Chapter 748
he embarrassment that had briefly restrained her dissolved into the night air alongside the drifting steam, replaced by notions too overwhelming to hold back any longer.
every soft breath and every whispered word between them, the strength of their bond became unmistakably clear. There was > hesitation between them, only safety, trust, and complete acceptance.
le proved that he was not only Naomi’s protector in the dangerous world outside, but also the man who held Lydia’s heart mpletely, knowing every fragile part of her in ways that left her unable to do anything except cling to him and keep calling his ime until dawn nearly arrived, allowing their love to become the only thing that felt truly real within the historic walls of the
en family residence.
orning arrived slowly over the pavilion they shared, accompanied by sunlight slipping gently through the ivory curtains.
le air inside the room still carried the faint scent of sandalwood mixed with the soft fragrance of jasmine drifting in from the ck garden. The warmth and calmness surrounding the room made Lydia reluctant to open her eyes when she first woke up.
er body still felt wonderfully unwilling to move, sinking comfortably beneath the thick blankets and against the impossibly ft mattress.
it a few seconds later, Lydia frowned slightly. Her waist ached. So did her shoulders. And in that exact instant, fragments of st night came rushing mercilessly back into her mind.
dia’s face slowly grew warm. She immediately pulled the blanket up to cover half her face.
io annoying…” she grumbled softly in a sleepy, hoarse voice.
inking about it again, all of that had truly started because of her own reckless idea. Inviting Cale to soak together to relieve ress. And then that man had taken full advantage of the opportunity without feeling even slightly guilty about it.
dia closed her eyes briefly and let out a long sigh.
rangely enough, even though her body ached a little, her mind felt far lighter than it had in days.
ere was no crushing pressure tightening around her chest anymore. No overwhelming anxiety waiting for her the moment e opened her eyes. It was as though last night had genuinely given them a brief chance to forget all the dangers constantly rrounding their lives.
dia slowly opened her eyes again with a faint smile lingering on her lips.
it the smile disappeared immediately when she realized the other side of the bed was empty.
er hand moved instinctively, touching the mattress beside her.
ill warm.
it Cale was gone.
‘dia slowly sat up, blinking several times. Her long hair fell messily over her shoulders, while the thin satin nightdress she ɔre had slipped slightly from one shoulder.
Cale?” she called softly.
> answer.
ie glanced toward the bathing area.
npty.
1/2
+25 Bonus
The small sitting area inside the room was quiet too.
Lydia’s brows slowly furrowed.
“Don’t tell me he went to work this early,” she muttered under her breath.
For some reason, after days filled with pressure and threats, waking up without seeing Cale beside her left her feeling strangely unsettled.
Not fear.
More like something important was suddenly missing from where it was supposed to be.
Lydia slowly climbed out of bed, wincing softly when the soreness in her body returned. She grabbed a thin cardigan and slipped it on carelessly before stepping outside the bedroom.
Their pavilion was still incredibly peaceful that morning.
Sunlight spilled gently across the polished black wooden floors, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere. From the open balcony outside came the soft sound of flowing water and the morning breeze rustling through the bamboo leaves in the garden.
And in the middle of all that quiet calm…
Cale stood near the small dining table facing the garden.
Lydia stopped walking instantly.
The man looked relaxed in a thin black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His hair was still slightly damp, as though he had just showered, while several warm breakfast dishes had already been arranged neatly across the table.
Cale was pouring tea without realizing Lydia had been silently watching him for quite a while.
And somehow, the simple sight felt almost painfully comforting.
The moment he sensed her presence, Cale slowly turned.
Their eyes met.
“You’re awake?” His voice was low and calm as usual.
But Lydia unconsciously let out a relieved breath. “I thought you left,” she admitted honestly as she walked closer.
“To where?”
“To work. Or somewhere.” Lydia slowly sat down in the chair, still looking adorably sleepy. “I woke up and you weren’t there.”
Cale watched her quietly for a few seconds before the corner of his lips lifted faintly.