How the Ice King Became my Doting Billionaire Husband

Edmund had spent his entire life as a doctor, witnessing the cycle of life and death up close. With all his family members gone, he didn't exactly pity Stuart. Instead, he found a grim recognition in meeting someone whose life seemed even more cursed than his own. Stuart rose, determination in his voice, "Let's head out now, we can make it."

Edmund retorted with his usual sarcasm, "Now? You're not just unlucky; you're out of your mind. Heading out in the dead of night? What, planning a meeting with the Grim Reaper? Come here and let me tend to those wounds first, or you might not even make it past the doorstep."

Stuart glanced at his bandaged wounds but didn't refuse. He had been standing guard at the door for two days; this was the first time he entered the cabin. His body was battered, and he was in poor shape, but he stepped inside without hesitation. It wasn't out of trust; he knew if Edmund had wanted to harm him, his toxicology skills would have made it easy in these remote mountains without the need for an elaborate plan.

The warmth from the fireplace enveloped him as he entered the cabin. Edmund may have been tired of life, but he hadn't resorted to self-harm. Stuart shed his parka, unwrapping the tightly bound bandages. Edmund began grinding some herbs, pausing to glance at Stuart. That look made him pause, and he added more herbs to the mortar.

"Wow, those are some serious injuries. Ran into a wild animal, did you? If you hadn't said you were looking for someone, I'd think you were on a death wish."

Stuart responded calmly, "I'm not

seeking death. I intend to live." He

now had a reason to survive-someone he cared about. He wouldn't give up easily. His injuries were severe, but he had managed them with antibiotics, it was just the pain, nothing life-threatening. Stuart had

Sove net

considered, if Edmund didn

agree

by tomorrow, he might resort to threats. Edmund had no family left, but he had to have friends or relatives, as did his late wife and parents. Stuart believed there had to be someone he could use to leverage Edmund.

Stuart was a man who would do anything to achieve his goals. His time with Morwenna had taught him a bit about respect, but when pushed to the edge, Stuart's true, ruthless nature surfaced. As Stuart disrobed, Edmund noticed the myriad of scars across Stuart's torso and abdomen. Even Edmund, whose heart had turned cold to the world, felt a twinge of compassion. This man's life had been one tragedy after another. Of course, Edmund was unaware of Stuart's thoughts of coercion. Had he known, he'd rather feed those herbs to the dogs.

After treating Stuart's wounds, Edmund generously offered him a corner of the cabin to rest for the night. They would wait for dawn.

Earlier, Fletcher and Jack had also

ventured into the wilderness. They carefully surveyed the area,

following tracks and signs they hoped would lead them to Stuart. Fletcher, knowing Stuart well, guessed the general direction and found some of Stuart's markers. But the wilderness was vast and untamed, full of wild beasts and dangers. In the dense underbrush, it was hard to distinguish between the trails left by man or beast. Jack, a former scout, led their careful investigation.

After three hours of trekking, with nightfall approaching, they stumbled upon the remains of a wild animal, its bones picked clean. The surrounding flattened grass, broken branches, and dried blood spoke of a fierce battle, where the loser had been devoured to the bone.