That afternoon, while the Yan family's private doctor did a routine check-up on Leonard in one of the quiet guest rooms, Madam Yan gently pulled Sophie aside. Her expression was calm, but there was a glint in her eyes—something between warmth and mischief.
They stepped into a nearby sitting room, away from anyone who might overhear. Madam Yan turned to her with a knowing smile that instantly made Sophie's heart race.
"Sophie," she said with a soft laugh, "so… you and Leonard finally consummated your marriage last night!"
Her cheerful tone made Sophie freeze, her cheeks turning bright red.
"M-Mother… how did you know?" she asked, completely mortified that something so private had already become a topic of conversation.
Madam Yan chuckled and patted her hand. "This morning, Leonard asked Aunt Yu to change the bed sheets," she said, a twinkle in her eye. "She noticed the signs and, naturally, came to tell me."
Sophie groaned, covering her face with both hands. "So that's how you found out…" she mumbled, her ears burning. But beneath the embarrassment, something warm bloomed in her chest—Leonard had remembered to ask for fresh sheets. That simple gesture touched her more than she expected.
Madam Yan only smiled wider, clearly enjoying Sophie's flustered reaction. "Tell me, Sophie," she teased, leaning in a little. "Who made the first move?"
Sophie hesitated for a second, then answered softly, "Leonard did."
Madam Yan laughed with delight. "I knew it! He's still a man."
Her laughter faded into a softer expression as she gently took Sophie's hands. "Sophie, Leonard is counting on you. He may not be who he once was, but he's still my son—and he still deserves a life filled with love and happiness."
Sophie met her eyes, her heart full. "Mother," she said quietly, "I'll take good care of Leonard. I never said this before, but… thank you for letting me marry him in my sister's place. I know I'm not really a daughter of the Lin family, but you welcomed me. You gave me a home. I'll never forget that."
Madam Yan's hands tightened around hers, her eyes misting with emotion. "It wasn't easy to find someone willing to marry Leonard after the accident," she said gently. "But you didn't just agree—you chose him. And what matters most is that anyone can see it… You truly love him. Not because you have to, but because you want to. That means everything."
Sophie blinked back tears. For so long, she had felt like she was always second best—overshadowed by Amelia, never quite belonging. But now, held by Madam Yan with such warmth, she didn't feel like an outsider anymore.
"Thank you, Mother," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
After Leonard's check-up, the family doctor pulled Madam Yan aside for a quiet talk about his condition. Meanwhile, Sophie took Leonard's hand and gently led him downstairs for lunch. Her arm linked naturally with his, and Leonard walked beside her with a wide grin, clearly enjoying being close to her.
Sophie glanced up at him with a playful smile. "Leonard, were you good during the check-up?" she asked teasingly.
Leonard nodded eagerly, bouncing a little with pride. "Yes! Leonard listened. Leonard was very obedient," he said brightly. Then, tilting his head with a cheeky sparkle in his eyes, he added, "Do I get a reward?"
Sophie laughed, already guessing where this was going. "Oh? And what kind of reward does Leonard want?"
Sure enough, Leonard leaned closer and whispered, "Leonard wants kisses… and making love with wife."
Sophie gasped, eyes wide, her cheeks instantly red. She quickly slapped a hand over his mouth, glancing around in panic. "Leonard!" she whispered, flustered. "You can't say things like that in public!"
Leonard looked up at her with innocent eyes, but there was mischief hiding behind them. Instead of backing off, he leaned in even closer and whispered in her ear, "Then… Can we make love again tonight?"
Sophie nearly tripped, her face burning from ear to ear. Her heart thudded in her chest, and she avoided his eyes completely.
"L-let's eat first! No more of that talk!" she stammered, clearing her throat as she tried to focus on anything else.
Leonard giggled, clearly pleased with her reaction. A playful glint sparkled in his eyes—he was enjoying this way too much.
He had discovered something that delighted him, teasing Sophie was fun. Especially when she blushed, got flustered, and fumbled for words. She was like a soft, sweet peach—warm, gentle, and easy to turn pink with just a few teasing words. And the more he saw that shy smile and those rosy cheeks bloom just for him, the more he wanted to keep doing it.
At lunch, the Yan family dining hall was filled with the soft clinking of porcelain and the warm murmur of conversation, but the moment Sophie sat down beside Leonard, peace was short-lived. Without hesitation, Leonard leaned toward her, resting his head against her shoulder with a dramatic sigh of contentment. "Sophie, I want a kiss," he whispered, his voice hushed but unmistakably clear to anyone sitting nearby. Sophie's eyes widened in alarm, her chopsticks pausing mid-air. "L-Leonard, not at the table!" she whispered back, her face already starting to flush. But Leonard pouted, his expression the picture of exaggerated innocence. "But husband and wife should kiss," he replied, as if it were the most reasonable thing in the world. Before she could scold him again, a distinct throat-clearing drew her attention. Across the table, Madam Yan was watching them with an amused smile, clearly enjoying the scene. "My, my, Sophie," she teased, her eyes twinkling, "how can you deny your husband when he's asking so sweetly?"
