As if sensing her thoughts, Theodore whispered in her ear, “Did you hear something?"

Subconsciously, Ariana rubbed her itchy ears and held her breath. He was right!

The rustling sound returned—the roach was back!

At that moment, she didn't dare to think of anything else. She nestled in Theodore's arms, pressing her nose against his neck. She wished she could cling to him as closely as possible.

The next morning, Ariana awoke in a haze. Her eyes were still closed as she rubbed her face against something under her head, still half-asleep.

Upon opening her eyes and finding a strikingly handsome face close to hers, she froze momentarily before regaining her composure.

Embarrassment washed over her as she recalled the previous night's events. She couldn't remember exactly when she had drifted off, but it had been the most restful sleep she'd had in a while.

A sliver of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow on Theodore's face and illuminating his long eyelashes.

This was her first opportunity to study Theodore's features at such proximity. She found herself entranced. Usually so aloof and haughty, he appeared unexpectedly gentle and vulnerable in slumber.

Ariana longed to brush his eyebrows with her fingertips, but fearing she might wake him, she refrained.

Carefully extricating herself from Theodore's embrace, she sat up and slowly moved to the edge of the bed, intending to get her phone to check the time.

As her feet touched the floor, she realized something was amiss. She didn't recall there being a plush, woolen carpet in the room. surveying her surroundings, Ariana noticed the drastic change in the environment.

The opulent decor, soft bed, arched dome, enormous crystal chandelier, and walls adomed with sparkling diamond lamps—all indicated a room far grander than the one she remembered.

"You're finally awake?" Theodore's low, sleepy voice came from behind her.

Ariana tured to face him.

"Where am I?"

“The presidential suite on the top floor. Your previous room was too noisy for a proper rest." Theodore ruffled his hair. His disheveled pajamas hung open at the collar, exposing his alluring collarbone and well-toned muscles.

She swallowed hard, looking away. Even with his disability, he had maintained a remarkable level of self-discipline to keep himself in such impeccable shape.

This thought piqued her curiosity further. How did Theodore manage to exercise while confined to a wheelchair? It should be particularly difficult to maintain his abdominal muscles!

“What are you thinking about?" Theodore inquired, leaning in close to her.