[BL] Dear Hushand, I want divorce-Chapter 102: Did you miss me, baby?

The next few days passed quietly, with Ash dutifully tending to Elijah’s every need. Every morning, Ash would silently enter the room with a tray of food, helping Elijah sit up to eat. He carefully spooned soup into Elijah’s mouth, cleaning up after him without a word. Because this was the only thing he could repay his saviour.

Elijah would try to make light conversation, filling the silence with stories about his travels, about the places he’d seen, and people he’d met. Ash, for the most part, nodded along, occasionally offering a soft hum of acknowledgment, but never really speaking.

Ash wiped Elijah’s face gently with a damp cloth after one of their quiet meals. Elijah watched him carefully, his brow furrowing in frustration.

"Why aren’t you talking much?" Elijah finally asked, his voice tinged with irritation. He shifted slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position in bed. "You used to talk a lot more. Now all you do is nod, smile, and act like you’re only here to serve me."

Ash looked up, startled by the grumpy look on Elijah’s face. It was so unexpectedly adorable that a small laugh escaped him before he could stop himself. Elijah’s scowl deepened, but Ash couldn’t help the smile that tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Does it bother you?" Ash asked quietly, still smiling.

Elijah’s expression softened at the sight of Ash’s laugh, but he was still taken aback by the sudden joy in Ash’s eyes. "Yes, it does. I feel like I’m talking to a wall sometimes."

Ash shook his head softly, the smile lingering on his face. "I just...I like listening to you. It’s more comforting for me to hear your voice. I don’t need to talk."

Elijah blinked, stunned by Ash’s words. His gaze drifted to Ash’s lips, suddenly noticing how soft they looked as he spoke. For a moment, the air between them seemed to thicken, the room filled with a silent intensity that neither of them had expected.

"Ash..." Elijah started, his voice quieter now, almost unsure.

Ash cleared his throat awkwardly, pulling back slightly as if realising the tension between them. "I’m just happy you’re okay," Ash mumbled, his voice barely audible.

Elijah’s gaze stayed on Ash a moment longer before he let out a small, defeated sigh. "Well, I’m not okay until you talk more," Elijah teased, his lips curving into a faint smile. "I want to hear your voice."

Ash chuckled again, shaking his head at Elijah’s persistence. "Fine," he conceded softly. "I’ll try."

But as Ash returned to wiping down Elijah’s face, his hands steadier now.

Ash’s hands began to tremble, a faint quiver coursing through his fingers as he slowly undid the buttons of Elijah’s hospital gown. His mind raced, desperately trying to focus on this simple task and not let his thoughts wander, but Elijah was sitting up now, so close that Ash could feel the heat emanating from his body. A warm sensation spread through Ash’s fingertips as they brushed against Elijah’s skin.

Normally, Elijah would lay back on the bed, giving Ash enough space to work without feeling overwhelmed by their closeness. But this time, Elijah’s piercing gaze never left him, watching every movement with an intensity that sent shivers down Ash’s spine.

It had been years since they were this physically close, and the proximity made Ash’s heart beat faster, his breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. He tried to swallow his nerves and remain composed, but the heat rising in his chest was undeniable, fueled by the intense tension between them.

"Ash," Elijah’s voice broke the silence, low and smooth like molten honey, sending a shiver down Ash’s spine. He could feel Elijah’s breath on his skin as he spoke, each word dripping with seduction and desire. Ash lifted his gaze to meet Elijah’s intense stare, feeling a rush of heat spread through his body.

"What kind of life have you been living here?" Elijah’s deep voice rumbled.

Ash swallowed hard, trying to steady himself as he continued undoing the buttons of Elijah’s shirt. Each one revealed more of Elijah’s chiselled chest, making Ash’s heart race even faster. "I...It’s simple," he managed to mutter, his voice barely above a whisper. "Quiet. I sell strawberries, help Grandpa around the house...not much else."

Elijah hummed softly, his eyes never leaving Ash’s face as they trailed over his features. "And you’re content with that?" he asked, his voice velvety and calm.

