"But now that you have a wife and kid to feed, I guess I'll let it slide."
Anthony stood entirely speechless at his wife's blatant extortion attempt.
The corridor was peaceful.
Seeing the two of them refusing to let go of their hug, Anthony stepped forward, pulled Charlotte back into his own arms, and said dryly, "Go check on Tansy."
She was *his* wife, and he hadn't even gotten a proper hug yet.
"Alright."
Donald chuckled, affectionately ruffled Charlotte's hair, and strode into the room.
The hallway descended into quiet intimacy.
Looking at the dried blood on his girl's hands, Anthony gently pulled her toward the nearest washroom.
Charlotte stood in front of the sink.
Anthony stood behind her. With elegant precision, he rolled up his sleeves and turned on the hot water.
He carefully held his wife's hands, washing them meticulously under the warm stream.
Every movement was agonizingly tender, as if she were a priceless porcelain vase that could shatter at the slightest pressure.
"I can wash them myself. Go take a shower and change out of those wet clothes."
Catching his reflection in the mirror, Charlotte frowned at his soaked attire.
"There's no rush."
Anthony grabbed a towel and gently dried her hands.
He didn't say a single extra word during the entire process, but his face was terrifyingly grim.
The silence was deafening.
Charlotte watched him for a few seconds before stepping closer. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
"See? It's me. You can stop worrying."
"?"
Anthony stared down at her, his voice hoarse. "What?"
"I'm alive." Charlotte smiled, pressing her cheek against his firm chest. Her voice was incredibly sweet. "Anthony, if you're still not convinced, you can— Mmph."
Before she could finish, his mouth crashed down on hers.
His kiss was urgent, practically devouring her, sending a jolt of electricity through her nerves.
Knowing she had truly terrified him, Charlotte didn't fight back.
She looped her arms around his neck, sinking into his desperate rhythm, doing everything she could to remind him she was real and safe in his arms.

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