After dinner, as the table was cleared and the house settled into its usual evening calm, Madam Yan approached Sophie with her usual grace and a knowing smile. Her touch was gentle as she placed a hand on Sophie's shoulder.
"Sophie," she said smoothly, "take care of Leonard's bath tonight."
Her voice was light, almost casual—like she was asking a simple favor. But Sophie immediately understood the meaning behind it.
"I—" Sophie started, but her voice caught, and her cheeks flushed with heat.
Madam Yan raised an elegant brow, her smile deepening. "It's your duty as his wife." Then she walked away without waiting for a reply, leaving Sophie standing there, stunned and flustered.
Sophie clenched her fingers slightly, her stomach twisting. She wasn't naive—she knew exactly what Madam Yan was suggesting.
The kind words and quiet encouragement about bonding were only the beginning. The Yan family wanted an heir. And even though the pressure was unspoken, it was there, growing stronger each day.
If she and Leonard kept moving at their current slow pace, it wouldn't be long before the family stepped in more directly. The weight of expectation was real—she wasn't just a wife now, she was expected to help secure the future of the Yan name.
Sophie took a deep breath to steady herself.
Later that night, after gathering her courage, Sophie gently led Leonard into the bathroom. Her fingers shook slightly as she reached to help him undress, her heart pounding so loudly she was sure he could hear it. She unbuttoned his shirt slowly, one button at a time, brushing against his skin as she worked. What she hadn't expected was what she saw underneath—despite his childlike behavior, Leonard's body was strong and well-toned.
Sophie tried to stay focused, tried to keep her touch calm and practical, but her racing heart betrayed her. Her cheeks burned, and she kept her eyes anywhere but on him, too flustered to meet his gaze, too overwhelmed by the closeness.
But Leonard noticed. He saw her hesitations and the way her hands trembled, how her breath quickened and her face turned red. And he understood—this wasn't easy for her. She wasn't doing this out of desire, but out of obligation, because she thought she had to.
"I don't want you here. I want to wash myself," Leonard said suddenly, his tone pouty but his words strangely clear and deliberate.
Sophie blinked, then let out a breath of relief and stepped back. "Alright," she said, voice still shaky. "If you need help, just call me. I'll be outside."
Without another word, she left the bathroom, closing the door gently behind her.
Leaning against the cool surface of the door, Sophie finally exhaled the breath she'd been holding. Her hand pressed to her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. Thank goodness, she thought, cheeks still flushed.
She thought she was ready—for the awkward moments, the stares, and the responsibility of caring for a husband. But she hadn't expected the way he looked at her with such honest eyes—or how her heart tightened every time he did.
She hadn't expected to feel so nervous, especially after seeing him half-undressed. His broad shoulders and quiet strength made her heart flutter. Her hands didn't shake just from shyness, but from a growing attraction she hadn't seen coming.
Later, when Leonard came out of the bathroom, his hair still damp, Sophie gently dried it with a soft towel. Her hands moved with quiet care, and he didn't say a word. He just sat still, letting her tend to him.
Once they were ready for bed, they slipped under the covers. The air felt heavy with unspoken thoughts. Sophie lay there for a moment, thinking of Madam Yan's earlier words—It's her duty as his wife. Her cheeks warmed, her heart thudding as she slowly scooted closer under the blanket.
With slightly trembling arms, she wrapped herself around him from behind, resting her cheek softly against his back. She just wanted to be near him. Maybe closeness would help.
Leonard tensed right away.
He hadn't expected the warmth of her touch, the light hold around his waist, or the soft scent of her hair surrounding him. "What are you doing?" he asked with the faint blush on his ears.
Sophie's face burned with embarrassment. "I… I just thought… since we're married, maybe we should be closer…" she whispered, her voice soft and shaky.
There was a pause before Leonard gently pushed her arms away and turned slightly. "It's too hot," he muttered, scooting back to his side of the bed.
Sophie quickly turned the other way, pulling the blanket over her head. Her heart sank. She felt humiliated, unsure of what she had been thinking. No one had ever taught her how to be a wife—not this kind, not in such an intimate way. She had only wanted to take a small step closer, to try.
"Sorry… if I made you uncomfortable," she said quietly, voice muffled by the blanket. "I won't touch you again without your permission. Goodnight, Leonard."
She didn't wait for an answer. She just shut her eyes, hoping sleep would come fast and wash away the awkwardness.
Next to her, Leonard lay on his back, staring at the ceiling. His heart was racing—too fast, too loud. He could still feel the warmth of her arms, the way she'd held him gently, like he meant something. Her scent lingered faintly in the air, stirring thoughts he couldn't quite make sense of.
He slowly turned his head, just enough to see her. She had fallen asleep, her face calm and peaceful, unaware he was watching.
*****
After spending days with Sophie, Leonard had started to understand something about Sophie.
She was different.
She wasn't like the others—never treated him like he was less. She didn't pity him or talk to him like a child. She didn't fake her kindness or use her care as a performance.
She remembered the little things—how he liked his steamed buns just warm enough, how he got annoyed when his shoelaces were uneven. She brought him snacks he liked without being asked. She wiped crumbs from his face gently, never scolding. And she always made sure no one spoke down to him when they thought he wasn't listening.
Her kindness was real. Quiet, simple, and consistent. And slowly, Leonard found himself trusting her.
That night, Leonard lay awake, eyes open in the quiet. Since that awkward night, Sophie had been quietly keeping her distance from Leonard at night when it was just the two of them.
Now beside him, Sophie was fast asleep, curled tightly at the edge of the bed with her back to him—like she was afraid to get too close.
He watched her in silence, frowning slightly. She was so close to falling off. Slowly, carefully, he reached out and tugged gently at her sleeve, pulling her a little closer. It was just to keep her safe.
