"Baby, I don't trust leaving you alone." Ashton Heath sighed softly, pulling her into his embrace, his hand patting her head gently, his words filled with undisguised worry. "Please don't think your husband is nagging, but this is the first time after our marriage that you will be away from home, and away from me for several months. I'm not confident about leaving you alone."
"I'm afraid that without me by your side, you won't take good care of yourself."
"I'm also afraid that when I'm not by your side, you'll be mistreated or bullied by others..."
"There's just too much I need to worry about."
"So, I want you to promise me. If anyone dares to bully you or treat you unfairly, you mustn't bear it alone in your heart."
"Also, if anything happens, don't hide it from me. I want you to promise me; you can't keep anything from me."
Joanna Lawrence lay on his chest, listening to his heartbeat one after another, steady and powerful, vibrating through his chest cavity.
