Chapter 282

Felicia rubbed her nose, put the knife back into her pocket, and then turned on the lights.
The room lit up brightly, and Stephan squinted slightly, adjusting to the sudden brightness. His voice was hoarse, deep, and seductive in the quiet night. “Why are you back so late?” She felt an inexplicable warmth spread across her face.
His tone sounded like a husband waiting for his wife to return home-longing and yearning until she finally returned, only to ask her one heartfelt question. She didn’t think the relationship between her and Stephan was that intimate.
At most, they had shared a few nights.
Ahem… Felicia interrupted her thoughts and shook the grocery bag in her hand. “I just went to the supermarket to buy some vegetables before they closed.” Stephan raised an eyebrow slightly, his expression subtly questioning. “Is that all you’re eating?”
She nodded. She lived alone, so it didn’t matter what she cooked as long as it was enough to fill her stomach.
She took the items from the bag one by one, and when she noticed he hadn’t left, she asked, “Aren’t you going back?”
“Back where?”
“To your own place.”
Felicia was referring to Seldvale.
She had no family to return to, but Stephan should be returning to celebrate the New Year with his family, right?
Before she could finish speaking, his phone buzzed several times. He glanced at it and casually typed a few words before putting the phone away.
She continued to unpack her groceries and prepared food for herself.
It was so cold that she planned to make a small stew-something festive for the New Year.
As she rubbed her hands together and rolled up her sleeves, ready to get started, the doorbell rang.
She didn’t need to guess to know it was probably Carmen from next door.
But when she opened the door, Carmen wasn’t standing there. Two of Stephan’s subordinates were there, each carrying two large bags of ingredients. One of them was also holding a bouquet of bright red roses.
Felicia froze for a moment.
The two subordinates bowed respectfully. “Ms. Fuller, this is from Mr. Russell. May we come in and deliver them?”
She stepped aside to let them in.
Once the items were delivered, the subordinates left, and one of them even thoughtfully closed the door behind them.
Her gaze fell on the bouquet of roses on the table. She couldn’t tell the variety, but each flower was vibrant and beautiful-a stunning sight.
Stephan noticed Felicia’s gaze and
walked over to the roses. He
delicately picked up one of the net
flowers and brought it to his nose
with his long fingers.
His actions appeared to be admiring the flower, but his nonchalant posture added a touch of elegance and charm.
She rolled her eyes inwardly and muttered, “Why aren’t you leaving…”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the tall figure take two steps forward and stand right in front of her.
Suddenly, she felt a shadow loom
over her; the light above her head was blocked, and in the next second, his handsome face appeared right before her eyes. His gaze was deep as the ocean, and his smile was spurious.
“Do you want me to leave that badly?”
His voice was even huskier now, his dark eyes reflecting clarity and desire.
Felicia was pinned to the door, unable to move.
Stephan’s gaze was almost
scorching as he stared at her. He suddenly spoke. “I do need to go back to Seldvale. My car’s waiting downstairs. I’ll be gone for two months this time.”
“So what?”
She blinked, her expression showing that his departure had nothing to do with her.
It held a touch of innocence yet also a trace of infuriating audacity.
He stepped closer, and his eyes were locked on her like a predator watching its prey. The atmosphere was dangerous yet magnetic.
Felicia sensed something and tried to retreat, but her back was pressed against the door, and she had nowhere to go.
The next moment, her chin was tilted up, and before she could react, a kiss was forced onto her lips.
“Mm…”
In the silence, the only sound that could be heard was the pounding of hearts.