Mae's serene and gentle voice infused Raegan with the strength to persevere.

With newfound determination, Raegan replied, "I understand. Thank you, Mae."

As Raegan hung up the phone, memories of their shared moments flooded her mind - the tranquil mornings, the serene sunsets, and the warmth of their embraces. How precious and beautiful they truly were!

In those perilous moments, Mitchel's steadfast presence had consistently served as a protective shield, enduring numerous injuries on her behalf. The scars engraved upon his body served as a powerful testament to his enduring love. His actions spoke volumes of his love, why did she still harbor hesitation?

Finally, clarity dawned in Raegan's heart. It wasn't pity, not in the slightest. She desired to be with him because she loved him!

Those sleepless nights and endless nightmares had been communicating with her all along. She couldn't endure losing Mitchel. The agony of his loss was insufferable. She cherished him, longing for their family to remain united, never to be separated again.

Raegan awaited Mitchel in his office, eager to express the sentiments weighing on her heart. But as night descended, he remained absent, failing to return.

Raegan enveloped herself in the chair he had occupied, noticing the dark blanket nearby, likely the one he used to warm his legs.

She enveloped herself in it, enveloped in his distinctive, entrancing fragrance.

Enveloped in this alluring aroma, Raegan drifted into a gentle sleep.

After wrapping up the meeting, Mitchel refrained from returning to his office. Nevertheless, he inquired of the secretary, "Is anyone still in my office?"

Having assumed Raegan had left with Mitchel and spotted nobody enter his office since then, the secretary responded with a shake of her head, "Your office is vacant."

Mitchel's countenance visibly dimmed. So, Raegan had departed. Though Raegan's kindness knew no bounds, he resolved to exploit it for his gratification.

It was often preferable to endure a swift ache than a prolonged torment. The fleeting companionship, swiftly succeeded by departure, would be far more agonizing.

Should he be forceful, it would only lead them both to suffer. May his suffering remain his sole burden.

Raegan awoke in Mitchel's office, her body shivering as she felt the chill in the air.

During the night, Aurora resembled an ice cellar in its coldness.

Without the underfloor heating, even the most youthful and robust individual would be at risk of freezing to death!

The moment she rose, she found herself unable to suppress her incessant sneezing. Her skin was adorned with goosebumps, and her hair bristled with the cold.

The surroundings were enveloped in pitch darkness.