A moment later.
"Am I... pretty?"
Froy sat upright on the sofa, pursed her lips gently, and asked.
A long moment passed.
That voice sounded again, with even a hint of surprise in its tone.
"Of course... no one is prettier than you."
Then it grew deeper.
"I finally understand why people call it an evil power, Froy."
The next moment.
Froy felt something warm press against her lips.
That familiar presence drew closer.
The beam of light in the darkness shone over her face. It was not dazzling, only gentle, welcoming, and comfortable.
At that moment, Froy seemed to forget everything. All that remained was the heartbeat beside her ear, gradually falling into step with her own, becoming a melody of perfect harmony.
She did not know how much time had passed.
When Froy came back to her senses, she found herself nestled tightly in a warm embrace. Lord Jack's soft chuckle came from above her head.
"Sorry, Froy. Your evil power bewitched me."
Froy burst into laughter.
She said nothing, simply wrapping her arms around the back of the man before her and holding him tight.
Neither spoke again, seemingly sharing an unspoken agreement not to disturb the atmosphere.
A moment later.
Froy sat up in Chen Lun's arms and raised her head, her face flushed as she spoke slowly and softly.
"Lord Jack, thank you."
Chen Lun looked down at the girl and was once again struck by her beauty. A few strands of her pinned-up, pale golden hair had come loose, falling beside one ear. A blush suffused her fair, delicate face, and beneath her small, finely sculpted nose were those bright crimson lips... except that a smear of red lipstick had strayed beyond one corner of her mouth, adding a touch of humor to her