But something unexpected happened.
Still asleep, Sophie shifted—and suddenly, she wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself against his chest without a word. Leonard froze, heart skipping. Her warmth, the soft rise and fall of her breath, the faint scent of jasmine clinging to her hair.
For a moment, he didn't move. He just let himself feel it. Her heartbeat thudding quietly against his chest. The way her body fit so perfectly against his. It was the closest he'd felt to peace in a long time. Maybe even home.
His arms moved slowly, almost unsure, until they circled her waist. He rested his hands gently on her back, as if asking for permission without words. She didn't flinch. She didn't pull away. Instead, she nestled closer, like she felt safe too.
Leonard's heart thumped in a way he didn't understand. He exhaled quietly and let his hand drift through her hair—cool and smooth, like silk sliding through his fingers.
Without thinking, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Leonard quietly watched her, his eyes tracing the gentle lines of her face in the soft moonlight. For the first time since their quiet, unexpected marriage, he truly allowed himself to see her—every delicate feature, every peaceful breath.
She looked so calm in sleep, Curled up against him, she looked completely unguarded—safe, like she trusted him without question.
Without thinking, he pulled her a little closer, tightening his hold. His fingers rested lightly on her waist, feeling the quiet rhythm of her breathing. He rested his chin gently on the top of her head, the steady beat of her heart soothing him more than words ever could.
A soft warmth bloomed in his chest. And that night, with Sophie safe in his arms, Leonard Yan finally closed his eyes—and for the first time in years, he slept deeply.
When Sophie Lin woke up the next morning, she wasn't surprised to find the bed beside her empty. Since she moved into the Yan Residence—she noticed that Leonard always woke early before her.
Rubbing her eyes, she got out of bed, her silk robe swaying gently as she walked toward the bathroom.
The sound of running water met her ears as she stepped inside. She paused in the doorway, smiling at the sight.
Leonard stood at the mirror, shirtless, a towel hanging loosely over his shoulder as he prepared to shave. In the soft morning light, there was something quietly handsome about him—natural and unguarded.
A smile tugged at Sophie's lips as she leaned against the doorframe. "Good morning, hubby," she greeted playfully, her voice soft and teasing. "Let me help you with that."
Before Leonard could say anything, Sophie stepped in and gently took the razor from his hand. He blinked, a little surprised, but didn't stop her.
She looked up at him and quickly realized the challenge—he was much taller than her. Standing on her tiptoes, she tried to reach his face, one hand lightly bracing against his chest for balance.
Without a word, Leonard moved. His hands found her waist, and in one smooth motion, he lifted her up and set her gently on the edge of the bathroom sink.
Sophie let out a small gasp, her eyes wide—then she laughed softly. "My hubby's not as foolish as everyone thinks," she teased, giving him a playful, warm smile.
Leonard didn't answer. He just stared at her, as if seeing her in a new light. The way her eyes lit up when she smiled—it made something tighten in his chest.
Still smiling, Sophie dipped her fingers into the shaving cream and began to spread it gently along his jawline. Her touch was light, her movements slow and careful as she worked. Then, holding the razor steady, she started to shave him with calm precision, focused on every stroke.
Leonard stayed perfectly still, he couldn't take his eyes off her. Her face was so close. The soft scent of her jasmine shampoo filled the air around him, wrapping him in a kind of warmth.
She was so close.
He watched her closely—the way her lashes fluttered with each careful stroke, the soft, steady rhythm of her breath warming his skin.
As she tilted his chin and wiped away the last bit of shaving cream, Sophie set the razor aside and picked up a warm towel. She gently wiped his face with care.
Her fingers reached up and lightly touched his cheek, her thumb brushing along his jaw. His skin was soft, warm under her fingertips. She smiled, a quiet awe in her expression.
"My husband is so good looking," she said softly, almost like a thought slipping out.
Leonard broke into a wide, proud grin and puffed out his chest. "Leonard is handsome," he repeated, owning the compliment like a title.
Sophie laughed, the sound light and genuine. "That's right! My hubby is the most handsome man in the world," she said playfully.
His smile stayed sweet and silly, but his eyes… they were different. Softer. Warmer. Deeper.
Her breath caught slightly in her throat. Sophie tilted her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "Can I kiss my hubby?" she asked, heart thudding in her chest.
Leonard blinked with surprise. Then, after a brief pause, he nodded with a small, sincere smile. "Yes. Kiss Leonard."
Sophie's heart fluttered. Smiling gently, she cupped Leonard's face in both hands, her thumbs brushing his cheeks as she leaned in. She kissed him—lightly, sweetly—just a soft press of lips, but the warmth that spread through her felt like something blooming quietly inside her.
When she pulled back, her eyes searched his. "Did my hubby like it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, full of affection and a hint of nerves.
Leonard blinked, stunned, then broke into a wide, joyful grin. "Leonard likes it. Leonard wants more kisses," he said shamelessly, lips already pouting as he leaned closer like a child asking for candy.
Sophie laughed, a soft, happy sound, her heart full. She leaned in again and kissed him once more—this time longer, deeper. Their breaths mingled in the stillness, warm and close.
Just as she started to pull away, Leonard's arms suddenly wrapped around her, pulling her tight against his chest. Her breath hitched slightly, hands resting on his chest. "Leonard… you're hugging me too tight," she whispered with her voice soft with surprise.
But he didn't let go. If anything, he held her closer, burying his face in her shoulder. He didn't say a word.
"Leonard likes Sophie."
Sophie's breath caught. Her eyes widened as she looked up at him, heart racing.
His eyes stayed locked on hers and his arms still held her close.
Her hand lifted gently to his cheek, her fingers trembling just a little as they rested against his skin.
"Sophie likes Leonard too," she whispered with her eyes shimmered with emotion, her heart wide open.