The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 864

Eventually, Ferris had to pry me away. "Honey, you're getting her gown all wet," he teased gently.

I finally managed to reign in my emotions and went to the bathroom to wash my face. Lucille had just woken up and her stamina was low. The conversation had clearly drained her. I wanted to stay by her side, but she vehemently refused. "You're pregnant, you can't be sleeping in a hospital chair! Besides, if you stay, I'll just be worrying about you all night and won't get a wink of sleep. Ferris, take her home."

My pregnancy symptoms had been severe lately. Beyond the nausea, the overwhelming exhaustion was taking its toll, and the emotional rollercoaster of the day had left me completely drained. Still, I was reluctant to leave. Fortunately, Ferris had already arranged for a top-tier private nurse. After meticulously tucking the blankets around my mother, I finally allowed Ferris to lead me out.

Night had fallen. A bitter winter wind howled outside, its ferocity audible even through the thick glass of the car windows. I sank back into the heated leather seat, watching the festive red lanterns swaying on the barren trees lining the avenue. It suddenly hit me—the New Year was fast approaching. Time had flown by. Another year had come and gone in the blink of an eye.

"What's on your mind, darling?" Ferris asked, his low chuckle filling the silence as he stopped at a red light and reached over to stroke my hair.

"I was just thinking how nice it is that we get to spend the New Year together this year," I blurted out. The moment the words left my lips, my eyes widened, and I slapped a hand over my mouth.

I had completely abandoned my filter. Why did I have to say something so hopelessly romantic out loud? Ferris, however, looked absolutely thrilled. He unbuckled his seatbelt in a flash and leaned across the console. His hand slid from my hair down to cup my jaw, tilting my face up to meet his. The kiss was slow, devastatingly tender, and undeniably intoxicating.

I didn't pull away. Instead, I yielded to his touch, melting into the kiss. Behind his silver-rimmed glasses, his eyes burned with a dark, magnetic intensity. "Don't worry, Selena," he murmured, his voice laced with profound devotion. "I'll be right here every single year. I promise you, we'll ring in every New Year together."