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Ch. 85 Wedding Preparation

  (Royal Palace — Lady Elira’s Chamber, Midnight)

  The chamber was silent, wrapped in the deep stillness of midnight.

  Eyan stirred in his sleep. His arm moved instinctively across the bed, searching for the familiar warmth that should have been beside him. His fingers brushed against cold, empty sheets.

  His eyes slowly opened.

  For a moment he stared at the ceiling, his mind still clouded with sleep. Then realization struck him.

  The space beside him was empty.

  “Eva…?” he called softly.

  No answer.

  Eyan pushed himself up from the bed, the sheets rustling as he stood. His eyes scanned the dimly lit chamber. The curtains swayed slightly from the night breeze coming through the half-opened window.

  But Eva was nowhere in sight. A crease formed between his brows. He walked toward the bathroom door and pushed it open.

  Empty.

  Eyan exhaled slowly, confusion creeping into his thoughts.

  “Where did she go…?”

  He turned and walked toward the chamber door, pulling it open. The corridor outside stretched long and silent under the faint glow of wall torches.

  Too silent.

  Eyan stepped out, his eyes scanning the empty hallway.

  “Where are the knights…?” he muttered. “Why is it so empty…?”

  Normally the royal corridors would be guarded day and night. But now… there was no one.

  A strange unease settled in his chest. He began walking down the corridor, his footsteps echoing softly against the marble floor.

  “Eva!” he called.

  No response.

  He walked further, his pace quickening.

  “Eva!”

  Still nothing.

  The palace felt abandoned.

  Eyan’s heart began to race.

  “What is going on…?” he whispered, panic rising in his chest. “Where is everyone…?”

  He broke into a run. His boots struck the stone floor loudly as he rushed through the corridors.

  Then—

  A sound.

  Laughter.

  Eyan froze.

  It was faint… but clear.

  Laughter.

  He slowly turned his head toward a nearby room. The door was slightly open, and warm light spilled into the corridor. The sound of laughter came from inside.

  He quickly walked toward the room and pushed the door open. Inside, Luca and Aranel stood in a small circle with Eva. The three of them were looking down at something and laughing softly.

  “Eva…” Eyan said, stepping inside. “What are you doing here? I was looking for you.”

  All three of them turned toward him.

  Luca grinned. “Eyan! You finally came. Come here… look.”

  Before Eyan could react, Luca grabbed his arm and pulled him forward, guiding him to stand in front of Eva.

  Eva stood there, holding something carefully in her arms.

  She looked at Eyan and smiled gently. “Honey… look who’s here.”

  She slowly moved the cloth covering what she was holding.

  Eyan’s breath caught.

  A baby.

  The little boy slept peacefully, his tiny face calm, his small chest rising and falling with soft breaths.

  For a moment, Eyan could only stare. His heart tightened.

  “Isn’t he adorable?” Eva asked softly.

  Eyan slowly lifted his hand and gently touched the child’s cheek. The baby stirred slightly at his touch.

  A warm smile spread across Eyan’s face. “He’s adorable…”

  His eyes remained fixed on the tiny face before he finally looked up at Eva.

  “Eva… when did you give birth?” he asked, confused. “Yesterday you were only four and a half months pregnant.”

  Eva smiled calmly. “It’s been five days since I gave birth.”

  Eyan blinked in surprise.

  “You didn’t know,” she continued softly. “You were away… at war.”

  Eyan frowned. “War…? Did the war ended?”

  Luca crossed his arms and nodded with a grin. “Yes. And you won.”

  He lightly patted Eyan’s shoulder.

  “Now stop talking about the war and hold your baby.”

  Eva carefully lifted the child and placed him into Eyan’s arms.

  Eyan held the baby awkwardly at first, afraid he might hurt him. His eyes softened as he looked down at the tiny child in his arms.

  “So small…” he whispered.

  The baby shifted slightly in his embrace, a faint sound leaving his lips. His tiny fingers curled weakly around Eyan’s thumb.

  Eyan let out a quiet breath, his chest tightening with a strange warmth he had never felt before. He carefully brushed his finger across the baby’s soft cheek, afraid even the slightest movement might wake him.

  A small smile appeared on his face.

  But then—

  He noticed Eva moving.

  She had turned away. Slowly, she began walking toward the door. At first Eyan only watched, confused.

  “Eva…?” he called gently.

  She didn’t answer. She didn’t even stop.

  His smile faded.

