Gwh''s cheeks flushed bright red, and she fell silent.


    Hawthorne''s dark eyes grew even more intense. Without a word, he swept her into his arms and carried her to therge bed in the adjoining room, everything that followed unfolding as if it had always been meant to happen. He showed her with actions rather than words-unyielding, leaving no room for hesitation. Gwh was caught between longing and a flutter of nerves; it was the thrill of venturing into the unknown, the hope for a life yet toe.


    Later, there were moments Gwh could hardly recall, hazy memories of giving herself to Hawthorne again and again, matching his intensity until both of them were spent and breathless.


    When she finally woke, Hawthorne was already up, freshly showered and dressed, carrying a breakfast tray with a ss of milk and a te of food.


    She nced at the clock-nearly noon. Remembering what had happened between them, Gwh wished she could disappear beneath the covers. To her surprise, Hawthorne''s face broke into a rare smile.


    "Mrs. Everhart, aren''t you hungry? Come on, sit up and eat something."


    He set the generous breakfast in her hands and watched her intently. Their eyes met, and Gwh felt a jolt of heat, quickly looking away.


    "Should I go back to the office tomorrow?" she asked, her voice muffled.


    She was probably the only person at thepany who could ck off without fear of being fired. Hawthorne''s lips twitched with amusement. "Whatever you prefer, Mrs. Everhart."


    He would have liked her to stay home, but having Gwh be a full-time housewife at her age felt wrong. She deserved to experience more-work could fill her days and broaden her world.


    The manor ran effortlessly with the help of butlers and staff; if Gwh stayed home every day, she''d only grow restless.


    With his agreement, Gwh hurried to the bathroom for a quick shower, changed into fresh clothes, and emerged to find Hawthorne still waiting for her.


    She avoided his gaze, keeping her head down as she picked up her breakfast and started eating.


    "Slow down," he said, watching her fumble with the food. He reached out, gently dabbing the corner of her mouth with a napkin.


    Under his steady gaze, Gwh finally finished her meal. Hawthorne called for a servant to clear the dishes, then led her downstairs.


    "Aren''t you going to the office today?" she asked, assuming he''d be headed to work.


    Hawthorne nced at her coolly. "I''m the boss. I go in when I want. Today, I think I''ll spend it with Mrs. Everhart."


    He grabbed his car keys, and Gwh realized she had no idea where he nned to take her.


    "We''re going shopping," he


    exined, "so you don''t get bored. Greenvale isn''t as big as Starfall City, but it has a charm all its own. You''ve never had time to explore, and today I can be your guide-show you everything that makes this ce special."


    Gwh''s heart raced as he took her hand. She stumbled a little, nerves and excitement making her clumsy, but Hawthorne caught her easily.


    "Careful," he murmured.


    The floor wasn''t even slippery-she was simply on edge. His hand was warm and steady, and he didn''t let go as they walked to the car. Even as they settled into their seats, Gwh was still thinking about how safe she''d felt in his arms.


    "When I brought the engagement giftsst time, I noticed your mother and Celia are both fond of those tailored dresses. You look stunning in them too, so let''s pick out a few more for you.


    Outside of Greenvale, it''s almost impossible to find that kind of handmade quality.


    It''s one of the town''s unique treasures."