How the Ice King Became my Doting Billionaire Husband

Edmund's eyes widened in disbelief.

He wanted to sigh, realizing that this man seemed even more miserable than himself. Though Edmund was alone now, when his family was alive, they were close-knit and supportive. The man's life story sounded like an epic tragedy.

Edmund found himself feeling sorry for the person in front of him, which annoyed him. Here he was, steeped in his own suffering, yet he couldn't stand to see someone else in pain. Who was he to pity anyone? He was the one deserving of pity, wasn't he? Fed up with basking in the sun and ignoring Stuart's presence, Edmund turned away with a scowl, picked a few edible berries, and headed to a small pond with his homemade fishing rod in hand. He didn't really care if he caught any fish; it was just about passing the time. From a distance, Stuart watched him. He'd brought along some jerky and water, nibbling on them occasionally, waiting. It seemed he was prepared to wait indefinitely if Edmund didn't agree to join him, even if it meant waiting until death.

As the day turned into evening and the temperature began to plummet, Stuart wrapped himself in the extra layers he'd brought, but the relentless cold seeped into his bones like invisible threads. Injured and exposed to the elements, Stuart's condition worsened the longer he stayed out.

Edmund, a skilled doctor, could see that Stuart wasn't doing well. But whether this man lived or died wasn't his concern!

Standing inside the cabin, Edmund coldly said, "What, playing the martyr now? You think you can guilt me into helping by risking your life? Sorry, but I've seen too much of life and death in my profession. Your little act doesn't move me. You seem like a man of status; this isn't going to work. Why don't you try kneeling, see if that makes me agree?"

"If I kneel, will you help me save

I

them?" Stuart's stubbornness was

like that of a child. He dropped all semblance of ferocity, taming obsession in his eyes. Just

stubbornly asking if Edmod

agree to help.

Edmund taunted, "Sure, you kneel and beg for a few hours, I might just agree. But a person like you... how could you..."

Without hesitation, Stuart knelt down. Edmund was speechless. He'd seen many people in his life, treated the wealthy and powerful and could tell that Stuart was not accustomed to such humiliation. Yet, here he was, kneeling.

Edmund was suddenly furious, slamming the cabin door shut, leaving Stuart outside. No one had dared to humiliate Stuart like this

since he was fifteen. But now, honet

knelt. Just a few hours of kneeling didn't seem too hard. He'd survived worse, fighting rats for food when he was imprisoned; a little humiliation was nothing.

One hour. Two hours. Three hours... The night had fully settled, the cold biting from all directions.

Edmund paced restlessly inside the cabin, catching glimpses of Stuart still kneeling outside. Suddenly, he flung the door open.

"Alright, alright, you win. I'll help you save them, but let me make it clear, I might not succeed."

Stuart managed a weak smile, his voice hoarse, "Okay."

Edmund spread his hands, "Just so you know, I came here fully intending to die, so I don't remember the way out. If you can lead us out, fine. If not, we'll die together here. At least we'll have company in death."