She felt as though she had committed something shameful and impure.

On their journey back, Claudia feigned slumber.

Upon parking the car, Bennett gallantly scooped her up.

Within his embrace, her delicate eyelashes fluttered ever so slightly. Bennett opted not to unveil her charade, instead proceeding directly upstairs to the opulent master bedroom.

It wasn't until Claudia found herself nestled on the bed that the realization dawned upon her: tonight, she would share this very bed with Bennett!

The knowledge of this fact shattered her facade of slumber, rendering it impossible to sustain.

Swiftly, she simulated awakening. As her eyes fluttered open, they instinctively squinted against the glare of the incandescent Lamp.

When her enchanting eyes met his gaze, a faint smile played upon his lips. "You're awake?" he inquired.

A nervous flutter seized Claudia, prompting her to avert her gaze as she responded, “I'm thirsty. I'll go get some water."

With that, she slipped out of the bed and descended the stairs.

Upon watching her retreating figure, Bennett's smile grew more radiant. Following her drink, Claudia remained seated in the kitchen counter, too apprehensive to ascend the stairs.

However, instead of waiting for her upstairs, Bennett descended the stairs to look for her.

‘are for another film?" he queried.

"Yes, please!" Claudia nodded with enthusiasm.

Watching movies through the night was absolutely fine by her.

“Shall we? It's still early."

In truth, it was rather late. Typically, by this hour, Claudia would have already completed her evening rituals and prepared for bed.

She trailed Bennett as he led her to the basement home theater. There, Bennett presented an array of movies for her perusal.

“Take your pick. I'll head upstairs to prepare some fruit," he offered.

“Thank you."

“You're most welcome."

As he turned away, a robust warmth radiated from his eyes, infusing her with a sense of intrigue.

Watching him exit the room, Claudia's heart raced. She hastily retrieved her phone and sought counsel from Aurora, “Aurora! Girl, I need your help!"

Aurora was bewildered upon receiving her message.