The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 374

He had already analyzed the consequences, and as long as she was safe, nothing else mattered to him. Ramona was touched, but also angry. “And what about you? If you shielded me, what if you…”

“…”

Just imagining it made her heart ache. The memory of what happened in the mountains was still raw. She could never go through that again. The thought of almost losing him was something she could only bear once.

“I would be fine.”

Ethan understood her fears. Before she could continue, he began to soothe her, his lips brushing against her cheek and neck. But Ramona was not in the mood.

She pushed him away slightly. “How could you be fine? Are you made of steel? Even steel shatters… Have you forgotten what happened when you rescued…”

He had nearly sacrificed himself to save that little girl. But if he had, what would have become of her? Ramona knew there was a fire in Ethan’s soul. Every word of protection he spoke carried immense weight. She loved that righteous integrity in him, but sometimes she wished he could be a little more selfish, a little more concerned for his own well-being.

“You promised me you wouldn’t just think about sacrificing yourself anymore.”

“Even if you love me, you don’t need to do it like that. You have to protect yourself first. That’s a form of love for me, too.” Ramona felt the need to make this clear to him again. She beckoned to him with her finger. “Promise me, if we’re ever in danger at the same time, you’ll save yourself first. It’s the normal thing to do, even if we’re married…”

The city lights flickered across his defined features, casting his complex emotions in and out of shadow.

“I know, and I believe, that you would be fine even without me. The truth is, I’m the one who can’t live without you.”

Of course he had thought about it. He had thought about it over and over. And that was precisely why he couldn't let her face even the slightest risk. She was different from him. Though they had both grown up without support, Ramona loved the world more than he did. Her soul was like a warm sun, healing and resilient. She would pull herself out of any darkness, time and time again, and start over. Even if she wasn't Benedict’s daughter, she would still find her own happiness.

But he was different. It was because of Ramona that he had rediscovered the warmth and color in the world. Even if he were to leave her, causing her temporary sadness, the love he had given her would only make her stronger.