Fortunately, Cole still had enough sense to cooperate with Alessia<i>. </i>Only as he copsed onto the bed did he finally let himself <i>go</i>.
Alessia sighed, then went to the bathroom to soak a washcloth in hot water. She returned and gently wiped his face and neck.
“Honestly, you’re not even much of a drinker. Why try to keep up with everyone
else?”
“I won’t do it again.” Even through the haze of alcohol, Cole always answered
Alessia without hesitation.
“Miss Morton, here’s the hangover remedy,” the butler called, knocking at the door.
Alessia took the mug, closing the door behind her.
“Sit up and have a few sips. It’ll help.” She eased Cole upright, supporting him as he
drank.
The room was quiet, harsh white light buzzing overhead. Once Coley back down, Alessia switched off the main light, leaving only the dimmp on the bedside table.
Her phone vibrated. She answered.
“Lessie, did Cole find you yet?” Esme’s voice was tinged with worry.
“He did. Don’t worry.”
“So when are youing back?” Mia’s voice chimed in from speakerphone.
“Lessie… Lessie…<i>” </i>Before Alessia could answer, Cole started murmuring her name, reaching for her in his sleep, as if lost in a dream.
Alessia took his hand, and only then did he settle down.
“I don’t think I’ll make it back tonight,” she said softly. “Can you grab my textbooks for me tomorrow? I’ll meet you in ss.”
“Got it, got it–we know what’s up!” Esme sounded barely able to contain her excitement. Before Alessia could say another word, Esme hung up.
Alessia could guess what was going through their minds, but she didn’t bother to call back and exin. Instead, she gently patted Cole’s chest, soothing him until his restless tossing faded into sleep.
While most students were still carefree, enjoying campus life, Cole had already
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spent years navigating the cutthroat world of business. Only in moments like this could he let his guard down, allowing himself to be vulnerable and show his softer side to the person closest to him.
“I love you so, <i>so </i>much…” With the example of his parents, Parrish and Jade–the perfect couple–Cole had never been shy about sharing his feelings.
“I know. I love you, too…” Alessia’s eyes softened as she leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.
The golden glow of the bedsidemp bathed the room in warmth, making the moment tender and intimate.
Meanwhile, back in Dorm 206, her friends were squealing and hugging each other
in excitement.
The next morning, when Alessia arrived at ss, Esme and the others were all giving her knowing looks.
“Well, look who finally showed up,” Esme teased.
Alessia justughed. “Oh,e on. What are you guys thinking all day?”
They only teased her for a minute, keeping it light, then moved on.
“Lessie, your phone rang a bunch while you were in the shower,” Esme said, munching on a bag of spicy chips.
Alessia came out of the bathroom, towel–drying her hair, and draped the towel over her chair. Five missed calls–all from Ivan. Just as she reached for her phone to call
him back, it rang again.
“Hey, sis.” Even at eight, Ivan’s voice still had a childish lilt.
“What’s up? Sorry, I was in the shower and missed your calls.” Alessia’s tone softened.
“I won first ce in my contest! The organizer called and said my painting will be on disy at the weekend exhibition.” Ivan’s excitement was bubbling over.
“That’s amazing! Want a prize for your hard work?”
“No, that’s okay.” His voice dropped a little. “Sis, will youe to the exhibition with me this weekend? We haven’t seen each other in such a long time.”
Alessia hesitated. Ever since moving into her new ce, she hadn’t been back home much, and even when she did, she was in and out too quickly to see Ivan.
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