Sophie nearly choked on her tea, sputtering as her face turned an even deeper shade of red. She turned to glare at Leonard, who was now grinning proudly, practically glowing under the attention. Even his mother is on his side?! Sophie thought in disbelief. Encouraged by his mother's playful support, Leonard decided to push his luck further. He turned his head slightly, tilted his cheek toward Sophie, and tapped it with one finger, completely shameless. "Kiss here," he instructed, clearly enjoying every second of her torment.
Madam Yan let out a chuckle, her smile widening. "Yes, Sophie. Don't be shy. You're newlyweds, after all."
Sophie wanted to crawl under the table and disappear. With Leonard pouting like a kid begging for candy and Madam Yan watching with clear amusement, she knew she was trapped.
With a sigh of defeat, she leaned over and gave Leonard a quick, light kiss on the cheek—barely a peck—then quickly turned back to her food, grabbing her chopsticks and stuffing a bite into her mouth just to escape the teasing.
Leonard beamed, looking completely thrilled. His grin stretched wide as he said dreamily, "My wife is so cute."
Sophie groaned inwardly. Still, even in her flustered state, her heart fluttered at his sweet words.
This man—her playful, honest husband—might embarrass her to no end, but he was also making her fall for him a little more each day.
Later that day, Sophie tried to find a quiet moment for herself. She slipped into the garden, hoping the cool air would help calm her constantly flushed cheeks. Since morning, Leonard had kept her on edge—teasing her, kissing her, flashing that proud grin every time she blushed. His affection was relentless, and she could hardly keep up.
The garden, with its blooming camellias and soft breeze, seemed like the perfect escape—until she stepped onto the stone path and suddenly felt warm arms wrap around her waist from behind.
"Sophie is ignoring Leonard," he murmured against her neck, his voice playful but a little pouty.
The warmth of his breath made her shiver. Her heart skipped.
"I-I just came out for fresh air," she said quickly, trying to stay calm.
But Leonard only hugged her tighter, pressing close. "Then I'll breathe the same air as my wife," he said with a grin, resting his chin on her shoulder.
Sophie groaned and covered her face, flustered. How was she supposed to think when he kept doing things like this?
By the time night fell, Sophie hoped maybe—just maybe—Leonard would stop teasing. She was wrong.
After their bath, she sat at the vanity towel-drying her hair, lost in thought. Suddenly, Leonard came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist again. His bare chest, still warm from the bath, pressed against her back.
"My wife," he whispered near her ear, his voice low and playful.
Sophie froze, her hands stopping mid-motion. "W-What is it now?" she asked, her heart already racing.
Leonard didn't answer right away. He gently turned her around to face him, his grip firm but soft.
This time, there was no mischief in his eyes. No boyish grin.
Sophie's throat went dry and quickly walked to their bed to escape.
He had been patient all day, holding back, letting her tease and scold him. As she crawled beneath the covers, still flustered, Leonard followed, slipping into bed beside her. Then, without a word, he pulled her into his arms, hovering over her with a seriousness that made her breath catch. His gaze bore into hers—no longer playful but dark, intense, and burning with desire. "Leonard wants reward now," he murmured, his voice husky as his fingers traced her cheek. "Kissing… and making love with wife."
Sophie's body trembled slightly beneath his touch. She couldn't speak. Couldn't even think. All she could do was feel—his warmth, his closeness, the slow trail of his fingers down her jaw. Leonard leaned in, brushing his lips gently against hers, a featherlight kiss that made her gasp.
Her hands pressed lightly against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart thudding in sync with hers. He tilted his head and deepened the kiss, just enough to make her melt into him, her fingers tightening their hold. His hand moved from her cheek to the nape of her neck, pulling her closer—closer—like he couldn't stand a single inch of space between them. Sophie felt her knees weaken, her entire body leaning into his instinctively, her breath stolen by the sheer intensity of his affection.
Sophie's breath hitched as Leonard's kiss deepened—not rushed or aggressive, but full of a quiet hunger that made her heart stutter. His lips moved against hers with surprising skill, a blend of tenderness and unspoken longing. Her fingers curled instinctively against his chest, gripping the fabric of his pajama top, trying to steady herself as her mind blurred with heat and emotion.
