35 . You heal me!
"Don't," Neil said quietly. His tone wasn't commanding, just... broken. "Stay."
The single word hit something deep inside her.
She hesitated for a moment, then slowly sat back down at the edge of the bed. He didn't look up, just moved closer, almost wordlessly, until his head rested in her lap.
Eva froze. Her breath hitched - not out of fear, but out of something she couldn't name.
Neil's shoulders trembled slightly, his face turned into the fabric of her dress as if seeking warmth that words couldn't give. His hands came around her waist, a quiet, desperate embrace that made her heart ache.
For a long second, she just sat there - stiff, overwhelmed, lost between the ache of seeing him this way and the softness of his trust.
Then, without thinking, her hand found its way to his hair.
She started running her fingers through the dark strands - slow, rhythmic, gentle - the way one soothes a restless child.
Each stroke seemed to calm him a little. His breathing evened out. His hold around her waist loosened but never left.
Eva looked down at him - the man who always carried walls around himself, who never let anyone see this side - now resting against her like he'd finally let go.
And in that quiet, she realized she didn't want to move.
Not yet.
So she stayed.
Silent. Still. Stroking his hair as the last traces of sunlight faded through the curtains.
Neil's breathing had softened - deep, steady, peaceful.
Eva looked down at him; his head was still resting on her lap, his face finally calm after what felt like days of turmoil.
The faint lines between his brows had eased, he looked.
.. human. Not the cold Dr. Morris everyone feared - just Neil.Her husband.
She stayed like that for a moment longer, watching the rise and fall of his chest. Her fingers brushed his hair one last time before she whispered softly,
"Sleep well."
Carefully, she moved her hand to his arm, trying to loosen his hold around her waist. He stirred slightly, his grip tightening for a brief second - like his body refused to let go - and she paused, afraid to wake him.
"Shh," she murmured quietly, her voice barely above a breath. "I'm right here."
Slowly, she untangled herself from his grasp and reached for a pillow, gently sliding it beneath his head to replace her lap. He sighed softly at the touch, sinking into the pillow, still half-asleep.
Eva stood there for a moment, just watching him - the way his lashes rested against his skin, the quiet vulnerability he never allowed anyone to see.
Her heart clenched, but she smiled faintly.
Then, with silent steps, she walked out of the room.
Opening the cabinets, she took out the ingredients.
"Let's make something nice tonight," she whispered to herself, half as a distraction, half as a promise.
As the soft sound of chopping filled the kitchen, the air slowly began to feel lighter - as if the home, once again.
The aroma of sautéed garlic and butter filled the apartment. Eva stirred the pasta with quiet focus, her sleeves rolled up, hair slightly messy from the heat.
Ryle leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching her move around like she belonged there.
Ryle: "You know, for someone who's a doctor, you look way too natural in the kitchen."
Eva: (grinning) "You mean I don't look like I'd burn water?"
Ryle: "Exactly. Neil's lucky. I'd kill for a home-cooked meal like this."
Eva: "I'll pack you some, don't flirt your way into free food."
Ryle chuckled, kicking the floor lightly.
Ryle: "So... uh... is Ria coming tonight?"
Eva paused mid-stir, raising a brow.
Eva: "Ah, there it is. The real reason you're here early."
Ryle's ears turned slightly pink.
Ryle: "What? I just asked! Purely out of curiosity."
Eva: (teasing) "Curiosity with a red face? That's new."
He grabbed a piece of bread from the counter and threw it up just to catch it into his mouth.
Eva: "Mhm. So you like her?"
Ryle froze for a second, his smile fading.
Ryle: "Like her?" (He hesitates, then shrugs, trying to act casual)
"She's... different. You know? Ria's the kind of girl you notice once - and you will never forget her."
Eva smiled softly, moving to grab a pan placing it on the other stove .
Eva: "She's chaos in heels. But she's got the biggest heart."
Ryle: "Yeah," (quietly) "I noticed."
