Emerald looked up at the sky. “Why are you home from work so early?”

Alaric carefully applied the ointment, then wrapped her foot in gauze, tying a neat bow on the instep. Lifting his head, he said softly, “I missed you.”

Emerald’s face flushed at his words. “We just saw each other this morning.”

“I still miss you. Every moment.”

Alaric slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over the familiar room. Even a worn-out doll still sat by the bed.

With just one look, he knew exactly what the other person was thinking—playing the nostalgia card with Emerald.

During the time she was at her most vulnerable, he had held...