Morning After

Chapter 13

EMELIA


I slowly opened my eyes, wincing as the bright light streaming through the window assaulted my senses. Why did morning have to be so brutal? I groggily lifted my head, my hair a tangled mess around my face. A bird outside the window sang a cheerful melody, its sweetness grating on my sleep-deprived nerves.


Ugh, why did birds have to be so loud? I hissed, rubbing my eyes to shake off the remnants of sleep. My mouth felt dry, my body stiff from sleeping on the couch. I let out a loud yawn, arching my back to stretch.


As I sat up, the soft night clothes that Keiden had left for me slid down my shoulders, reminding me of his kindness. I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the agony of waking up. My eyes scanned the room, taking in the cozy space. Keiden's living room looked even more inviting in the morning light.



I walked towards Keiden's room, intending to say hello and thank him again for his kindness. My bare feet made barely a sound on the cool floor. I reached his door and knocked gently, expecting him to answer. But there was silence.


"Keiden?" I called out softly, wondering if he was still asleep.


No response.


My curiosity got the better of me, and I slowly turned the handle, pushing the door open. Big mistake.


My eyes widened as I took in the sight before me. Keiden stood in front of his dresser, a towel wrapped precariously around his waist, revealing his chiseled torso. Water droplets glistened on his skin, and his hair was tousled, as if he'd just stepped out of the shower.


My face ignited, burning with embarrassment. I quickly looked down, my eyes fixed on the floor as I stuttered out an apology.


"Keiden, I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—"


But I didn't wait to hear his response. Mortification propelled me backward, and I swiftly closed the door, my heart racing. I leaned against the door, my face still ablaze.


Oh. My. Goodness.


I couldn't believe what I'd just seen! Keiden, half-naked and utterly captivating. My mind replayed the image, and I cringed, feeling like an intruder.


Why hadn't I waited for him to answer? Why had I assumed he'd be fully clothed?


I took a few deep breaths, attempting to calm my racing thoughts. This was ridiculous. I was

a grown woman, after all!


But my body refused to cooperate. My skin still flushed, and my pulse continued to flutter.


Okay, Emelia, get a grip!


I forced myself to step away from the door and return to the living room, wanting to compose myself. But my mind kept drifting back to the tantalizing glimpse I'd caught of Keiden's physique.


Stop it, Emelia!


I needed to focus on my mission, not indulge in frivolous thoughts about my host's attractiveness. Kieran's arrival loomed ahead, and I couldn't afford distractions.


But, oh, that image lingered, refusing to be extinguished.


Ugh, Emelia, get your priorities straight!





I sank into the couch, letting out a deep breath as I face-palmed myself. Why couldn't I shake off the memory of Keiden's half-naked physique? My mind replayed the image, and I felt my face flush anew.


Just as I was struggling to compose myself, I sensed a presence nearby. I swiftly raised my head, and my eyes locked onto Keiden's. My face ignited again, embarrassment coursing through my veins.


"Oh, Keiden, I'm so sorry!" I blurted out, jumping to my feet. "I didn't mean to intrude earlier. I shouldn't have entered your room without waiting for your response. Please forgive me!"


But Keiden didn't respond. He stood there, his expression unreadable, as I continued to apologize.


"I feel terrible about it. It was completely unthoughtful of me. I promise it won't happen again. Please, accept my apology!"


Keiden's silence unnerved me. He didn't even acknowledge my words. Instead, he stated flatly:


"Your dress is on the bed. Take your bath and get ready. We need to leave soon."


Then, he turned and walked away, leaving me stunned.


What just happened? Why didn't he respond to my apology? Was he angry with me?


My mind whirled with questions as I watched Keiden disappear from view. His curt demeanor had caught me off guard. Did he think I'd intentionally invaded his privacy?


I stood there, frozen, replaying our encounter. Had I overstepped a boundary?


With a sigh, I shook off my thoughts and headed to the bedroom to get ready.

As I walked slowly to the bedroom, my mind was still racing with multiple reasons and thought why Keiden didn’t acknowledged my apology. Had he found out about my true intentions? Did he know I was sent to kill him?


Fear gripped my heart, squeezing tight. What if he'd discovered my secret?


My breath caught in my throat, and my lungs constricted. I couldn't breathe well, as if an invisible hand choked me.


How could he have found out? I'd been so careful, so cautious.


But what if I'd slipped up somehow? What if Keiden had seen something in my eyes, something that betrayed my mission?


My thoughts swirled, a maddening vortex. I couldn't shake the feeling that Keiden suspected something.


And then, there was Kieran. His brother. The one who'd ordered me to kill Keiden.


My stomach twisted into knots. I felt trapped, caught between two people. One I didn’t want to hurt , Keiden. And one I must do his bid and can’t challenge him , Keiren


What would happen when I met Kieran today? Would he expect me to carry out his orders?


The thought sent a chill down my spine. I couldn't do it. I couldn't kill Keiden.


But what choice did I have?


As I entered the bedroom, I felt like I was stepping into a nightmare. The beautiful dress Keiden had left for me seemed like a cruel joke now.


I approached the bed, my legs trembling. My mind was a jumbled mess of fear.


How could this day get any worse?


But deep down, I knew it could. It could unravel in ways I couldn't even imagine.