The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 232

She turned, her mouth falling open as she saw Ethan standing right behind her. Her mind went completely blank.

Before she could react, he was in front of her. Up close, she could see how much weight he had lost. His lips were pale, a sight that made her heart ache. But his strong, chiseled features remained unchanged, radiating an innate authority.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. She tried to smile, but the urge to cry was overwhelming, twisting her expression. “You… When did you…”

She wanted to throw herself into his arms and hold him tight, but as she reached for him, she hesitated, afraid of hurting his wounds.

“Silly girl.”

Ethan saw the conflict in her eyes. A mist formed in his own as he let out a soft chuckle. He reached out, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and pulled her into a firm embrace.

Feeling the warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart against her chest, Ramona could no longer hold back. She wrapped her arms around his waist, clinging to him.

He was really awake. It wasn't a dream. He was standing right here in front of her.

A wave of elation and sorrow washed over her, and her tears soaked the front of his shirt.

Ethan’s brow furrowed, a pang of guilt hitting him. His throat tightened as he stroked her hair. “…I’m sorry. I made you worry again.”

Ramona just shook her head, unable to speak. She pulled back, her tear-filled eyes searching his face. “Are you in pain? Why aren’t you at the hospital?”

“I’m fine. But you… you fell asleep on the sofa last night. Is your cold any better?” Ethan’s voice was low, his eyes filled with a tenderness that seemed to overflow.

He had woken up the night before. The past few days had felt like a long dream, and even in his unconscious state, he had sensed her presence. The moment he learned she was there, he had come straight to the hotel. Florence and the others had only found out that morning but hadn't been able to reach her. Seeing how deeply she had been sleeping, he had told the doctor not to disturb her and had gone to the next room to have his dressings changed.

“It’s just a cold. I’m… I’m perfectly healthy,” Ramona said, trying to reassure him, but her tearful voice sounded more like a pouting child’s.

“Mr. Jordon, it’s so good to see you’re all right! We were all so worried! We’ve been praying for you day and night. If anything had happened to you, we would have never forgiven ourselves!” the village chief said, stepping forward.

The little girl’s parents added, “Yes, Mr. Jordon, you were injured saving our daughter. We are the ones who should be thanking you! Seeing you awake and well is such a relief!”

“Thank you, Mr. Jordon! It’s so good that you’re awake!” the little girl chirped. She glanced at Ramona and added shyly, her cheeks turning red, “I hope you and Mrs. Jordon will be happy forever.”

She was young, but she loved to read and dreamed of the kind of love the adults talked about. Someday, she hoped to be with someone she loved, just like them.

The girl’s sincere blessing made Ramona laugh through her tears. She looked at her and nodded warmly. “Thank you. We will be.”

The chief then had all the gifts they had brought unloaded. This was a poor, remote village. The local specialties and high-quality medicinal herbs they had brought were likely the fruits of several years of harvest.

Ethan was moved. He gently patted Ramona’s hand, signaling for her to help him stand straighter. She felt the weight of his body lean on her and immediately looped her arm through his, her eyes filled with concern.