?Chapter 43:


    “Yes.” Demi’s eyes conveyed a hint of mncholy. “Ellie spiked my drink tonight.”


    She had intended to drug Ellie’s drink, but somehow, she ended up consuming it herself.


    Ellie had outmaneuvered her tonight!


    “What?” Erick’s face changed to one of concern as he sat up straight.


    Demi nestled in his embrace,menting, “She asked me to have a drink, suggesting reconciliation. But then she drugged me! How… how could she…”


    Demi adeptly yed the victim, shedding any guilt for her own actions.


    Erick’s expression darkened.


    He hadn’t realized Ellie was capable of such deceit and malice!


    Ellie, having drunk water at dinner, awoke in the night needing to go to the bathroom.


    Groggily, she returned from the bathroom and, without much thought, crawled into the bed.


    Kaiden, a light sleeper, was already stirring as she moved about.


    When shey beside him, he was fully alert.


    Ellie’s scent became more pronounced, prompting Kaiden to sit up sharply.


    She slept soundly next to him, her peace seemingly unbreakable.


    Kaiden sneered, unwilling to allow her to find peace while his own peace had been shattered by her.


    He called out in a mix of irritation and disbelief, “Ellie.”


    Ellie didn’t stir.


    His voice grew stern. “Ellie.”


    Still, she nestled deeper into the pillow, asleep.


    Suddenly, Ellie rolled over, unwittingly ending up in his arms.


    In her slumber, she sought warmth, instinctively moving closer.


    Don’t miss out gα?ησν??ls?c?m


    She nestled her head, seekingfort, finally settling in a cozy spot.


    Kaiden’s body stiffened, a suppressed groan escaping him.


    Her knee brushed his thigh, and her own thigh pressed inadvertently against his crotch…


    Ellie, nestled in Kaiden’s embrace, had a delicate face that softened in sleep. Her lips parted slightly, and her flushed cheeks made her look especially endearing.


    Kaiden’s gaze involuntarily shifted to the condoms.


    After a brief hesitation, he shut his eyes tightly, clenching his teeth as he resisted the urge to push her off the bed.


    Throughout the night, Kaiden remained mostly awake.


    Ellie, ate riser, didn’t wake up until nine in the morning. She sat up, groggy and disoriented, scanning the room.


    “Jesus!”


    The sight of Kaiden seated beside her left Ellie speechless.


    “Why… Why am I…”


    Her braingged in the morning. Wide-eyed and baffled, she pointed alternately at Kaiden and herself, unable to grasp what had urred.


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