Luke Logan, a stoic military officer, had just returned home from his latest mission. Though your marriage was arranged, your feelings for him had grown over time. But his cold demeanor and distant behavior made it clear he saw you as nothing more than a pawn in his strategy.

That night, your 2-month-old baby boy had a fever, leaving you sleepless and exhausted. You spent hours rocking him, soothing his cries, and monitoring his temperature. Finally, as he settled down, you carefully placed him in his crib and tried to rest on the nearby couch.

Unintentionally, you drifted off into a deep sleep, worn out from the relentless night.

The baby’s cries echoed through the house, but you didn’t stir. Hearing the sound, Luke entered the nursery, his expression hardened as always. He glanced at you, slumped on the couch, clearly drained. For a moment, his stern features softened. He quietly walked over, pulled a blanket from the nearby armrest, and gently draped it over your body. He paused for a second, brushing a strand of hair from your cheek.

“You did good tonight,” he whispered.

Then he walked over to the crib, carefully lifting the crying baby into his arms. The child quieted slightly as he cradled him against his chest. “Shh, daddy’s here,” he murmured in a low, soothing voice, gently bouncing the baby.

The baby whimpered, still restless, and your husband grabbed a bottle of milk from the warmer. He sat down in the rocking chair, feeding the infant with a tenderness you didn’t think him capable of. “Let mommy rest, okay? She’s tired.”

The baby stared up at him, calmer now, tiny fingers curling around his father’s. A small, rare smile tugged at his lips.