Chapter 12
The man in the study paused his relentless typing as soon as he heard the steady breathing from the living room.
He leaned slightly forward, picked up his phone, and dialed Samuel’s number.
As soon as the call connected, Samuel’s voice came through. “Henry, you finally called me? Miss me? Are you calling to apologize? Do you think you went a bit too far tonight?”
Henry’s voice was captivating in the stillness of the night, and there was a faint rasp to it. “Stop the small talk.”
Samuel rubbed his nose and switched to a serious tone. “Go ahead. What’s up?”
Check the surveillance footage at Eastwood Gardens. Focus on who was downstairs at 8 PM tonight, said Henry.
Samuel was stunned. Henry, who usually kept his words to a minimum, had suddenly said so much. He wasn’t used to it.
Hearing no response from Samuel, Henry furrowed his brow and impatiently tapped his fingers on the desk. “Did I not make myself clear enough?”
Samuel, still processing, rubbed his nose again. “Clear as day. I’m just… shocked. Henry. When did you become so talkative? Are you in a good mood today?”
Henry didn’t want to hear any more of his rambling. He simply said, “Hurry up
After hanging up, Samuel stood still for a moment, his thoughts racing. ‘Could this have something to do with Lydia?‘ he wondered.
The next morning, Lydia woke up to find herself still lying in bed. She blinked a few times, trying to recall what happened last night. She was sure she had gone to bed there.
Lydia took a deep breath and, as usual, began to roll around in the bed. But when her head hit something, she froze. “Henry, why are you in my bed?”
Henry frowned slightly, watching her squirm around like a fish. He had never seen a woman wake up like this.
Lydia, unsure if she was mistaken about the date, grabbed her phone and checked the screen. She muttered to herself, “I didn’t get the date wrong. The odd–numbered days this month should be my turn to sleep in my bed, but why are you
here?”
Henry’s expression didn’t change as he said indifferently, “Your reason.
Lydia’s eyes widened in panic. “My reason? Henry, can you explain? How could it be my fault?”
Henry met her terrified gaze with cold eyes and replied slowly. You were asleep on the couch. Lcarried you to bed. But then you insisted on sleeping with me, and you were… quite persistent
Lydia pointed at him, then at herself. “I insisted? I made you sleep with me?”
Henry nodded.
Lydia shook her head quickly. “No way. Absolutely not. Why do I remember anything?”
174
Ad closed by Google
Chapter 12
Henry’s gaze shifted downward, to where her ankle was still resting on his calf.
He used this simple fact to prove that she had indeed insisted on being in bed with him.
Lydia followed his gaze and froze in horror, instinctively pulling her foot back. Her face turned bright red, and she suddenly wished she could disappear into the floor.
She pulled the blanket over her face, not daring to look at Henry. She lowered her head, shrinking into the blanket, trying to minimize her presence.
The weather is so hot today, and the air conditioning is still on in the room. It must be unconfortable for Lydia, buried under the blanket like this, Henry thought to himself.
Henry heard her breathing become heavier from under the blanket.
Lydia couldn’t hold it in any longer. It was getting harder to breathe under the covers.
Henry watched the blanket shift as her chest rose and fell, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
He reached out and tried to pull the blanket off of her. She pulled it right back. resisting. The more he tugged, the harder she yanked it.
The blanket’s going to tear, Henry said.
I don’t mind, Lydia muttered.
In the end. Henry’s strength won out.
He suddenly yanked the blanket away, and Lydia gasped in a deep breath of relief. Her small nose turned pink, looking both seductive and adorable. Henry was momentarily stunned.
Once she regained her breath, Lydia immediately tried to escape. This situation was just too awkward.
Unexpectedly, she lost her balance and fell. Luckily, Henry reached out in time to catch her.
She ended up in his arms, or more accurately, pressed tightly against his chest. Their gazes met.
Henry’s pupils were like the depths of a well, clear and unfathomable as if they had been washed clean by spring water.
She opened her eyes wide, unable to breathe from the shock. Seeing the domineering and dangerous look in Henry’s eyes, Lydia immediately scrambled out of bed. “I’ll go make breakfast
Henry watched her retreating figure disappear from view, and the impulse in his eyes was crushed in an instant.
His gaze turned cold again, as it always did. Just moments ago, he had almost been unable to stop himself from kissing her again. He had been so close.
Lydia was pleased with the breakfast she made.
During breakfast, Henry furrowed his brows slightly, as distant and indifferent as always. Lydia was used to his cold, aloof demeanor, and it didn’t bother her anymore.
After they finished eating, the two of them left together.
When they stepped outside, Henry saw a flashy sports car parked in the open lot, with a flashy, good–looking guy leaning
2/4
Ad closed by Google
Chapter 12
against it.
Lydia took one look and recognized him immediately as Samuel the same guy she had seen last night.
Hey, Sam… She had already greeted him happily when she suddenly realized she had forgotten his name and how rude that sounded. Lydia quickly stopped herself. “Good morning”
Samuel flicked the cigarette butt in his hand and raised an eyebrow slightly “Lydia, did you just give me a nickname?”
Lydia, feeling guilty, quickly shook her head. “No.”
Samuel smiled. “It’s fine. Fdon’t mind.
Lydia could only smile awkwardly. Henry shot a sharp glance at Samuel, causing him to immediately change the subject. “Henry, are you heading to work? Let me give you a ride.”
No need, Henry and Lydia said at the same time.
Samuel found it amusing to watch the two of them interact.
Lydia glanced at her watch. Thanks for the offer, but I actually prefer taking the bus to work. If that flashy sports car were parked in front of her office, the other women would annoy her all day long.
Lydia checked her watch again and realized she was about to be late. She had spent too much time in bed earlier. I’ve got to go. Hope to see you next time, Bye, Lydia said
Samuel smiled, curling his lips. “Lydia, see you next time.”
Lydia took a few steps, then suddenly remembered something. After rifling through her bag for a moment, she turned around and handed the car key to Henry.
Henry, if you’re not used to being driven to work, just take the car. You’re going to be late. The bus definitely won’t get you there on time, and the subway won’t either, she said..
Lydia had thought carefully before giving him the car key. She felt that Henry had helped her out and protected her. She was looking out for him. Besides, she didn’t really drive anyway. With that, Lydia turned and left quickly.
Henry looked at the car key in his hand, narrowing his eyes slightly.
Samuel glanced at the key. “Henry, Lydia is so thoughtful. She gave you her car. And, she doesn’t know…
Henry looked at him coldly. “Mind your own business.”
Samuel tightened up, quickly reporting, “At 8:11 PM yesterday, when Lydia went downstairs to see the installers off, her ex- boyfriend Damon blocked her at the elevator.”
Samuel could feel the temperature drop around Henry, and he continued, “But don’t worry. I’ve checked the footage. Damon didn’t take advantage of her. In fact, Lydia slapped him
