Upon reflection, she concluded it wasn't entirely unreasonable. If she were being used in a similar manner, she too would be angry.

In the end, she admitted the blame was hers. Claudia didn't dare push further. Glancing at the closed door, she obediently retreated to bed.

Sleep seemed the best option.

Had it not been for Anthony, she wouldn't be in this predicament.

The thought of him stirred an increasing loathing within her.

Her disdain for him grew with each passing second.

With a flick, Claudia extinguished the Light and the room plunged into darkness.

She had been anxious all evening. Now relaxed, sleep claimed her swiftly.

The stillness of the night was interrupted by the creak of a door.

The bedroom door creaked open from the outside, restoring the silence soon after.

Under the silvery moonlight, Bennett carefully pushed open the door and entered.

Claudia, bathed in the moon's glow, was fast asleep, an image of tranquility.

Just moments ago, she had been on high alert, maintaining vigilant watch over him. However, now she was sound asleep, completely oblivious to her surroundings.

He extended a hand, his slender fingers tracing her parted lips. She had spoken extensively that night. He wished he could silence her with a kiss, putting an end to her relentless chatter.

Beneath the veil of night, he studied her with the intensity of a starved wolf.

With a snort, Bennett's fingertips brushed lightly against Claudia's cheek.

“Sweet innocent, you're now my captive. Don't think I'd release you so easily.

You're truly naive."

The silence of midnight hung heavy in the air. Anthony was a Lone figure beside his car, parked outside the villa, resembling a homeless pup lost on the streets.

As the Last gleam of Light within the villa was extinguished, Anthony's cigarette-holding hand quivered. A tidal wave of bitterness overtook his heart, and the taste was almost tangible.

He had accepted the harsh truth. Claudia would not be venturing out from the villa that night.

She had married Bennett, and the two of them Lived together Legally.