Vrie turned to the couch and saw Stefan sitting there, watching her with concern.


    "You stayed here all night?" she asked, surprised.


    "Yeah." He nodded. "You drank too muchst night. I was worried about you, so I stayed to look after you."


    "That must''ve been exhausting," Vrie remarked.


    Stefan shook his head. "It wasn''t. How do you feel now? I bought you breakfast and made you honey water this morning. If your head hurts, the honey water should help."


    "I''ll wash my face first." Vrie got out of bed and went to the bathroom.


    While freshening up, she noticed several faint red marks on her neck and chest- suspiciously like hickeys. She frowned slightly.


    When she stepped out, Stefan was still on the couch, looking especially well- behaved.


    Vrie sat across from him, pointed at her neck, and asked bluntly, "Did you do this?"


    The moment the words left her mouth, Stefan''s face turned bright red. He lowered his head, avoiding her gaze. "I... I couldn''t help myself. But I swear, I didn''t do anything else."


    Seeing his nervous, guilty expression, Vrie chuckled. "I was just asking. No need to be so tense. But I don''t really like it. Don''t do it again."


    "Got it..." Stefan mumbled.


    Vrie grabbed her purse and stood. "Thanks for taking care of mest night. I have workter, so I''m heading out. Do you need a ride?"


    Stefan quickly shook his head. "N-No, that''s okay. Here, have some honey water before you go."


    As Vrie reached for the cup, her fingers brushed against Stefan''s. His whole body stiffened.


    Taking a sip, she smiled. "It''s good. You have ss today, right? Sure you don''t need a ride back?"


    "I don''t want to inconvenience you. And... I''m really sorry aboutst night," Stefan said quietly.


    Noticing his ears turning red, Vrje felt her heart soften. After all, what woma could resist a handsome


    young university student apologizing So sincerely?


    "Alright, I get it. Come on, I''ll drop you off at school," she offered.


    Stefan visibly rxed when he realized she wasn''t angry, quickly following her out.


    Half an hourter, Vrie''s car pulled up outside Saintosh University.


    Before getting out, Stefan hesitated, then turned to her. "Veevee, please don''t drink like that in front of other men again. You''re really cute when you''re drunk. If the guy can''t controt himself... you might get taken advantage of."


    Vrie blinked, then smiled. "Alright, I''ll be careful. Now go."


    "Okay. Bye." Stefan waved before heading into the campus.


    Vrie drove to the office, only to find Brandon waiting downstairs.


    Noting his tense expression, she pursed her lips. "Mr. Sumner, what do you want?"


    Brandon''s gaze hardened. "What''s going on with you and Stefan? Don''t tell me you''ve actually fallen for him."


    He studied her intently, watching for any change in her expression.


    Vrie frowned. "That''s none of your business. I don''t owe you an exnation."


    "Vrie, did you really spend the night with him?" Brandon pressed.


    She stopped in her tracks, her eyes turning cold. "Are you still having me followed?"


    Brandon let out a bitterugh. "If I


    were still keeping tabs on you, voet


    have been able to spend


    the whole night with aims >