Cynthia was woken by birdsong outside the window.
She opened her eyes. The place beside her was already empty, the bedding neatly folded, with only a faint trace of warmth left on the pillow.
She stared at the empty spot for a few seconds, the corners of her mouth curving without her realizing it, then rolled over and buried her face in the pillow that still held his warmth.
A few seconds later, she abruptly sat up again.
I can't stay in bed.
Cheryl is here, and so are Dawn and Makomo, and Caitlin-especially Caitlin. I don't want that woman studying me with that knowing half-smile all day!
Cynthia hurried out of bed, but the moment she put weight on her feet, her brows knitted.
He had put her through the wringer last night. Xia You was as strong as a Tauros, and now the aftereffects had caught up with her, almost leaving her unable to get out of bed.
Forcing herself to endure the trembling in her calves, she washed up and changed as quickly as she could. By the time she went downstairs, Cheryl was already preparing breakfast in the kitchen.
Wearing an apron, she was gently and unhurriedly sliding fried eggs out of the pan. Seeing Cynthia come downstairs, she looked up and smiled.
"Morning. Did you sleep well?"
The tips of Cynthia's ears turned faintly red. She mumbled, "Fine," and hurried toward the dining table.
Caitlin was already seated at the table, dressed in pale purple loungewear, her long hair hanging loosely around her shoulders. Holding a cup of black tea, she was looking down at her phone. At the sound of footsteps, she raised her head, her gaze lingering on Cynthia's face for an instant.
"You look well," she said, her tone as casual as