Leonard's hand slid slowly down from the nape of her neck to the small of her back, drawing her closer, pressing their bodies together in perfect, breathless alignment. His warmth wrapped around her like a cocoon, grounding and overwhelming all at once. His heart beat steady beneath her touch, but there was a tension in him too, like a string pulled taut—waiting, holding back. He pulled away just a fraction, just enough to look into her eyes, his breath mingling with hers. "Sophie is mine," he said softly, but with a seriousness that sent shivers down her spine. "Only mine."
Sophie swallowed hard, her lips tingling, her heart hammering in her chest. She reached up and cupped his cheek, her thumb brushing over his skin as she met his gaze. "I'm yours," she whispered. "Only yours."
Something shifted in Leonard's eyes at her words—a mix of relief and growing desire. He kissed her again, slower and deeper this time, as if claiming every part of her with care. His hand slid beneath the edge of her nightgown gently.
Sophie gasped softly against his lips, her body reacting before her thoughts could catch up. There was still a hint of innocence in his touch, but it was quickly being replaced by instinct—driven by emotion, not logic.
She trembled beneath him—not from fear, but from the anticipation, the trust, and the closeness they shared. Leonard reached for her hand under the sheets, lacing their fingers together.
"Leonard will be careful," he whispered between kisses. "Won't hurt Sophie."
She nodded and pulled him closer, her voice soft and steady. "I know. I trust you."
Leonard kissed her again—slow, tender, and full of quiet promise. And as night fell around them, Sophie gave in completely, heart and soul, to the man who loved her not with perfection, but with unwavering devotion. A love that came from his steady presence, his gentle heart, and the way he always chose her.
This time, she didn't hold back.
Leonard's hands moved over her with a slight tremble—not from fear, but from the deep emotion inside him. This wasn't just about being close. It was his way of showing her how much she meant to him.
Sophie felt it in every touch, every kiss, every breath against her skin. The way he looked at her now—like she was everything—made her heart ache in the best way. His lips found the curve of her neck, leaving soft kisses, and she let out a quiet sigh, her fingers tightening around his, holding onto him like he was her home.
Everything felt more intense—his warmth against her, the sound of her name on his lips, the way he paused to meet her eyes, silently asking for permission. And when she gave a small nod, her vulnerability was met with nothing but his quiet devotion. There was no rush, no pressure—only love.
Leonard moved gently, paying close attention to how she responded, learning her with care. Every sigh, every shiver, every time she leaned into him—he noticed it all.
"Sophie…," he said again, breathless now, voice rough with emotion. His forehead rested against hers, their noses brushing, their eyes locked in the dark. She smiled brushing a lock of hair from his damp forehead. "I'm always here," she whispered.
Their bodies moved together with a hunger that burned slow—every touch, every thrust deliberate, as if they were memorizing each other all over again. Leonard's hands gripped Sophie's hips, pulling her closer, deeper, his breath ragged against her skin. She arched into him, nails scraping down his back, leaving marks that whispered mine.
By the time they lay together, breathless and spent, the room was quiet except for the steady beat of their hearts—calm, close, and full of something real. Sophie rested her head on Leonard's chest while his fingers gently ran through her hair.
"Leonard, I'll be going out for a little while tomorrow morning," she said softly as she folded his clothes. "Mother and Aunt Yu will stay with you while I'm gone."
But as soon as she finished speaking, Leonard's arms wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her close like a child afraid to be left behind.
"Where is Sophie going? Leonard wants to go too!" he whined, his voice laced with stubbornness and just the slightest edge of panic. His brows drew together in a pout, and he pressed his cheek against her back like he was trying to physically keep her from leaving. Sophie reached down to stroke his hair, her fingers threading gently through the soft strands to soothe him. "Tomorrow is my birth mother's death anniversary," she said quietly, her voice tinged with a bittersweet calm. "I want to visit her grave and pay my respects."
At her words, Leonard pulled back just enough to look at her, his pout fading into a more serious, thoughtful expression. His eyes softened, and after a moment, he gave a firm nod.
"Sophie's mom is also Leonard's mom," he said quietly but with conviction. "I want to go too."
Sophie's heart ached at his sincerity—the way he saw her mother as his own, even without ever meeting her.
"Are you sure?" she asked gently, cupping his cheek. "You'll have to stay close to me the whole time. No running off, okay?"
Leonard nodded eagerly, eyes bright with determination. "I promise! Leonard will listen to wife. Will be good. Very good."
Looking at his hopeful face, so full of emotion and childlike honesty, Sophie couldn't say no.
"Alright," she said softly, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "You can come with me."
Leonard lit up instantly and cheered.