Underneath the heavy velvet duvet, I felt the slight, deliberate pressure of his thumb pressing against my palm twice.

He was awake.

“I found it,” I whispered, leaning down to pretend to kiss his forehead.

“But Jason almost caught me in the study.”

Ethan didn’t move a muscle, but I felt the tension in his hand increase.

“He’s watching me,” I whispered. “We have to be careful.”

A sharp knock on the door made me jump back.

I smoothed my hair, forced a calm expression onto my face, and opened the door.

Dr. Phillips, the family’s private physician, stood there with a silver tray of medications.

Behind him was Jason, leaning against the doorframe with a smug smile.

“Time for his afternoon treatment,” Dr. Phillips said, stepping into the room.

I stood by the bedside, watching every move the doctor made.

“You’re always in here,” Jason said from the doorway, his eyes narrowing.

“Don’t you ever leave his side to get some fresh air?”

“I married him for better or worse, Jason,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

“I want to be here when he wakes up.”