Dny on the bed, flipping through a book, while ra was too restless to sleep. Her difort was keeping her awake. Noticing him lost in his reading, she moved over to the edge of the bed.


    "Mr. Dn, I noticed you''re struggling a bit more with walkingtely. Would you like me to give your legs a massage?"


    "Sure."


    ra was eager to be helpful, and seeing him agree, she quickly moved closer. Just as her hands touched his leg, a voice called out from outside.


    "Dn, are you awake?"


    It was Eden''s voice.


    ra froze, quickly pulling her hand back, and anxiously stood up, looking for somewhere to hide.


    Eden was fiercely protective of Dn. If she found ra alone with him, she might just explode!


    ra had learned from the housekeeper at Palm Bay that Eden had a close rtionship with Dn and was one of the few women who coulde and go as she pleased.


    Before ra could fully stand, Dn gently held her wrist.


    She tried to pull away but ended up hurting herself.


    Dn reassured her softly, "It''s okay."


    She breathed a sigh of relief and sat back down, realizing she had overreacted.


    Outside, Eden continued to call out nervously, "Dn?"


    Dn flipped another page in his book and replied, "What''s up?"


    Eden quickly apologized, "I got carried away earlier. I shouldn''t have acted up. Please don''t be mad at me. I haven''t seen you in ages."


    Her voice grew more pitiful with each word.


    "Everyone knows that ra is trouble. I can''t believe you brought her to Palm Bay. I know you''re doing it because of my brother, but she doesn''t belong here. Aren''t you worried she''ll ruin the ce? Dn, please don''t be angry. I brought you a gift."


    Inside, ra listened to the whole exchange, feeling awkward and biting her lip. If Eden knew the woman she was badmouthing was right there with Dn, she''d flip out.


    ra sighed and Dn heard. He asked softly, "What''s wrong?"


    She awkwardly lowered her head. "I was just wondering when you are going to find a girlfriend, Mr. Dn."


    It was a stray thought that slipped out. She quickly tried to cover it up, "I mean, she seems too dependent on you. Maybe it would get better once you''re married."


    Her fingers scratched at her neck in embarrassment, but Dn caught her wrist. "You have a wound; don''t scratch."


    "Oh, okay," she stammered, letting her hand drop. She felt the warmth of his palm, then quickly pulled her hand back.


    While her mind was reeling, he asked, "Are you really curious about when I''ll find a girlfriend?"


    His question made it seem like she was interested in him.


    "No, I''m just curious."


    As soon as she said she wasn''t interested, Dn let go of her hand and went back to his book.


    The knocking resumed and Eden''s voice grew more tentative.


    "Dn, I brought you a gift. Can you open the door?"


    Dn rubbed his temples, slowly got out of bed, and opened the door.


    ra noticed that as he opened the door, he adjusted his robe to cover his chest more securely, fastening itpletely—a stark contrast to just moments earlier.


    She was surprised. Was Dn worried about Eden seeing his chest?


    Then why wasn''t he concerned about her seeing him?


    Something felt off.


    Dn stood by the door, opening it just a crack.