Chapter 322 - Pink flower for my wife

Chapter 322: Chapter 322 - Pink flower for my wife

The days continued to pass, and Ryan still came to see Eric every day.

Without fail, he would bring his medicine, make sure Eric drank every last drop of the bitter liquid, and then hand him something sweet afterward to chase away the awful taste. At first, Eric had still been slightly bothered by Ryan’s answer.

But he was not the sort of person who could remain gloomy for very long, especially when delicious food was involved.

Whatever disappointment he had felt was quickly forgotten the moment the man started bringing him different dishes every day.

He ate the delicate pastries, the sweet fruits, the soft meats, the warm soups, and anything else Ryan brought, completely abandoning whatever sulking mood he had been in. By the end of every meal, his expression would be satisfied enough to make it obvious that food had once again become more important than his previous complaints.

As far as he was concerned, if his husband wanted to continue acting like a good husband, he certainly wasn’t going to stop him.

Whatever had happened between them before was under the bridge now.

Besides, there was no point thinking too much about it. He had delicious food and a man who was willing to serve him.

eh, life wasn’t so bad.

Once he was strong enough to walk around for longer periods, Ryan stopped keeping him confined to his room. One afternoon, he personally took him outside so he could get some fresh air.

The compound was large, and there were several gardens spread throughout the residence. The paths were clean and neatly maintained, surrounded by flowering plants and small trees. The gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers through the air, while colorful butterflies fluttered lazily between the blossoms.

Eric walked beside Ryan at a leisurely pace, occasionally stopping whenever something caught his attention.

He had been trapped inside for days, so even something as simple as walking outside felt refreshing.

"This place is actually pretty nice," Eric admitted.

Ryan glanced at him. "You sound surprised."

"I am." Eric looked around thoughtfully. "I thought your residence would be as boring as you are."

Ryan gave him a sideways look.

Eric smiled innocently.

"What? I’m only telling the truth."

They continued walking, with him occasionally wandering a few steps ahead before slowing down again. Eventually, his attention was caught by a patch of pink cosmos flowers blooming beside the path.

He stopped.

One particular flower stood slightly apart from the others, its delicate pink petals swaying gently in the breeze.

Eric stepped closer and bent slightly, studying it with interest.

He had always liked pretty things, even if he rarely admitted it.

He reached out as though he wanted to touch one of the petals, but before his fingers could reach it, another hand appeared.

Ryan plucked the flower.

"What are you...." Before he could even ask what Ryan was doing, the man stepped closer and tucked the delicate pink flower behind Eric’s ear.

Eric’s entire body stiffened.

He slowly lifted his eyes.

Ryan was looking at him with an expression that he had never quite seen before.

His gaze unusually gentle, almost affectionate, as he carefully adjusted a few strands of Eric’s hair around the flower.

"They look pretty on you."

Eric peered up at him blinking rapidly.

He really does keep up this good-husband act...

That was what he told himself.

Yet his cheeks betrayed him almost immediately.

They grew warm when Ryan’s fingers brushed lightly against his skin.

Eric quickly looked away.

He suddenly found the flowers beside him extremely interesting.

He certainly wasn’t blushing.

Absolutely not.

It was probably because of the sunlight.

Yep, its too hot. that’s why...

That had to be it.

Ryan watched his wife turn his face away, the faint blush spreading across his cheeks impossible to miss.

The pink flower tucked against the young prince’s dark hair looked almost as though it had been chosen specifically for him. Its soft color matched the warmth rising in his cheeks perfectly.

Ryan’s gaze lingered.

His new wife really did look beautiful.

The Southerners generally had lighter-colored eyes than those from the northern regions, and under the afternoon sunlight, Eric’s eyes looked even more striking. When he turned his face slightly, the light caught them, making them appear almost like molten gold, with tiny flecks of brown scattered through the irises.

Ryan found himself staring.

He had seen those eyes countless times before.

He had seen them narrowed in annoyance, widened in surprise, sparkling with mischief whenever Eric was plotting something, and filled with amusement whenever he managed to irritate someone.

But right now, with the sunlight falling across his face and a small pink flower tucked behind his ear, they looked different.

Beautiful.

Absolutely beautiful.

Ryan’s gaze slowly lowered to Eric’s lips.

They were soft and pink, still slightly fuller from his recent recovery. He remembered how pale they had looked when he had been lying unconscious on the bed, and the memory made something tighten inside his chest.

Now they had regained their color.

Ryan suddenly wanted to kiss them.

The thought came so naturally that he barely questioned it.

His wife was still looking away, seemingly distracted by the flowers beside the path.

Ryan leaned down slightly.

Just a little closer.

His gaze remained fixed on those plump pink lips as he quietly prepared to steal a kiss before he noticed what he was doing.

He was almost there when hurried footsteps came from behind them.

"General!"

Ryan immediately stopped.

Eric turned around as well.

A servant hurried toward them and bowed before speaking.

"General, an imperial eunuch has arrived and is waiting to see you."

Ryan’s expression changed.

His hand clenched slightly at his side.

The timing was almost infuriating.

He had finally found the perfect moment, and now the Emperor had decided to send someone to interrupt him.

Ryan glanced once more at his wife. Those pink lips really lingered in his sight.

He silently clicked his tongue filled with regret that he had missed the opportunity.

"Take me to him," he ordered.

The servant bowed and immediately stepped aside.

Ryan followed him toward the main residence, though he couldn’t help looking back once before leaving.

Eric was still standing among the flowers, one hand touching the pink blossom behind his ear with a slightly puzzled expression.

Ryan’s fingers tightened again.