?<strong>Chapter 323:</strong>


    “Well, you might as well start getting used to it now,” Kristopher said, cing her shoes neatly aside and sitting down next to her, his hand resting softly on her leg. His touch conveyed warmth.


    This gentle, almost familial interaction felt alien and unexpected to Carrie. She stood abruptly. “I need to freshen up.”


    Kristopher made no move to follow her.


    Removing his coat, Kristopher reclined on the bed, propping himself up on his elbows as he looked up at her. “I’ll be staying over tonight.” His implication was clear: he intended to share the bed with her.


    Carrie hesitated, turning slightly as she murmured, “I feel quite drained today.”


    A yful spark lit up Kristopher’s eyes as he assured her, “We’ll just sleep.”


    At his words, a blush crept over Carrie’s cheeks. She felt embarrassed.


    With a quick pace, she made her way to the bathroom.


    Carrie took her time with her nightly routine, not in any rush. She slipped into her pajamas, carefully towel-dried her hair, and reached for her lineup of skincare essentials—toner, serum, eye cream, lotion, and face cream.


    Following each step with precision, she indulged in the ritual before idly scrolling through her phone for nearly twenty minutes in the bathroom.


    Eventually, she stepped out.


    Kristopher sat on the couch, his arm draped casually along the back, his fingertips resting lightly against his forehead. His eyes were closed, framed byshes so long and thick they could rival those of any woman. He looked calm and still, like a perfect statue—exquisite but out of reach.


    Ga lno vel s . takes you into new worlds


    Before Carrie could gather her thoughts, a knock echoed from the door, followed by Willow’s voice. “Mrs. Norris, it’s time for your supplements.”


    At the sound, Kristopher’s eyes opened abruptly. He massaged his temples. Carrie couldn’t tell if he’d been sleeping or simply resting.


    “Finished?” he asked, his tone carrying a husky allure that effortlessly drew attention.


    “Yes,” Carrie replied softly, moving to answer the door.


    Willow stood waiting, holding out the bowl of concoction. Carrie took a cautious sip, her expression tightening at the bitter taste.


    “Too bitter?” Kristopher asked gently, stepping closer.


    Carrie thought it a bit childish for an adult to fuss over a bitter concoction, so she shrugged casually. “It’s fine. Just too hot right now. I’ll let it cool a bit.”


    Kristopher’s eyes settled on the bowl of concoction.


    Noticing there was no steam, Kristopher reached out to touch the side of the bowl and realized it had already cooled.


    When Carrie realized her little lie had been uncovered, she gripped the bowl tighter, her fingers nervously running over the gold pattern.


    Kristopher seemed to notice her unease. Producing a piece of candy from who-knows-where, he handed it to her, his tone soft and coaxing, almost as if speaking to a child. “Take this with the candy; it’ll go down easier if you drink it all at once.”


    Carrie epted the candy, popped it into her mouth, and swallowed the concoction in one swift gulp before setting the empty bowl on Willow’s tray.


    Willow chuckled, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. “Mr. Norris truly spoils Mrs. Norris.”


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