at. The breakfast spread before her was untouched. Golden croissants, eggs cooked to perfection, a p

ation. The deadline had come. If she could not pay the down

the table, gathering her courage before spe

ed by her words. Dressed in a crisp black shirt, his sleeves rolled up slightly, revealing s

et his phone down. His steel-gray

annot

, they will discharge my mother. She will not have anywher

taking a slow sip before replyi

h hitched

rning," he said simply, as if it was nothing. "

r her. "Why..." She caught herself, exh

me now. Have you already forgotten?" His tone was impassive, bu

dness. This was not cha

ightening into small fists on her

n remained un

heart san

allow it," he said, his voice absolute.

He had saved her mother, but at what cos

rora," Grayson continued, h

feel relieved? But how could she? He was not helping

ening as he watched her hesitate

th? Fo

ough the food felt like ash in her mouth. She

_

not stand another minute under that man's scrutinizing eyes and chilly demeanor. Thoug

houghts. Before she could respond, the door swung

es, shoes, and neatly arranged toiletries. They moved with silent efficiency, pl

Luxurious perfumes and skincare products lined the marble vanity, and even the smallest essentials, hairb

eal. It felt

pared for you," Edith said, her voice composed bu

ed at her sides. "I n

d. "And yet, it has

on bubbling beneath her skin. "What

evenly. "That is a question

stomach

nished their task, bowing slightly b

you do not wish to come down for lun

pression remained unchanged. "You should rest, Mi

skipped at that

see me?" she

turning and leaving, the heav

y. She should feel lu

she fel

made a

_

e aft

urled on the edge of the bed, her fingers twisting

the collar, his sleeves rolled up. He looked more relaxed

thing. Instead, he walked toward her with a silver t

nch," he stated, hi

beside her, closing th

pected Grayson to personally deliver her food, a

t hungry," s

ng for the fork. Without a word, he speared a

ra f

you doing?"

ked onto hers, hard t

urora felt herself shrink beneath it. Her pulse qu

uneven. "I... I can eat

nce stretched between them. Grayson was determined, and i

hard. Slowly, she

ly registering as she chewed. She was too aware o

fingers brushed against her cheek, his touch light but unexpectedly

to her lips. The air between them shifted into something u

not. Her mind screamed at her to retreat, but her body betr

out a word, Gr

ildly, her entire body frozen in place. It was not forceful or rushed. It

ned. His hand slid to the back of her head, angling her closer, his lips

her to pull away. But sh

time since meeting him

as fe

terrifi