?Chapter 116:


    Her mind raced with confusion. “Kaiden…”


    “Quiet.”


    Kaiden’s eyes were already closed, signaling his readiness for sleep.


    Ellie’s thoughts were a whirlwind.


    She thought he hated people being in his room.


    Now, he seemed to use her as a pillow.


    And his earlier “you can” — it sounded… almost as if she had pleaded to stay.


    Didn’t he realize her question was rhetorical?


    “No, Kaiden, I didn’t mean…”


    “Mrs. Thorpe, are your hands restless?”


    His voice, hoarse yetzy, carried an underlying warning.


    There they were, together in bed…


    Ellie, recalling the recent intense moments and her sore hands, fell silent.


    Lying next to an unfamiliar man, she felt rigid, lying t and staring at the ceiling, too apprehensive to move.


    Beside Ellie, Kaideny motionless, seemingly asleep.


    Ellie was perplexed. How could he fall asleep so easily?


    She wondered if Kaiden had gotten used to this… Had he been with other women?


    But with those women… wouldn’t he risk revealing the secret of his legs?


    Or did he only share his bed with a woman he fully trusted?


    The thought somehow made Ellie feel unsettled.


    Eventually, sleep overtook her, and she drifted off.


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    Once her breathing steadied, Kaiden silently opened his eyes, observing her closely.


    Ellie’s skin was soft, and up close, he could even notice the fine fuzz on her face. Her eyshes, thick and curly, framed her small, straight nose. Awake, she carried an air of distance, but in sleep, her lips parted slightly, adding an innocent charm to her features.


    Kaiden found himself enveloped by her breath, a subtle mix of milky and floral scents, faint yet memorable.


    Her softness, nestled in his arms, felt like a natural rxant. Her presence was both soothing andpelling.


    Yet, with such allure in his embrace, Kaiden felt no joy.


    He questioned his own sanity.


    Why else would he indulge in the folly of keeping her in his room tonight?


    Ellie was simply a woman. Kaiden snorted inwardly. Was hecking in femalepany?


    Yet, holding Ellie brought a uniquefort; he had felt it thest time she was inebriated.


    Moreover, Ellie was his spouse. Surely, keeping her in his room was reasonable?


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