Chapter 71 Sleeping in the Same Room
Cecilia refrained from correcting Alaric's perception. In his mind, perhaps an ex-girlfriend had to be someone he had genuinely liked, which, considering his personality, was a rarity. Despite being admired by many women, it seemed natural for him to harbor no strong attachments.
The day drifted by uneventfully as Cecilia spent an idle afternoon in Alaric's room. Alaric didn't return until dinner time, and Emily remained conspicuously absent. The servant explained that Emily’s hand was severely swollen, making it difficult for her to use utensils. Unwilling to burden others at dinner, she opted for a meal in her room instead.
Dinner concluded, and the Whitaker family gathered in the living room for post-dinner fruit and casual conversation before retiring to their rooms. Aside from Alaric, Christopher and Jasper also resided in the Whitaker family villa. It struck Cecilia as odd that Alaric did not live with his parents, despite their apparent fondness for him. However, delving into familial intricacies was not her priority.
Her immediate concern was the practical reality of sharing a bed with Alaric post-marriage. As she followed him back to the room, the sight of the single large bed, equipped with only one blanket, posed an awkward dilemma.
Staring at the bed with a deepening sense of urgency, Cecilia was lost in thought when Alaric’s voice, rich with amusement, cut through her contemplation. "Are you tired? You've been staring at my bed without blinking."
His smile carried its customary layer of implication. Mustering her courage, Cecilia asked, "How are we going to sleep tonight?"
"Do you want to sleep with me?" Alaric's teasing was unmistakable.
Cecilia remained calm. "I'll sleep on the couch."
"Are you sure?" Alaric’s eyebrow arched quizzically.
"Yes," she replied confidently.
The notion of requesting Alaric to sleep on the couch in his own home felt inappropriate. Considering his height, it would be uncomfortable for him, though not ideal for her either. Nevertheless, she wasn't so domineering as to expect him to sacrifice his comfort for her.
"I should remind you, there's no second blanket. If you request one from the servant, word will undoubtedly reach my parents, raising suspicions about our marriage."
"I know. I don't need a blanket. I'll sleep in my clothes," Cecilia said firmly.
"Then I wish you have a good night." Alaric yawned. "I'm going to take a shower."
Alaric grabbed his pajamas and headed to the bathroom, but Cecilia called out suddenly, a thought occurring to her. "Alaric."
He turned back with a mischievous glint. "Do you want to join me?"
"Remember to come out fully dressed!" Cecilia retorted sarcastically.
Alaric’s laughter echoed. "I know my body is hard for you to resist."
She could just about strangle him with how infuriating he could be
With Alaric in the shower, Cecilia moved to the walk-in closet. The space was thoughtfully stocked with attire prepared for her — pajamas, underwear, and even outdoor clothes. This gesture was a comforting contrast to the cold functionality of the Kingsley family, giving the Whitaker residence a warmer, more welcoming ambiance.
She randomly picked a set of pajamas and waited for Alaric to finish his shower.
Alaric emerged swiftly, fully dressed this time, yet Cecilia avoided his gaze entirely. She grabbed her clothes and rushed into the bathroom, clearly eager to minimize any interaction.
Alaric watched her retreat with an amused smile, recognizing that winning over Cecilia would be a long endeavor. He settled onto the big bed and idly started playing a game on his phone.
Cecilia came out of the bathroom after her shower, her cheeks flushed from the heat and her makeup-free features radiating a natural allure. She wore a conservative pink pajama set, complete with long sleeves and pants.
As she emerged, Alaric glanced at her, momentarily stunned by her simplicity.
"Alaric, what are you doing?" came Cassius's voice from the phone.
"Watching a beauty," Alaric replied, a teasing edge in his voice.
Cassius groaned. “Where are you watching a beauty this late at night?”
"At home."
"Are you showing off your wife? Damn!" Cassius cursed.
"People without wives wouldn't understand," Alaric retorted confidently.
"Yes, I don't understand. Please stop watching the beauty and look at your phone, okay? You've been killed hundreds of times in the game."
Aware that Cecilia had settled on the couch, Alaric turned back to his phone, his fingers moving deftly over the screen.
Cecilia, ignoring all of this, lay on the couch with a long coat covering her. She scrolled through her phone, gradually succumbing to sleep.
Noticing her drifting off, Alaric put on his headphones. The room fell into a quiet tranquility.
After finishing a game, Alaric turned off the lights, leaving only a dim bedside lamp on, and continued playing with Cassius late into the night. Finally, he set his phone aside and looked to where Cecilia slept on the couch.
She had abandoned her phone and was now deeply asleep. He silently approached her, watching her serene face and listening to her gentle breathing. A gentle smile graced his lips.Alaric delicately turned off Cecilia's phone, not wanting any disturbances during her sleep. With a careful embrace, he lifted her from the couch.
Cecilia mumbled softly, shifting uncomfortably and pressing her face against Alaric’s chest, seeking a more comfortable position.
Alaric felt a mix of amusement and helplessness. By day, Cecilia was tough and distant, her defenses always high. Yet, in sleep, she was as relaxed as a child, showing a surprising hint of dependence.
The irony wasn't lost on him. Despite knowing she would share a room with him tonight, she slept so soundly, seemingly untroubled by the potential risk of his desires.
Did she trust him that deeply, or was she here to torment him?
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