Eva glanced at him sideways, hiding a small smile.
Eva: "Just don't mess with her, Ryle. She'll slice you with words faster than Neil with a scalpel."
Ryle: (grinning) "Oh, I'm not scared. I like a
challenges."
Eva: "Oh sure, you definitely do."
Ryle: "Maybe." (He smirks) "I kinda like her."
Eva: "huh?." (didnt hear ,focused on cooking)
Eva and Ryle moved around the dining table, setting plates and arranging the dishes. The cozy glow of the lights softened the air between them.
Eva: "They must be coming in ten minutes,Ria juts texted"
Ryle: "Yupp"
Eva: "I will go check on Neil."
Ryle: "You know, it's weird seeing Neil like this."
Eva: (stood glancing up) "Like what?"
Ryle: "Like... human."
She chuckled, shaking her head as she placed the salad bowl down.
Eva: "He's always human, Ryle."
Ryle: "Not the one I grew up with. That man was made of stone." (He sighed, leaning back on the chair)
"He's not just another guy, Eva. He's got layers-deep ones. But he'll never show them to the world."
Eva went quiet, her fingers fidgeting with the napkin as Ryle continued, his tone turning softer.
Ryle: "He won't say it, but he really likes you. I've never seen him... try, you know? But with you, he's different. He actually cares what you think.He cares what you like."
Eva smiled faintly, trying to hide how much those words touched her.
Eva: "You're overthinking. It's just-"
Ryle: "No, Eva." (He cut her off gently) "I'm not."
Ryle: "I don't know where this whole 'fake marriage' thing is going... but please, don't leave him. You changed him."
Eva's lips parted, surprised.
Ryle: "He would never call me and ask what women like, not in a million years. But last week, he called me at midnight asking if flowers were too cliché." (He smiled a little, shaking his head) "He even tries to talk softly around you. You have no idea what that means for him."
Ryle: "I know these are all bare minimum a guy could do,but trust me he is trying hard and maybe one day he will be completely changed to a gentleman you would be proud of calling its your husband."
Eva's chest tightened - guilt and tenderness tangling together. Her eyes flickered toward Neil's closed room door.
Eva: (softly) "I didn't know..."
Ryle: "Just... don't be too hard on him, okay? He's learning."
She gave a small nod, her voice barely above a whisper.
Eva: "Yeah... ."
Ryle smiled, picking up the last fork and setting it down.
Ryle: "There. Perfect table. Now let's hope your husband wakes up before everyone arrives."
Eva chuckled softly, but her eyes lingered on the door
The doorbell rang just as Eva adjusted the tablecloth.
She peeked through the glass and smiled - Grandma, Grandpa, and Ria stood there with small gifts and bright faces.
Eva: (opening the door with a big smile) "You're here!"
Granny: "Oh my dear, the smell from the hallway itself is making me hungry."
Ria: (stepping in, teasing) "Smells like someone's finally learned cooking and homemaking."
Eva: "You're just jealous you can't even boil water properly."
Eva helped Granny settle onto the couch while Grandpa looked around, impressed.
Grandpa: "It's a lovely place, Eva. You've really made it a home."
Eva smiled softly - her eyes flicking to Neil's room door.
She turned to Ryle.
Eva: "Ryle, can you please wake Neil up?."
Ryle: "On it, ma'am." ( heading to the room)
NEIL'S ROOM
The room was dim, curtains still half-drawn. Neil stirred when Ryle tapped his shoulder.
Neil: (groggy) "What time is it?"
Ryle: "Time for you to realize your wife saved your reputation, brother."
Neil: (frowning) "What?"
Ryle: "Dinner's ready. Everyone's here. And oh-thank God you married a woman with chef's hands, because nobody wants to eat what you would've made."
Neil blinked, sitting up.
Neil: "... she cooked?"
Ryle: (mock gasp) "No, the food fairy came in and waved her spoon. Of course she did, genius."