Ash bit his lip, trying to focus on the task at hand but finding it difficult with Elijah’s touch sending sparks through his body. With trembling fingers, he finally undid the last button and exposed Elijah’s chest. Their faces were now only inches apart, and Ash could feel the warmth radiating from Elijah’s skin. His breath caught in his throat as he slid the gown off Elijah’s shoulders, their faces still dangerously close. freewebnσvel.cѳm

"I...I don’t know," Ash admitted, his voice shaky. "I don’t know if I’m content or just...trying to survive."

Elijah raised his hand, gently touching Ash’s cheek, his fingers grazing the delicate skin. Ash froze at the contact, his body stiffening, heat flushing through him. Elijah’s thumb traced the line of Ash’s jaw slowly, sending a spark of electricity through his veins.

"You don’t have to survive anymore," Elijah whispered, his voice low and full of intent.

Ash’s breath caught in his throat. The intensity of Elijah’s gaze was overwhelming, and the heat between them felt suffocating. He swallowed hard, feeling his pulse pounding in his ears. Every inch of him wanted to pull away, to escape the overwhelming emotions crashing through him—but at the same time, he couldn’t move, couldn’t tear himself away from the intensity in Elijah’s eyes.

"You say that," Ash murmured, trying to regain some control of his emotions. ’But what happens when you leave again, Elijah? What happens when this...ends?’

Elijah’s hand slid from Ash’s cheek down to his neck, pulling him closer until their foreheads almost touched. "Then let’s not think about that."

Ash’s heart pounded against his ribs. Elijah leaned in just a fraction more, their lips barely brushing. Ash felt his entire body go hot.

"Let me stay with you, Ash. Let me in again."

Ash shot to his feet the moment the tension between them became too much to bear. His heart hammered in his chest, and his body felt as though it was on fire. He needed space, a moment to breathe. But just as he turned to leave, Elijah’s hand caught his wrist, holding him in place.

"Ash," Elijah’s voice was low, filled with an almost desperate need. "I didn’t hear you say it. Did you miss me? Baby, did you miss me?" Elijah’s tone softened, his words laced with longing. "Are you happy to see me back?"

Ash froze, his breath hitching in his throat. He couldn’t answer right away. How could he? If he said yes, if he admitted to missing Elijah, then he would be giving in to the very emotions he had tried so hard to bury. He would be reopening old wounds, inviting the pain back in.

Elijah’s grip on his wrist tightened just slightly, urging him to respond. Ash’s eyes fluttered closed, battling with the storm of emotions inside him. He wanted to say yes, wanted to tell Elijah that his heart ached every single day they were apart, but the words stuck in his throat. He knew that if he said it aloud, there would be no turning back.

Just then, the door creaked open, and the doctor entered, cutting through the charged atmosphere in the room. Ash pulled his wrist free from Elijah’s grasp, stepping back, grateful for the interruption.

The doctor approached Elijah’s bedside, offering a professional smile as he began his examination. "Mr. Elijah, let’s take a look at your injuries," he said, his tone calm and businesslike.

He gently helped Elijah lean forward, carefully checking the bandages on his back, peeling them back slightly to inspect the wounds.

Ash stood off to the side, arms crossed, trying to compose himself as he watched the doctor work. Elijah’s eyes flicked to Ash occasionally, as if searching for something, but Ash kept his gaze averted, too afraid to meet Elijah’s intense stare again.

The doctor hummed in approval as he finished his examination. "Your injuries are healing well," he reported, applying fresh bandages to Elijah’s back. "The stitches are holding, and the swelling has gone down significantly. You’re still going to need some rest, but you should be discharged soon."

Ash swallowed hard, the news both a relief and a source of anxiety. The sooner Elijah was discharged, the sooner he would have to face the reality of what came next. Elijah smiled faintly at the doctor’s words but kept his gaze fixed on Ash.

"Thank you, Doctor," Elijah said, his voice steady, though his eyes held a hint of something deeper—something only Ash could see.

The doctor nodded, offering Elijah a reassuring smile. "Just make sure to continue taking it easy for the next few weeks. No heavy lifting or strenuous activities," he advised before turning to Ash. "And make sure he listens to that advice," the doctor added with a knowing look.

Ash nodded mechanically. Once the doctor left, the air thickened again, the silence between them loud and heavy.

He began to leave but again Elijah’s voice stopped him.

"You didn’t answer my question?"