Chapter 299
Chapter 299:
“That’s him,” she said, beaming. “He’s got two hundred K followers p>
“Is he actually that good-looking in real life? Or is it just lighting and filters? And isn’t he, like, eighteen? What the hell does an eighteen-year-old want from you if not your Amex p>
Yvaine rolled her eyes. “He’s twenty-one. Three years younger than me. Still in uni. And yes, I’ve seen him in person—he looks even better. No filters. No scams. And before you say anything, no, he hasn’t asked me for money. But if he ever does, I’ve got more than enough. I don’t mind paying a little for emotional support. He’s cute, he’s clingy without being annoying, he doesn’t sulk, and the stamina…” She fanned her face. “Trust me. I know what I’m doing p>
“So you just weren’t going to tell me?” I leaned back and crossed my arms. “What if he’s some Cassian knockoff and you’re just using him to get back at your ex p>
Yvaine looked mildly offended, which meant I was right.
“I was going to tell you eventually p>
“You’d better. Next time, bring him out. I want a proper look before you start letting him stay over p>
“He’s not staying over,” she said quickly. “Anyway, he’s studying film. Got a decent following online. He wants to be in the industry eventually. It’s not serious. I’m just… having fun. That’s all.” I hoped that was true, for her sake.
Later that night, I got home and instantly regretted it.
My bedroom was freezing.
I circled it twice, rubbing my arms.
The vent in the corner made a quiet clicking sound, but it wasn’t blowing warm air.
I checked the guest rooms.
Same issue.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 g⍺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘴﹐ⅽ𝗈𝗺
I stood in the hallway, weighing my options—sofa or hotel—when a voice rang out behind me.
“Planning to sleep on the sofa to avoid sharing a bed with me? What do you think I’m going to do to you p>
I jumped and grabbed the banister.
My heel slipped on the edge of the step, and I nearly cracked my tailbone on the marble.
Ashton was leaning against his doorframe, hair slightly damp.
That lazy posture didn’t match his voice.
“You’re terrified of me now p>
I smiled like nothing about this was awkward. “I was just trying not to disturb your sleep p>
“So considerate. Planning to get pneumonia in the living room p>
“The living room’s warm,” I said, glancing at the first floor, lying through my teeth.