Phoebe made her way back to the bedroom, her path taking her through the living room. The sight of Theodore’s discarded clothes, carelessly strewn across the sofa, caught her eye. Ignoring the mess, she continued on her journey, heading straight for the bedroom. The bathroom door stood closed, the sound of running water trickling from behind it. The faint reflection of a tall figure moved behind the glass, causing Phoebe to swallow involuntarily, a lump forming in her throat. She quickly averted her gaze, seeking refuge on the bed. As the sound of running water continued to fill the room, she closed her eyes. Despite having been out all night, sleep eluded her. Instead, a strange excitement now bubbled within her.Theodore’s decision to bring Vanessa back had taken her by surprise. Could it be that he hadn’t intended to spend the night away from her after all? The water stopped, and soon after, the bathroom door creaked open. The steady rhythm of a man’s footsteps approached the bedside.Theodore, his hair still damp, made his way to the edge of the bed. He cast a glance at Phoebe, who lay on her side, her eyes closed. “Are you asleep?” he asked.Phoebe, of course, was far from sleep, but she kept her eyes closed, feigning slumber.A sudden rush of warm breath against Phoebe’s sensitive ear caused her to tremble. She quickly opened her eyes, and Theodore, catching her wide-eyed gaze, chuckled softly in her ear, “Still pretending to sleep?”Phoebe’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, the handsome man reflected in her eyes. Seeing him from this angle felt strangely unfamiliar.She sat up, clutching the blanket to her chest, only to realize that he was clad in nothing but a pair of briefs. Under the soft light, his skin glowed a fair hue, his broad shoulders and well-defined abdominal muscles accentuating his masculine appeal. Without his clothes, his body exuded a potent masculine scent, his solid muscles appearing particularly powerful. She dared not stare too long, lowering her gaze slightly. “Miss Fitzroy… why is she drunk?” she asked.Theodore sat on the bed, his deep gaze fixed on her, seemingly assessing her reaction. “Maybe something happened that made her upset,” he replied.Phoebe pursed her lips, aware that Theodore was avoiding her question. After all, wasn’t he the reason Vanessa was upset? She lay back down on the bed. “It’s late. Dry your hair and go to sleep,” she instructed.Theodore cast her one last glance before retreating to the bathroom. Shortly after, the sound of a hairdryer filled the room. When he emerged, his hair dry, he was still without his pajamas. He lifted the covers and slid into bed. The familiar scent of his body wash filled Phoebe’s nostrils, causing her heart to race. She lay stiffly, her eyes tightly shut, her eyelashes trembling slightly. The bed sinking a little, and she opened her eyes to find Theodore lying on his side, his head resting on his arm, watching her with interest.She sat up abruptly, her heart pounding in her chest. “Why are you looking at me like that?””Did you think I wouldn’t come back tonight?” Theodore asked. The question had been nagging him since he saw her at the mansion’s entrance. The idea that she had been waiting for him sent a thrill through him.Phoebe avoided his gaze, feeling flustered as if he had seen through her hidden thoughts. “….I need to use the bathroom,” she stammered, quickly lifting the covers and scrambling out of bed. Theodore reached out to grab her, but she slipped through his fingers like a slippery eel. Watching her dart into the bathroom, he no longer needed her answer; he already knew it. A wild smile pressed against his lips.So, she did care after all?

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