Chapter 5

"Is it because I told you I'm scared of the dark that you've never let me stay home alone at night?" Katelyn asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Ethan's face stiffened a little, and he said awkwardly, "You're my wife. Taking care of you is just what I'm supposed to do."

Hearing that, Katelyn had a warm feeling. She hadn't expected him to remember that she was scared of the dark all this time.

Katelyn and Ethan had only been together for a short time before they moved in together.

Back then, Ethan was always working late at the office, and he'd often come home in the middle of the night.

One time, the power suddenly went out, and the whole house was plunged into darkness.

Katelyn was so scared that she didn't know what to do. She started searching everywhere for her phone, wanting to call Ethan, but she had no idea where she'd left it.

At that moment, fear completely surrounded Katelyn. She could only huddle helplessly in the corner, hugging herself tightly, trying to find even a little bit of comfort.

After two long hours, Ethan finally walked through the door.

The instant he spotted Katelyn curled up in the corner, she rushed into his arms, clutching him tightly as she broke down in tears.

"You're finally back! Why didn't you come home sooner? It was pitch dark, and I was so scared. I couldn't even move," Katelyn sobbed.

Ethan gave her a stiff, awkward pat on the back, his voice low and tinged with worry.

"Kate, don't be afraid. I'm right here with you," he murmured.

Ever since that night, Ethan always made sure Katelyn was never left alone at home after dark.

Even when he was away on business, he'd call her every evening and stay on the phone until she fell sound asleep. He'd only hung up when he heard her steady breathing through the receiver.

After Chloe left, Ethan noticed Katelyn still sizing him up. He cleared his throat, a little awkward, then grabbed her hand, not quite sure what to do.

"See? I told you there's nothing going on between us. You believe me now?" Ethan said, trying to sound casual.

Katelyn just murmured a quiet reply, turned away, and headed into the kitchen to get herself a plate.

After a moment, she brought one for Ethan too, set it on the table, and sat down at the table, quietly eating by herself.

Ethan frowned, looking pretty displeased, as he watched Katelyn just start eating on her own, totally ignoring him.

"Why didn't you call me before you started eating?" Ethan grumbled.

"Didn't I already put your plate on the table?" Katelyn replied, not even bothering to look up.

She was done pampering him.

Back then, Katelyn would always wait for Ethan to come home before she'd even think about eating.

Only when she saw him finally sit down would she feel satisfied enough to start eating herself.

If Ethan was working late, she'd keep reheating the food over and over, just so he could have a hot meal when he got home.

At first, seeing how much trouble Katelyn went to just to wait for him, Ethan would tell her not to wait for him, saying he'd just order takeout if he got hungry.

But Katelyn would always refuse and remind him with a serious face that takeout wasn't good for his health.

After that, Ethan never brought it up again. Every time he had Katelyn's cooking, he'd always end up going back for seconds or even thirds.

No wonder Ethan felt so thrown off now.

Katelyn kept eating, lost in her own thoughts.

Ethan could tell something was off with Katelyn, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say.

He sat down quietly, grabbed some food, and started eating.

"Oh, that's spicy," Ethan blurted out, his face instantly turning red.

He jumped up, face flushed, and rushed to the kitchen for some water.

Katelyn couldn't help but let out a quiet giggle. At that moment, she felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her, like a weight she'd been carrying forever had finally started to lift.