?Chapter 1403:


    Before she could scream, a hand covered her mouth.


    “It’s me,” William murmured, voice low and rough.


    The scent of alcohol hit her immediately. It was strong. She frowned, even though the dark room hid her expression.


    “You’ve been drinking,” she said quietly, her voice tight.


    William didn’t answer. His eyes were closed again, like he couldn’t be bothered to exin.


    She sat up halfway, trying to get out of bed. “Go take a shower first. I’ll help you back to your room—”


    But his arms slid around her waist, dragging her back down.


    “Don’t talk,” he muttered, brows drawing together. “My head’s killing me.”


    The first part of his tone was firm. Commanding. But the end softened, almost pleading.


    It was the first time Ste had ever seen him like this—so raw, so unguarded.


    He wasn’t yelling. He wasn’t trying to control her. He just looked tired and broken.


    Ste didn’t argue again. Shey still, watching him silently.


    A few minutes passed. Then he moved again—this time curling into her, pulling her tightly against his chest.


    His heart thudded steadily beneath her ear. She barely breathed, afraid even the slightest motion would disturb him.


    But being in his arms wasn’tforting. It was stifling.


    She remembered all the times he’d hurt her, humiliated her, used her as a pawn. And now here he was, holding her like she was the only thing anchoring him.


    As she shifted slightly, trying to put some space between them, William rested his chin on top of her head and whispered, “Don’t move. Just let me hold you… for a while.”


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    The room went silent.


    Ste exhaled quietly, her resistance fading. She stayed still in his arms.


    And just like that, the night crawled toward morning.


    William eventually fell into a deep sleep, his breathing even and slow. But Ste never closed her eyes once.


    She was exhausted—mentally and physically—but sleep wouldn’te. Not with him wrapped around her like this.


    So shey there, staring up at the ceiling, then down at his face.


    At his closed eyes, his rxed expression. His longshes resting softly against his cheek.


    He looked so calm, so harmless. And yet, he wasn’t.


    He could be cruel. Sharp-tongued. Careless with people’s hearts.


    It was true what people said—never judge someone by their face.


    No matter how good-looking William was, it didn’t erase everything he’d done.


    Morning light finally crept through the windows. William stirred.


    His internal clock, as precise as ever, kicked in.


    He blinked against the light, his head still throbbing from the drinks. As his eyes adjusted, he realized he wasn’t in his own bed.


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