<b>Chapter </b><b>177 </b>


    With deliberate slowness, she straightened the bedding, yet even dawdling had its limits.


    Bowen knew what was troubling her. With an amused smile, he stood by, making no move to hurry her as she fussed with the bedding.


    Then he <b>said </b>cainly. “You should take the inside by the wall tonight. The bed’s a bit narrow. Wouldn’t want you to fall off” His face was the picture ofposaire, as if he didn’t have a single ulterior thought.


    Aubree sat on the edge of the bed, nervously fiddling with her fingers. “I’m not sleepy yet. I think I’ll go to bed a bitter,” she said.


    Bowen didn’t insist. Instead, he quietly began straightening the bedding himself Before long, his phone ring it was from Hugh, the family butler,


    “Hello?” Bowen answered as he settled onto the bed.


    “Bowen, when are youing back tonight?” In Ellis Heights, High nced at the beautiful, doll like girl on the sofa and felt troubled. This girl’s brother is truly unreliable. How could he <b>leave </b>her here like this?” he thought


    I, sitting on the sofa, seemed to notice Hugh’s gaze. She looked up with a sweet smile and asked<b>, </b>“Mr. Watson, when is Bowening back?”


    Hugh rubbed his temples in frustration. He couldn’t understand <b>a </b>word of Odiondian, and the little girl’s chattering might as well have been gibberish


    to him.


    “I brought Aubree to Gracefield Church to fulfill my father’s vow, Bowen said. “The snow has blocked the roads, and I don’t think make it back tonight. Did something <b>happen </b>at home?”


    Hugh frowned and said, “Bowen, your foreign friend said he had to go back to Odiond, but his younger sister wanted to stay. He asked you to look after her. He came to look for you but couldn’t find you, so he just left his sister here.


    “Carol and I don’t understand a word of Odiondian. What are we supposed to do?”


    Bowen frowned for a moment, then seemed to have an idea and chuckled. “Hugh, go get Alvin–and have him entertain our guest”


    Hugh hesitated, his expression uncertain. ‘Is it okay to call Alvin over? he wondered.


    Whether Alvin woulde was another matter. At that time, the bed was already ready in the church courtyard


    Aubree tried to keep herself <b>busy</b>, stubbornly scrolling through her phone despite the terrible signal Out of the corner of her eye<b>, </b><b>she </b>noticed Bowen taking off his coat, and from the looks of it, he was about to shed moreyers.


    Aubree was instantly scared straight. “Bowen, what are you doing?” she blurted out.


    “To get undressed for <b>bed</b>, obviously,” Bowen replied matter–of–factly “There’s nothing much to do up here in the mountains, so we might as well turn in early, rest up, and see if we can make it down tomorrow.”


    Well, I guess that makes sense, but isn’t this moving a little too fast? Aubree thought and bit her lower lip. Honestly, it’s not that I’m being dramatic. Anyone would feel awkward sharing a room with a guy she <b>barely </b>knew!


    “Are y


    you getting sleepy?” Aubree asked.


    “Kind of,” Bowen replied<b>, </b>tilting his head <b>at </b>her/Just do your thing, don’t worry about me


    Hey, that’s not the point, Aubree thought frantically. She grew restless, unable to decide whether to sit or stand.


    Bowen watched her agitation, a faint, knowing smile ying in his eyes as he feigned ignorance. He removed his outer garments, remaining in his shirt <b>and </b>pants, andy down on the outer side of the bed


    Just as Aubred was still hesitating, a voice called out from outside the window, “Miss Miller, Mr. Turner, are you still awakar


    From the sound of it, it was the same priest who had arranged for them to stay.


    “<b>Yeah</b>, is there something?” Aubree asked,


    I your lights were still on, so I thought I’de by and see if you


    “No, nothing. The pastor was a bit concerned and sent me to check on you. I noticed y needed anything. If there’s anything you need, just let me know,” said the priest.


    “Nothing needed. We’re turning in now, Aubree replied


    Not wanting to trouble the priests, she reluctantly switched off the light.


    With the lights out, Aubree felt even more <b>fustered</b>,


    Come on, Aubree thought to herself. Bowen won’t do anything inappropriate. We’re not even under the same nket, so what am I so nervous about


    With a resigned sigh, Aubree took off her outerwear and shoes, then slipped into the inner side of the bed.


    Bowen kept his eyes closed. It was only after <b>a </b>while that he sensed Aubree quietly slipping into bed.


    <b>AD</b>