Chapter 391
“No need. I’m just here to make some honey water,” Brad said as he rolled up his sleeves. “Just walk me through it.”
The chef gave a quick nod. “Sure, for honey water, you’ll need to… Wait.” He blinked in surprise. “You’re the one making honey water? Not me?”
Brad gave a small nod. “Yeah, I’ll make it. Is it complicated?”
“Not at all. I’m just surprised, that’s all.” The chef collected himself, shook off his shock, and began laying out the ingredients. “It’s actually pretty simple. I’ll show you how.”
Outside, the rain grew heavier. The wind picked up, rattling the leaves. Rain mixed with wind slammed against the windows, creating a howling noise that filled the air.
Zaylee waited in her room, but Brad’s car was nowhere in sight. The rain had blurred everything outside, so she stepped into the hallway for a better look. As she walked, she spotted a faint light slipping through the gap in Brad’s bedroom door. Her impatience melted into excitement.
The storm must’ve brought in heavy rain, she thought. His car was probably in the underground garage. Yes, that explained why she didn’t see it.
She hurried back to her room, adjusted her collar, and checked her makeup in the mirror. Once satisfied, she stepped out again — but just then, thunder cracked through the sky. Lightning streaked like jagged tree branches across the clouds.
The nearby power station took a hit, and within seconds, nearly every house in Serenity Manor lost power. The entire Morgan estate plunged into darkness.
Startled, Zaylee stepped back, her heart racing. But when her eyes returned to Brad’s room, fear turned to boldness. This… This was her chance.
With the lights out and the storm raging, she could use the moment to get closer to him.
Without a second thought, she ran to his bedroom door.
Meanwhile, Rylie had just finished showering. Wrapped in a quilt, half-asleep, she heard a soft voice outside. “Brad, are you there? Can I come in?”
Zaylee gently raised her hand and knocked at the door. To her surprise, the door opened with her knock. It was unlocked.
She stepped inside barefoot, the room cloaked in darkness. A flash of lightning briefly lit up the space — enough for her to see someone lying under the covers.
“Brad?”
No answer. Maybe he was asleep?
Another thunderclap shook the sky, and with it, Zaylee lost all restraint. She leapt onto the bed with a soft cry. “Brad! I’m so scared. Can I stay with you…” She froze mid-sentence. Her hand had landed on something soft… and slender.
Not Brad’s solid chest.
A cold voice cut through the darkness. “Are you done touching?”
Zaylee let out a shriek and stumbled back, falling hard to the floor. Lightning flashed again, revealing Rylie — half-reclined against the headboard. Her damp black hair fell over the collar of Brad’s white shirt. Droplets still clung to her exposed skin, glistening in the light.
.
.
.