her chest.

Even if she couldn’t walk properly today, she decided...

it had been worth it.

★★★

He came back a few minutes later, a breakfast plate balanced carefully in his hands. The moment Bella lifted her eyes and saw him, her cheeks warmed all over again. He looked serious, focused, as if carrying something precious rather than food.

"I got your favourite," he said quietly.

He placed the plate on the low table near the couch, adjusting everything neatly, making sure nothing would spill. Before she could say a word, he turned back to her, slipped one arm under her knees and the other around her back, and lifted her up as if she weighed nothing.

"Leo—" she started, startled.

"Don’t argue," he cut in gently, his tone firm but calm. "You’re not walking today."

Her protest melted into a shy smile as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. Being carried like this still made her heart flutter every time. He moved carefully, unhurried, and sat her down on the couch with the same care, arranging the cushions behind her back until she was fully comfortable.

"There," he said, straightening. "Perfect."

She looked up at him, lips pressed together to hide her smile. "You’re acting like I’ll break."

He crouched slightly in front of her, meeting her eyes. "That’s because you’re precious," he replied simply.

Her breath caught for a second.

He picked up the plate, scooped a small bite, and held it out to her. "Eat. Slowly."

Bella hesitated, then opened her mouth obediently, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as she chewed. The food tasted warmer somehow, maybe because he was feeding her, maybe because of the way he watched her with quiet attention.

"You don’t have to do all this," she murmured after a moment.

"I want to," he said, without hesitation. "So let me."

She nodded, eyes softening, and leaned back into the cushions while he stayed close and patient, as if the rest of the world could wait as long as she was right there in front of him.

"I’m done," she said softly, a small smile curving her lips as she leaned back.

He picked up the napkin and wiped the corner of her mouth with slow care, his touch gentle, almost absentminded. "Good girl," he murmured, more habit than intention, his thumb brushing lightly over her cheek as he finished.

Her eyes brightened instantly, warmth blooming in them as she leaned into his hand without thinking, her head tilting to follow the touch. The simple affection made her feel light, safe, and quietly happy, like the world had narrowed down to just this small space between them.

He paused for a second, amused, watching the way she relaxed so easily under his hand. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he rubbed her head once more, slower this time, letting her enjoy it.

"Alright," he said gently, standing up. "Now you rest."

She nodded, still smiling, curling slightly into the cushions as he cleaned up.

"I’m leaving for a meeting and I’ll be back early. If you need anything, ask Nina, alright?" he said gently. Nina was the maid he had specifically arranged for her today, and Bella nodded obediently, her lashes fluttering as she watched him.

He lifted her carefully, as if she weighed nothing at all, and settled her back onto the bed, making sure the pillows were just right. The blanket was pulled up to keep her warm before he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

"I’ll be back," he murmured.

She smiled shyly, her fingers curling into the sheets as she watched him turn away.

The door closed quietly behind him. The moment he stepped into the hallway, the warmth in his expression drained away. His jaw tightened as he pulled out his phone, eyes scanning the news on the screen. Whatever he read made his lips press into a thin, unforgiving line, the softness he’d shown her vanishing completely as something darker settled in his gaze.