Neil rubbed his face, trying to hide a small smile.
Neil: "I was supposed to cook with her..."
Ryle: "Yeah, you were also supposed to wake up before dinner, but here we are." (grinning, patting his shoulder) "Now come on, - the guests await."
Neil stood, adjusting his shirt and running a hand through his hair before heading out.
Ryle followed.
The Walters were already laughing at one of Ria's wild college stories when Neil walked in. The warmth of the lights, the scent of home-cooked food, and the sound of family chatter made something in his chest loosen.
Granny: (standing) "There he is! The man of the hour."
Neil: (smiling politely) "Good evening, granny. It's really nice to have you all here."
Eva looked up from arranging the dishes - their eyes met for a fleeting second. He mouthed a good job, and she just smiled, pretending to busy herself with the cutlery.
Ria: (to Eva, whispering) "Oh, the man's all formal tonight. Someone's nervous."
Eva: (whispering back) "Behave, Ria."
Grandpa: "Come on, everyone, let's eat before the food gets cold."
They gathered around the table, laughter filling the air - the kind that felt like home after a long storm. Neil sat opposite Eva, quietly watching her laugh with her grandparents.
The plates were half-cleared, laughter still lingering in the air. Granny was sipping tea, Ria scrolling through her phone beside her, and Ryle lounging with a lazy grin. Neil stood, buttoning his sleeves like he was about to make an announcement.
Neil: "Okay-before anyone leaves..."
(everyone looks up)
"...no one's leaving tonight."
Eva: (nearly choking on her water) "Wait-what?"
Granny: "Hmm?"
Neil: (with a casual shrug) "We're going for a picnic tomorrow. A proper one. Cynthia and Callum will join too."
The room went dead silent for two seconds.
Eva's fork froze mid-air.
Eva: (in disbelief) "Picnic? Tomorrow? With Callum and Cynthia?"
Neil: "Yes." (hesitating slightly) "Everyone together."
Her face softened but confusion stayed.
Eva: "But you didn't even ask if-"
Ria: (grinning like she's been waiting for this) "Oh, he already informed us this morning, Eve! We know everything. Bags are packed, snacks ready."
(she gives a proud little flip of her hair)
"We're all set."
Eva: (turns to her, betrayed) "You all know?"
Ria: "Of course! He said it's a family day." (winks)
Eva's jaw dropped as she looked around - everyone smiling like they'd been plotting this all day.
Ryle leaned close, whispering with a smirk.
Ryle: "See? He's cooking, sis-in-law."
Eva: (sighs, muttering) "Yeah... and dragging everyone into his recipe."
Neil: (pretending not to hear, hands in pockets) "I'll take that as a yes, Mrs. Morris."
Eva: (narrowing eyes) "You didn't even ask!"
Neil: (deadpan, teasing) "ugh-"
Granny chuckled. " It's okay, it settled then. We'll all stay!."
Neil smiled faintly - just a ghost of relief behind it.
Eva, meanwhile, folded her arms, giving him that look, the one that said this isn't over.
Ria: (whispering to Ryle) "Tomorrow's going to be fun."
Ryle: "Oh, for sure. Especially watching those two pretend they're not in love."
Eva threw them both a death glare.
Neil just looked amused.
Ryle stretched his arms, grabbing his jacket.
"I've got to go work is awaiting .You guys enjoy the family drama ,I will join y'all tomorrow."
(grins at Eva) "Good luck, sister-in-law."
"Dinner was delicious. Loved it he left kissing her hand."
He smiled and left before Eva could throw a napkin at him.
Neil was just left with no expression by his brothers actions.
Neil: (standing up, composed) "Granny, Grandpa - come with me, I'll take you to the guest room."
He turned slightly.
Neil: "And Ria, you take Eva's room."
The words dropped like a stone.
Three pairs of eyes - Ria, Granny, and Eva - turned to him.
