The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 926

"I know, I know. I almost died, but I clawed my way back. Besides, my wife was the one who pulled me from the brink," Ferris said, his smile unwavering.

He cradled my face, kissed me, and pulled me back into his embrace. His lips brushed against my ear, his voice low. "Selena, don't be angry about this anymore. I know you're worried about me, but it had to be done.

"I suspected from the start that Theodore Thorne had left more than one rat behind. They were hiding in the shadows, constantly monitoring us. Using Grant Foster as bait wasn't enough; they wouldn't all expose themselves for him.

"Theodore didn't just target us because you reopened that old case. He also hates me. The Sterling family played a crucial role in dismantling the Thorne empire, so he despises me just as much, if not more.

"Because of that, I knew using myself as bait would be the ultimate lure. He would strike with everything he had to finish me off in one blow. And only then would all his rats scurry out, giving us the perfect chance to catch them.

"You don't need to feel guilty. This isn't just your battle; it's mine, too. We're a team, husband and wife. Whatever I do for you is exactly what I'm supposed to do. Besides, didn't you save my life in the end?"

His words struck me right in the heart.

Yes, beneath the heartache and sorrow, I had felt an overwhelming sense of guilt.

I should have been thrilled that Ferris was fighting for me, but the fact that he gambled his life to do so made the gesture far too heavy. I couldn't bear the weight of that sacrifice, nor did I ever want to.

But by explaining his reasoning this way, he managed to ease some of the immense pressure crushing my chest.

Still, I couldn't stop crying. Even though Ferris claimed this was his battle too and not entirely for my sake, I knew the truth. I knew he loved me.

His love was something I had desperately hoped for over the years. Now, not only did I have it, but he had proven he was willing to lay down his life for me.