There she was, still the same Stephanie, but with a twist of something new and tantalizing.


    When she got into character as the mythical siren of Western lore, her allure was undeniable. Sebastian''s gaze grew darker, clouded with a mix of emotions.


    The oue was predictable.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    From that moment on, Sebastian''s patience seemed to stretch endlessly.


    Even when Stephanie snapped at him, he''d take it as though she was merely ying coy.


    Afterposing himself, Sebastian fetched a warm towel from the bathroom and gently wiped away the traces of tears on her cheeks. She still red at him angrily. He couldn''t help but chuckle. "My bad. But if it happens again, the consequences will be the same." His words nearly drove Stephanie up the wall.


    She thought he was actually apologizing, but thatst bit. was he provoking her on purpose?


    Then came Sebastian''s next line, "You''re the one who provoked me first."


    To which Stephanie retorted, a mix of frustration and amusement in her voice, "So, it''s my fault?" "What else?"


    "It''s all on you, Sebastian! You''re downright wicked!"


    He arched an eyebrow, "Really? How about trying another round?"


    Immediately, she wrapped herself tightly in the nket, her expression wary, "Don''t you dare, Sebastian!"


    "Wicked, you say?"


    "Utterly wicked, and petty too! I throw one yful jab and you hold a grudge. You don''t care about me at all."


    Was she starting to cry again?


    "I don''t care about you?" Sebastian raised his eyebrows.


    "That''s right, you don''t!"


    "Stephanie, do you even have a heart?"


    "Could I be alive without one?"


    "I''m talking about a conscience."


    "Of course, thave! It''s you who


    it! I


    u so much, but you n


    S try to trick me!" Conto


    cks


    "There, there. Let me put some ointment for you."


    "I don''t want it. Especially not from you on that ce!"


    "I''ve seen it all anyway."


    "Still no!"


    "Come on, get up and clean yourself. You can apply it if you prefer."


    "Then you turned away, Sebastian."


    "I won''t look."


    But, in the end, it was Sebastian who applied the ointment.


    Stephanie curled up under the covers, too embarrassed to even look at him.


    With a huff, she dered, "I''m going to sleep now!"


    ns


    Sebastian smiled and gently arms. "What''s


    her


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    sw nov


    n?


    The room was filled with an invisible warmth as they settled into the night, a tangle of exasperation and affection that somehow, despite the bickering, felt perfectly right.