Granny: (brows lifting) "Eva's room?"
Neil froze. Eva's expression screamed, what did you just say?
A heartbeat passed before she forced a smile.
Eva: "He-uh-he meant the study room. I usually work there late nights, so he just... calls it my room."
Her laugh was dry.
Neil: (nodding too fast) "Yeah. That's... that's what I meant."
Ria bit her lip to hide a grin. Granny still looked suspicious but decided to let it go.
"Ah, I see. Study room. Right."
She shuffled off toward the guest room with Grandpa, humming softly.
Ria followed behind, snickering under her breath.
---
MORRIS APARTMENT - NIGHT
As soon as the hall emptied, Eva turned - her glare sharp enough to slice through steel.
Eva: "You take decisions and never tell me, right?"
Neil: (calmly, walking into his room) "I was about to-"
Eva: (cutting him off, from entering into his own room) "About to what? Announce it after the family picnic?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. Taking Eva's hands off the door.
Neil: "I just wanted all family together ."
Eva: (now arms crossed,almost running to catch his pace) "Next time maybe try asking me once before volunteering."
Neil: (smirking faintly) "Next time, maybe don't disappear for two days."
That hit a nerve. She opened her mouth to snap back-but the exhaustion on his face stopped her.
Silence settled.
He softened his tone.
Neil: "Let's just... not fight tonight, okay?"
Eva looked away, her voice quiet.
Eva: "Fine."
He moved to his side of the bed, sitting down, removing his shirt.
Eva: "seriously,again ?"
She stood there for a moment beside the bed standing , heart still racing by his actions-before finally walking over and grabbing a pillow.
Neil: (without looking up) "Where are you going?"
Eva: "The study room."
Neil (knowing it was her room): You can't go.
Eva: And why not?
Neil: Grandparents would doubt we're living in separate rooms.
Eva: (folding her arms to the pillow) No problem. They wouldn't know.
She turns toward the door, but Neil steps in front of her, blocking her path.
Eva: What?
Neil: ...Nothing.
(and he starts stretching at the door as if it's his morning workout.)
Eva: Can you at least wear a shirt?
Neil: "If you stay, I'll wear it."
She huffs, walks back to the bed, grabs two more pillows, and makes a very visible border in the middle.
Eva: You are not crossing this side.
Neil chuckles, sitting on his side, eyes glinting with amusement.
Neil: Yeah, sure...but I want to-
He paused after studying the look on Eva's face which screamed "STFU and sleep!"
The lamp still glows softly, throwing a golden hue across the room. Eva lies on one side of the bed, staring at the ceiling. Neil's breathing is steady but not quite calm.
Eva: (murmuring) I can't sleep.
Neil: (turning slightly toward her) Me neither.
Eva: (half smiling) You slept like a sloth this evening... and now you're complaining?
Neil: (low chuckle) I was going to help with dinner, you know.
Eva: (softly, teasing) Oh really? What exactly would you have done? Burned the kitchen or the bread?
Neil: (smiling faintly) Probably both.
Eva looks over at him, her tone softening. She remembers the sight of him earlier - head buried in her lap, shoulders trembling with the weight he rarely shows.
Eva: It's okay, Neil. You needed that rest.
Neil: (after a pause) You... stayed.
Eva: (meeting his gaze voice low) "I did."
He glances at her, the edge of his eyes still tired but calm now. There's gratitude in his silence.He loved the softer side of her,and moreover he knew who makes her go wild and vulnerable at times,his actions itself.But other than that she was a cute softie rest of the times.
A quiet moment settles. The hum of the night fills the room. She reaches out and switches the lamp off, leaving only the soft moonlight brushing against them.
Neil: (leaning back on the headboard) Then I have an idea.
Eva: (turning to him) What?
Neil: (pointing toward the sofa) Those. The mountain of gifts everyone dumped on us today.
Eva: (eyes widening) Ohh, we'll unwrap them!
