Seraphina was determined, even helping Zachary lift his casted leg onto the bed. Once he was settled, she climbed in from the other side and turned off the light.
In the darkness, Zachary pulled Seraphina into his arms, grumbling, "I'm taking this cast off tomorrow."
Seraphina scolded him, "Don't be stubborn. You need to listen to the doctor."
Zachary retorted, "Doctors don't know everything."
Seraphina firmly said, "No way, no way."
She pushed away his attempts at affection. Zachary, feeling helpless, pleaded softly, but after several failed attempts, sleep overtook him.
Seraphina soon felt sleepy too, and they fell asleep in each other's arms until noon the next day.
In the afternoon, Seraphina accompanied Zachary to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor advised, "Your bone hasn't fully healed yet. I recommend keeping it immobilized for a few more days and avoiding walking."
On the way back, Seraphina said to Zachary, "My mom bought me a house two years ago as a wedding gift. Why don't you move in with me?"
Zachary's face showed a mix of emotions as he hesitated, "I don't know if that's a good idea."
Seraphina reassured him, "What's wrong with it? It was meant for us anyway. We're just moving in a bit early." Zachary was convinced and nodded, "Alright, I'll listen to you. But I'll buy us a new house for our wedding soon."
Seraphina laughed, "Don't rush. Let's enjoy our time together first."
That night, they moved into Seraphina's house.
Three days later, it was time for Zachary to remove his cast. He woke up in high spirits, looking at Seraphina with an intense desire to hold her and kiss her.
Seraphina sighed, "Don't look at me like that."
Zachary grinned, "Finally, I can get rid of this cast."
After the cast was removed, his leg felt much better, almost back to normal.
The doctor reminded him, "You still need to avoid walking too much and refrain from any strenuous activities."
Zachary agreed, "Sure, doc," but he didn't take it seriously.
At noon, they went to a nearby restaurant for lunch.
Zachary claimed he was tired and wanted to go home. Seraphina knew exactly what he was thinking and smiled, "Alright, let's go home."
In the elevator, Seraphina could feel the strong hormonal energy radiating from Zachary, worrying she might not be able to resist him.
Sure enough, as soon as Seraphina opened the familiar door, Zachary's movements were quick but gentle, filled with an indescribable tenderness.
He gently pressed Seraphina against the wall in the entryway, his deep eyes burning with passion.
Seraphina's heart raced, feeling like it might leap out of her chest.
She looked up at Zachary, his usually stern face now full of affection and longing.
"Seraphina, I've missed you so much," Zachary whispered, his voice hoarse and full of emotion.
His breath tickled Seraphina's ear, sending shivers down her spine.
Seraphina's cheeks flushed as she lowered her head and softly replied, "I missed you too, but... your leg just got out of the cast. You need to be careful."
Zachary's face showed a hint of frustration and disappointment.
He frowned, as if saying, "You know what I want, yet you still say that."
But then he smiled, his expression full of indulgence and love.
Seraphina leaned gently against Zachary's shoulder, feeling his warmth and strength. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, leaving only their heartbeats and breaths, and their intimate connection...
Meanwhile, at Rosewood City International Airport, Nova arrived today. Indigo and Gregory, accompanied by their assistant, waited at the airport exit.
Nova wore a simple black sweater and jeans, but her unique charm was undeniable. Her long hair flowed freely, adding a touch of carefree spirit. Her face was strikingly beautiful, fresh and elegant like a lotus emerging from water. Her bright almond-shaped eyes sparkled with youthful energy, and her delicate red lips added a captivating touch.
She caught the attention of passersby.
Nova immediately recognized Indigo and Gregory, greeting them cheerfully, "Indigo, Gregory, I'm back!"
Indigo was overjoyed. She had intermittently raised Nova since she was three until she was sixteen, treating her as her own. Her eyes reddened as she said, "Nova, you're finally back."
Gregory's face was full of fatherly love. Nova was the daughter of their close friends, who had to work abroad in a dangerous country, so they entrusted Nova to their care. He said gently, "Come on, Nova, let's talk in the car."
Indigo and Nova hugged, Indigo marveling, "You've grown so tall, taller than me now."
Nova hugged Indigo tightly, expressing her longing, "Indigo, I've missed you so much."
The assistant helped with the luggage, and they all headed to the car.
In the car, Indigo informed Nova, "Nova, I've arranged an internship for you in the translation department. You can check it out after a few days of rest."
Nova's eyes lit up with gratitude, "Really? Thank you so much, Indigo. I won't let you down."
Indigo then mentioned, "Zachary, whom you've always wanted to meet, is back in the country, and he's getting married soon."
Nova's lips curved into a smile, "Zachary's future wife must be a lovely and gentle beauty."
Her words were full of kindness and optimism. Despite her parents' absence, she had grown up with Indigo and Gregory's love, receiving excellent material and spiritual education.
It was ingrained in her.
Back home, Nova unpacked her luggage and brought two gifts downstairs for Indigo and Gregory.
They accepted them happily.
Just then, the maid received a call saying Aiden would be home for dinner.
Indigo arranged for the kitchen to prepare extra dishes.
Nova had a strong impression of Aiden.
In ninth grade, after dropping ten places in the midterm exams, she ran home in the rain and was hit by a bicycle. Aiden happened to pass by and took her home, sternly lecturing her.
Nova was terrified of Aiden, and since then, she always tried to avoid him.
Now, this intimidating Aiden had become the Deputy Prime Minister.
Indigo comforted her, "Don't be afraid. This time, talk to Aiden. You might need his help in your future career."
Nova shyly nodded and went to her room to rest.
The long flight had exhausted her, and she soon fell asleep.
In the evening, a black luxury car drove into the yard. Aiden stepped out from the back seat, his posture upright, exuding a refined and noble aura. Just standing there, he radiated brilliance.
The butler hurried out of the house to greet him, but in his haste, he stumbled down the steps, nearly falling at Aiden's feet.
Luckily, a bodyguard caught him.
The butler apologized, "Mr. Martinez, I'm so sorry. I was too careless."
Aiden's voice was calm and soothing, "It's alright."
Indigo was in the kitchen preparing Nova's favorite dishes.
Aiden sat on the living room sofa, waiting.
He casually asked, "I heard Nova is back."
"Nova returned not long ago and fell asleep," the maid replied respectfully.
Upon hearing this, Aiden adjusted his suit and tie, his expression calm, then sat on the sofa drinking tea, waiting.
After about ten minutes, he got up to stretch his legs. Remembering Gregory's study on the third floor, filled with classic books, he decided to go up and take a look to pass the time.
At that moment, Nova had already woken up in the master bedroom on the third floor. She had organized the dozen books she brought back from abroad and planned to store them in the study, knowing Gregory loved reading.