Investing in My Crippled Wife: Every Return Makes Me Stronger

Soren woke up early at four in the morning, and after checking Ethea’s state, he headed straight to the training hall. Emperor Hector was already waiting, so they began the morning session without delay.

By half past seven, the training was finished. Sir Hector left soon after, saying he had some business to attend to and would return later in the afternoon. Soren wondered briefly if the Emperor had overheard their conversation yesterday and so was deliberately making some space for them, but he set the thought aside as he bowed in thanks and hurried off to wash up and prepare breakfast.

Aunt Clara arrived at around eight and found the table set and breakfast ready. Ethea was awake as well, and after Aunt Clara helped her get dressed, the three of them sat down together. Over the meal, Soren and Aunt Clara shared what they’d discussed the night before: Soren was going to start learning how to care for Ethea each day. Ethea flushed at the revelation, but to everyone’s surprise, she just nodded and accepted the idea.

With breakfast done, Soren stayed behind to clear the dishes while Clara guided Ethea back to her bedroom to get ready for the day.

A few minutes later, Clara peeked out and called Soren in. Ethea was already settled in place, and all the supplies were neatly arranged at the bedside. Auntie wasted no time, moving efficiently as she explained each step with the calm, practical confidence born of long experience.

She demonstrated how to lift Ethea correctly, showing him how to support her body weight to avoid putting any unnecessary strain on her back or joints. She walked him through the process of helping her change her clothing safely, as well as handling the more personal aspects of her daily routine without making her feel uncomfortable. She emphasized each small adjustment to ensure Ethea’s comfort, reminding him that patience and gentle movements were far more important than speed.

Although Soren already knew the basics of caretaking, he still paid close attention, unwilling to let a single detail slip past him. Even when his embarrassment made his face hot, he stayed focused, intent on avoiding any mistake that might hurt or upset Ethea.

Ethea kept her eyes lowered, cheeks pink, silent throughout the lesson. The awkwardness was obvious, but she did her best to cooperate, holding still as Soren helped her. Maybe that quiet trust steadied him more than she realized.

Fortunately, the lesson soon came to an end.

”You handled that very well for a first attempt,” Aunt Clara said, giving his arm a warm pat as he accompanied her toward the front entrance. ”You have a light touch, and that will make all the difference. Keep practicing this way, and it will become a natural habit before long.”

”Thank you, Auntie,” Soren said, feeling a genuine wave of relief ease the tension in his shoulders. ”I truly appreciate your guidance.”

”Mmm, see you in the afternoon.”

After seeing Aunt Clara off at the gate, Soren walked back into the bedroom.

On the way, the scenes kept repeating in his mind, and he did his best not to let the lingering warmth creep back up his face. But the closer he got to the room, the more stubborn the heat became, spreading to the tips of his ears against his will.

’Urgh. Get a hold of yourself, Soren!’

He shook his head sharply, as if it could scatter the images clinging to his thoughts. It did not work. Not really. But by the time he arrived, he managed to recover some of his composure.

”Eeek...”

He entered, and his eyes landed on Ethea, who was already back in deep ’sleep’. His lips curled up, but since they had plans for the day, he had no choice but to wake her up.

”Ethea.” He called out softly.

”...”

There was no response.

’It seems like she is cultivating too deeply-’

[Mental State: Embarrassed, Evasive, Pretending]

’...Well, maybe not.’

Soren barely stopped his lips from twitching. But his eyes lit up almost immediately, recognizing the opportunity.

”...”

He walked over as silently as possible, gently picked her up, and placed her in the wheelchair.

”Done!”

With a satisfied whisper, he draped a soft blanket over her lap and gripped the handles.

”Let’s go.”

───────

Using the car Soren had rented, they quickly made their way to the bureau. Ethea, perhaps realizing she could not keep up the pretense, finally ’woke up’ somewhere along the drive. She then asked him where they were going, and Soren explained today’s schedule.

”Can you get me a mask too?”

Ethea asked as they arrived at their destination. She was already wearing a headscarf, but perhaps fearing people might recognize her, she wanted to cover her face further.

Soren also didn’t want others staring at her or making her uncomfortable, so he nodded without hesitation and quickly pulled a mask from his inventory. He had always kept a few of them ready for situations like this, as it was much more convenient than searching for one last minute.

”Here.”

He helped fasten it in place together with the scarf, leaving only her eyes visible.

”Thank you.”

”Don’t mention it.” Soren smiled. ”I actually prefer it this way too.”

Ethea smiled behind her mask and nodded, and the two headed inside.

He had already made an appointment with the President yesterday, so they didn’t have to wait. The receptionist recognized him the moment he approached the front desk and promptly directed them toward the upper floors. ”The President is waiting for you. Please head straight up.”

”Thank you.”

The elevator ride was brief, and they soon found themselves inside the President’s office.

”Good morning, President.”

Soren exchanged a handshake with Craig, who rose from his chair with a friendly smile.

”Good morning, Soren. And... Mrs. Everly.”

Ethea greeted back with a nod.

”It’s a pleasure to meet you. And I hope the journey here was not too tiring.”

”Not at all. Thank you for asking, though.” Ethea replied calmly. ”And please go ahead with your discussion. I will not disturb you.”

Craig inclined his head, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. ”Then please make yourself comfortable. Can I offer either of you anything before we begin?”

”Thank you, but we just had breakfast,” Soren said with a smile as he settled into the chair beside Ethea.

Craig nodded and sat down himself, folding his hands atop the desk. ”Good, then shall we begin?”