She reached for the fork and the bowl of noodles that Bennett had placed before her, lowering her head to savor the meal.

Halfway through her noodles, she could no Longer ignore the weight of his gaze. Raising her eyes to meet Bennett's across the table, she implored, "Could you please look away for a moment?"

The act of eating felt oddly awkward under his unwavering scrutiny. Bennett obliged by shifting his focus elsewhere, reclining in his chair. Nonetheless, his eyes occasionally strayed to her face.

With a flushed countenance, Claudia eventually finished her noodles and found herself growing drowsy. Bennett efficiently cleaned up and guided her upstairs.

Upon entering the master bedroom, Claudia felt a slight tension. " I'm feeling quite sleepy.”

“If you're tired, then rest. I won't stop you."

He loosened his hold on her and casually unbuttoned his shirt.

“In that case, I'll return to my room."

She couldn't even bear to meet his gaze now.

Having spoken her piece, Claudia turned to leave, but before she could take more than a couple of steps, Bennett grasped her and pulled her back.

“Where do you think you're going?"

Bennett peered down at her, his eyes holding an intriguing glint that made her uneasy.

Flustered, Claudia stammered, "I'm going back to my own room."

He clicked his tongue and remarked, “Have you ever seen a married couple sleep in separate rooms?"

“Haven't we always slept in separate rooms?"

He said nothing, merely observing her.

Under his intense scrutiny, Claudia felt an inexplicable sense of unease. "Well, can I at least go back to retrieve my pajamas?"

She intended to Lock her room door as soon as she returned!

She would think about the situation and come up with something in the morning!

Though they had confessed their love for each other, it didn't necessarily mean she was okay with sleeping with him in the same bed right away!

“Of course."

Hearing his agreement, Claudia breathed a sigh of relief. She turned and hurriedly made her way back to the guest room.

She then secured the door firmly from the inside!

Her movements were swift and precise!