ng of the

untouched. Golden croissants, eggs cooked to perfection, a platter of sliced fr

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

dress under the table, gatherin

o to the hos

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

set his phone down. His steel-gra

annot

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

taking a slow sip before replyi

h wobbled

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

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

sharp. "Because you belong to me

eight of his words pressed do

ess. This was not charity

clenching into small fists on he

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

him? Should she feel relieved? But how could she? He was not

gaze darkening as he

ough the food felt like ash in her mouth. She

_

t stand another minute under that man's scrutinizing eyes and chilly demeanor. Though he h

houghts. Before she could respond, the door swung

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

r. Luxurious perfumes and skincare products lined the big vanity- even the smallest essentials, hairbrus

and suffocating

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

ed at her sides. "I n

d. "And yet, it has

n bubbling underneath her skin. "Wha

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

_

after

urled on the edge of the bed, her fingers twisting

ndone at the collar. He looked more relaxed than b

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

for the fork. Without another word, he speared

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

His fingers brushed against her cheek, his touch light but unexpectedly w

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

ot. Her mind screamed at her to retreat, but her senses betr

ayson leaned

entire body frozen in place. The kiss was slow and tender, as if he were savoring the

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