I transmigrated and got a husband and a son!
Chapter 777: Unsaid ripples

Chapter 777: Unsaid ripples

Soft, almost imperceptible grunts caressed Hera’s ears as she sat in the quiet room, watching Leo on the bed. His fingers flexed, a rhythmic exercise in opening and closing his hand.

"Does it hurt?" she asked, breaking the silence, earning a sideways glance from him.

A brief smile played on his lips. "Just a twinge."

"You still do therapy?" she inquired.

"Not anymore," he replied, shifting his attention back to his hand. "Bed rest’s the order now."

"Oh," Hera nodded, a small ’o’ forming on her lips. "I forgot."

"It’s alright," he reassured, his focus returning to his hand. "I’ll recover soon."

"I believe you will." A subtle, beautiful smile graced her face. "Well, it’s late. I should head back before Frank returns. He only has a short while to spend with me, and I want to make the most of it."

"Ah..." Leo smiled and nodded before curiosity overcame him. "Why?"

"Huh?" Hera furrowed her brows. "What do you mean, why?"

Leo hesitated, then gently prodded, "Why does he only have a little time at night? Does he leave shortly after coming home?"

"No. But I need rest, and he respects that," Hera explained.

"That’s..." Leo paused, uncertain whether to voice his thoughts.

"That’s what?" she prompted.

"Unusual."

"Unusual?" She blinked. "Why?"

"Aren’t you husband and wife? Why not share the bed?" Leo mentally chided himself for his curiosity, but argued that understanding Dragon and Hera might provide an advantage in the future.

Hera briefly blanked, processing his question. After a moment, she smiled. "I was unwell, and Frank values my rest. So, he has to leave to not disturb me."

"Ah..." Leo chuckled awkwardly, nodding. "That would help in your recovery."

"Yes. Anyhow, I’ll return tomorrow," Hera smiled. "It was good today. Good night."

With those words, Hera rose, tilting her head down as she made her way out. Leo watched her leave, hesitating for a moment before calling out.

"Hera." His voice made her pause, and she glanced back.

"Yes?"

He hesitated, lips forming a small smile, before he simply said, "Nothing. Good night. Take care."

"Yes," she smiled back before closing the door behind her.

********

When Hera returned to her room, the familiar routine unfolded as maids quietly assisted her in freshening up. It was a ritual she had grown accustomed to.

"It’s alright," she assured the servant as she stepped out of the tub, enveloped in a plush robe. "I can manage from here."

The maid hesitated, her eyes reflecting concern, before silently retreating, giving Hera the space she needed.

A faint sigh escaped Hera as the door closed and she turned slowly, walking across the room to the mirror. Standing before it, she studied her reflection, lips pursed thoughtfully.

Loosening the tie of her robe, she delicately pulled it off one shoulder, revealing the remnants of faded bruises scattered across her body. Her eyes lingered on her shoulder blades, a fleeting smile touching her lips before she continued undressing, studying her body in the mirror. Bruises had receded, some completely vanished, but the toll of her ordeal remained—her frame still slender, the hint of ribs visible. Yet, she noticed small signs of progress, muscles gradually returning, a thin layer of healthy flesh returning to her form.

"I think I’m improving," she murmured, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Thank goodness."

Hera scrutinized herself for another moment before dressing. As she neared completion, a knock echoed at her door, and then a maid checked in to ensure her well-being.

*******

"I’m glad to hear that," Dragon smiled, perched on the edge of Hera’s bed, his gaze fixed on her. "Seems you and Leo are getting along well."

"I told you," she quipped, "with Debbie gone, Leo’s a good company."

His smile widened slightly. "I should’ve mentioned him earlier."

"It’s okay. I understand why you couldn’t. It’s his request, and you respect that," Hera said, reaching for his hand and squeezing it. "What matters is where we are now. You’ve been a good friend and husband. Let’s not dwell on that anymore."

"If you say so," he nodded, reciprocating her grasp. "Rest now."

"Mhm."

"Let me help you." As Dragon moved to help her settle in, Hera abruptly clasped his hand. He paused, eyebrows raised, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "What is it?"

"Frank?" Her hesitation flickered in her eyes, causing him to tilt his head slightly. "Are you leaving tonight?"

"No," he replied, shaking his head. "I’m staying."

"In your room?"

"Yes."

"Why?" she inquired, furrowing her brow, prompting deeper lines on his face. She clarified, "I’m just curious, Frank. We’re married, yet... you don’t sleep in the same room. It makes me wonder... why?"

Her question momentarily caught him off guard, but he maintained a smile.

"Because you need rest," he explained. "Why this sudden curiosity?"

"It’s nothing..." She hesitated before forcing a smile. "You should go. I’ll rest."

As she settled into bed, Dragon sat beside her once more. "Hera," he spoke, concern lacing his voice. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course."

"Tell me." He gently clasped her hand. "I know it’s not ’nothing.’ What’s bothering you?"

Hera pursed her lips, meeting his gaze with hesitation and uncertainty before exhaling deeply.

"I don’t want to burden you," she began, regret coloring her sigh. "I know you’re balancing work and taking care of me. But it struck me how little time we spend together."

She paused to gauge his reaction. "I should be grateful for the time you make for me. But now that I’m healing, I thought we could share a bed. You can work here, and I get to be with you a bit longer."

"But it’s alright if it’s not the right time yet." Panic tinged her voice as she realized her words, waving her hands between them. "I just miss you, that’s all, but I understand!"

Dragon observed her quietly before a smile tugged at his lips. He cupped her face, brushing her cheek with his thumb.

"I’ll consult the doctor first," he assured, nodding. "Once they told me it’s fine, I can. For now, I’ll watch you sleep."

Their eyes locked until relief softened her features. She nodded, holding his hand on her cheek, their gaze unwavering.