Neil: (raising a brow) "We"? I thought you wanted to do it.
Eva: (grinning) yes. I'll unwrap. You just sit there and behave.
Neil: Understood!
She slides off the bed, crosses the room barefoot, and plops down on the rug. The sound of wrapping paper tearing fills the quiet room.
Eva: Okay, first one... let's see-
She freezes mid-laugh, holding up two fluffy bathrobes - pink and blue - embroidered neatly with "Mr." and "Mrs."
Eva: (eyes widening) Oh. My. God.They are soo cute.
Neil: (chokes on his own breath) This definitely be Cynthia.
"I like them,they are soft" she said rubbing the fabric.
He looks up at her, while rubbing the back of his neck, suddenly remembering that morning - her standing in his room in a robe, damp hair, the accidental kiss that still messes with his focus.
Neil: (clears his throat) Well... that's... cute.
Eva: (smirking) "Holding the blue one to his shoulders,it will look good on you"
Neil: "sure, looks like I don't have a choice."
Eva: (unwrapping the next gift, trying to ignore his stare) "What now? Oh- scented candles. Okay, this one's harmless."
Neil: (low voice) Depends who's lighting them.
She looks up, cheeks warming as his words hang between them - quiet, teasing, and unexpectedly intimate.
Eva to herself "Where did he learn all these lines from I am sure Medical colleges could never teach him this stuff."
---
Placing the mugs with Mr. Mrs a side.
Eva: (yawning as she opens the last box) A photo frame... oh, it's beautiful.
She tilts it toward the lamp - a silver frame carved with vines and little words etched at the bottom: "Home is wherever love stays." Her smile softens.
Eva: I think your mom would've loved this one.
Neil's expression changes - the warmth in her tone sinks into him deeper than she realizes.
Neil: (quietly) Yeah... she would've. She loved small, simple things like this.
He smiles faintly, lost somewhere between memory and the present.
Eva: (soft) Maybe we can put our first photo in it someday... I mean, a decent one. Not those awkward event ones where you look like you want to murder the camera.
She chuckles, half-asleep already, rubbing her eyes. The moment lightens again.
She sets the frame down gently and stands, stretching her arms before turning toward the bed. Her movements are slow, lazy - the exhaustion finally catching her.
Eva: (murmuring) I can't keep my eyes open anymore. Good night.
Neil: (watching her, voice low) Good night, Eva.
She climbs into bed, pulling the blanket up to her chin, curling slightly toward the edge with the pillow wall still between them. Neil stays sitting for a moment, staring at the gifts scattered around - the soft glow of the lamp reflecting off her hair.
He exhales quietly, sets the photo frame on the nightstand, and turns back to her. She's already half-asleep, her breathing slow and even. Something tender flickers across his face.
Neil: (whispering to himself) You really don't know what you're doing to me, do you?
Slowly, he reaches over, removes the pillow barrier one by one. The space between them feels too wide otherwise. When he finally lies beside her , the mattress dips slightly, making her unconsciously shift closer - just a breath apart now.
He stays awake, watching her - the calm lines of her face, the faint traces of a smile. After everything they said, everything that broke between them, this quiet felt like peace. He lets out a long sigh and finally closes his eyes.
Neil (in his mind):
“I see the future with you… us together.”
His gaze lingers — gentle, almost reverent. His walls, his distance, all the layers he built over the years — they fall quiet in that single thought.
He reaches out, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. His fingertips graze her skin — warm, fragile. He smiles softly, whispering as though afraid to wake her.
Neil:
“You heal me, you know that?”
His thumb brushes her cheek, then — unable to resist — he gives a tiny pinch, just enough to make the corner of her lip twitch. The moonlight glows against her skin, painting her like something ethereal — too good, too kind for the chaos they both carries inside.
He stares for a moment longer, then leans on pillow slowly, still smiling to himself. The thought of her, the feeling of her presence beside him, is enough to make his chest ache in the gentlest way.