?Chapter 374:


    But Ellie, almost reflexively, resisted his embrace.


    “Are you awake?” Kaiden asked in surprise. Why wasn’t Ellie speaking to him, given she was awake?


    Kaiden instinctively propped himself up on one elbow, turning his gaze towards Ellie.


    “You woke me up.” Half of Ellie’s face disappeared into the folds of the quilt as she spoke in a muffled voice, tinged with a subtle hint of distance. “I’m feeling tired. I’m going to sleep.”


    Kaiden noticed something was off and gently brushed her hair away from her face.


    “Did you get bullied in the Gordons’ house?” Kaiden asked, his first suspicion.


    “I’m sleepy, Kaiden.” Ellie had no interest in talking to him at the moment.


    Revealing her feelings wasn’t Ellie’s style. When she wanted to keep her true emotions hidden, she could effortlessly fool others. Unfortunately, she was dealing with Kaiden.


    Kaiden sensed her bad mood, like she had locked herself in a tiny room, refusing to step out or invite anyone in.


    “But I’m wide awake.” Taking her hand, Kaiden guided her to his side, keeping a close eye on her emotions. “What should we do, Mrs. Thorpe?”


    Ellie’s hand jerked away as if shocked by electricity. She sat up abruptly and moved back.


    Positioned away from the light, her eyes hid any signs of resistance and defensiveness, making it impossible for anyone to discern. But her bodynguage clearly showed her opposition.


    “What’s the matter with you?” Kaiden frowned.


    Ellie also realized that she overreacted. She didn’t want to create an awkward situation between them.


    “You smell like something I don’t like. You have the scent of perfume about you.”


    Actually, Ellie didn’t detect any smell at all. It was just that a sense of disgust washed over her when she recalled Carole sitting beside Kaiden, still wearing his jacket.


    Kaiden sniffed himself and assured her, “I don’t have that smell. I’ve had a shower.”


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    Ellie remained in the same position, frozen in ce. Though Kaiden couldn’t see her face, he could sense that her gaze remained fixed and unmoving. It was as if she insisted, You have the scent of perfume about you.


    “I was out with friends tonight and might have picked up the scent.” Suspecting that Ellie might have faced some trouble at the Gordons’ house, Kaiden tried tofort her with a gentle tone. “Well then, I’ll go take another shower.”


    Then, Kaiden got up from the bed.


    After taking a few steps, Kaiden noticed Ellie’s continued tension. He wondered if he had scared her earlier.


    He sighed, feeling a bit helpless. “I won’t touch you tonight. I’m going for another shower.”


    Ellie finally breathed deeply only after Kaiden returned to the bathroom.


    She hid her face in her hands. Sighing, she realized her reaction had been somewhat extreme.


    She should have directly asked Kaiden. But the words wouldn’te out.


    How could she even begin to ask? Should she ask him why he was with Carole?


    Kaiden had already rified things about Carole before. Last time, he even called Carole’s number right in front of Ellie, making it clear that Ellie was overreacting for no reason.


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