Arthur was like a beast who hadn’t eaten in months. He just kept going, taking and conquering like nothing could satisfy him. But the thing was—they were always together. Every day. Ashley couldn’t understand where he got all that energy from! Arthur let out a sheepish laugh and quickly retreated to the kitchen. He hadn’t felt hungry earlier, having been so caught up in the action. But now that things had quieted down, his stomach began to protest too. The stove had long gone cold, so he lit it again. Before long, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked food. Ashley, exhausted and starving, tried to sit up and eat, but her body felt like jelly—she couldn’t move an inch. Arthur knew he’d really gone too far this time. Sensibly, he plated the food and carried everything into the bedroom. He brought in a small table and set it up right over the bed. One dish after another, Arthur laid everything out and chuckled awkwardly. "You must be starving. Your loving husband made all this just for you—give it a try." As he spoke, he gently helped Ashley sit up, propping a pillow behind her and placing the cutlery in front of her. Ashley leaned into his support and shot him an exasperated glare. "This is all your fault!" But she really was starving. She reached for the fork. Unfortunately, after a few tries, her fingers still wouldn’t cooperate. She was just too sore and weak to even hold it. Arthur had been way too aggressive tonight. Ashley swore she’d never cross him again. She was going to throw out all the nightgowns he bought her and replace them with thick, oversized pajamas—maybe even a padded jacket that covered her from head to toe!Grumbling silently to herself, she did her best to steady the fork in her hand. Arthur could see she was struggling, and feeling guilty, offered to feed her. Ashley tried a few more times but eventually gave up and let him do it. To be fair, Arthur’s cooking was incredible. She could eat his food every day and never get tired of it. Arthur loved life. He was always trying out new dishes or inventing his own. Some were familiar favorites. Others, Ashley had never seen before. But no matter the recipe, Arthur always managed to make everything taste amazing—comforting and delicious. Ravenous, Ashley devoured a full bowl of rice. Arthur fed her while eating beside her, and the two of them practically inhaled the meal. Good thing Arthur had made plenty—before long, they polished everything off. Only after eating did Ashley start to feel a little strength return to her body. She rubbed her now slightly round belly, fully satisfied. That "interest payment" was worth it. By then, it was already late at night. They’d both had a long day, and their little "overtime" session before dinner had only added to the exhaustion. But Arthur, as if powered by an endless supply of energy, was still wide awake even after eating. Ashley, on the other hand, was completely drained. After a quick rinse, she flopped onto the bed and fell asleep almost instantly, not even caring that she’d just eaten. All she wanted now was for her body to rest. After all this time with Arthur, Ashley knew him well—just because he’d gone wild today didn’t mean he’d spare her tomorrow. She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Youth really is something. Though she and Arthur were the same age and both young, her stamina couldn’t compare to his. Arthur was like an untiring ox, endlessly plowing his field without rest. By the time Arthur came back from washing the utensils, Ashley was already sound asleep. She was out cold—snoring softly, even.Arthur shook his head with a smile. He dried his hands, gently turned her over so she could sleep more comfortably. Ashley murmured in her sleep and rolled over, grabbing his hand and hugging it tightly. She always liked holding Arthur’s hand when she slept. It made her feel safe. With his hand trapped, Arthur carefully lay down beside her, not wanting to wake her. He pulled her into his arms and closed his eyes, completely content. What more could a man ask for? The Next Morning. As the sky began to brighten, a voice called from outside the courtyard. "Ashey? Arthur? Are you home?" The two were still sound asleep, worn out from the night before. Nina called out several times but got no response. Worried, she pulled out a key and let herself into the courtyard, making her way to the house. She hesitated at the door, then knocked firmly. "Ashley? Arthur? Are you inside?"