  “Eva, where are you going?”

  Still no response.

  A strange uneasiness crept into his chest. He quickly handed the baby back to luca and walked after her.

  “Eva.”

  His voice was firmer now.

  He reached her and grabbed her wrist before she could step outside.

  “I’m talking to you,” he said, his voice tight. “Where are you going?”

  Eva stopped. For a moment she didn’t move. Then slowly… she turned around. Her eyes met his. There was a softness in them… but something else too.

  Something that made Eyan’s heart sink.

  Without saying anything, she gently removed his hand from her wrist. Her fingers were warm… yet the touch felt distant.

  Then she smiled. A gentle, quiet smile. “Honey… can you look after our baby for me?”

  Her voice was soft, almost like a whisper carried by the wind.

  “Give him my share of love too.”

  The words struck Eyan like a blade. His brows furrowed, confusion and fear rising inside him.

  “What are you saying?” he asked anxiously. “You can give him your love yourself.” His voice softened, almost pleading. “Why are you telling me to do it?”

  Eva’s smile trembled slightly.

  “I can’t,” she said quietly.

  Eyan felt his heart drop.

  “What do you mean you can’t?” he asked, his voice beginning to shake.

  Eva looked at him with gentle eyes. “I have to go.”

  “Go…?” Eyan repeated. His breathing grew uneven. “Go where, Eva?”

  She didn’t answer. She simply stepped backward. One step. Then another. Toward the door.

  Panic gripped his chest.

  “Eva… stop.”

  Eyan reached out for her. But suddenly— His body refused to move. His feet were rooted to the ground. No matter how hard he tried, his legs wouldn’t take a single step forward.

  “Eva…!” he called again, desperation creeping into his voice.

  But she kept walking. When she reached the doorway, she stopped. For a moment, she stood there silently. Then she turned around.

  Her eyes met his one last time. They were filled with warmth… and sadness. A tear slid quietly down her cheek. Yet she still smiled.

  “Goodbye,” she whispered.

  “Take care of him… and take care of yourself.”

  Eyan’s chest tightened painfully. “Eva… don’t go.”

  His voice broke.

  But she only shook her head gently.

  “I have to go.”

  Then she turned and walked away. Her figure slowly disappeared beyond the doorway.

  “EVA!”

  Eyan tried to run after her— But his body wouldn’t move.

  “EVA!!”

  __________________________________

  Eyan’s eyes snapped open.

  He jerked upright in bed, his chest rising and falling rapidly as if he had been running for miles. Sweat clung to his forehead, and his hands trembled slightly as he pressed them against the mattress.

  For a moment, the chamber around him felt unfamiliar.

  The echoes of the dream still clung to his mind—the image of Eva walking away, her soft goodbye, the helplessness that had frozen him in place.

  Eyan dragged a shaky breath into his lungs.

  “It… was a dream,” he whispered hoarsely.

  Slowly, almost afraid of what he might see, he turned his head toward the space beside him. His heart stopped for a second.

  Eva was there. Sleeping peacefully.

  Her body rested quietly against the pillows, her long hair spread across the sheets. Her breathing was slow and steady. Relief washed over him so suddenly that his shoulders sagged.

  A faint, tired smile appeared on his lips.

  “You scared me…” he murmured softly.

  Carefully, he leaned closer. His hand moved gently to her face, brushing a few loose strands of hair away from her forehead. His fingers lingered there for a moment, as if reassuring himself that she was truly there.

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  His thumb lightly traced the curve of her cheek.

  “It was just a dream..you are here with me…” he whispered under his breath.

  Eva shifted slightly in her sleep but didn’t wake. Her hand rested protectively over her stomach.

  Eyan’s gaze slowly moved there. The small, barely visible curve of her belly.

  Their child.

  The memory of the dream returned to him—the tiny baby in his arms, Eva’s soft smile, and the painful goodbye that followed.

  His chest tightened again. Without thinking, he gently placed his hand over her stomach. His touch was careful, almost reverent.

  “You’re still here too…” he whispered softly.

  He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss against her forehead. Then he moved closer, sliding back beneath the covers.

  Eyan wrapped one arm around Eva, pulling her carefully against his chest. His other hand remained resting protectively over her stomach. As if guarding both of them.

  Eva unconsciously leaned into him, her breathing steady and warm against his shoulder. Eyan closed his eyes. The fear from the dream slowly faded as he felt her warmth beside him.

  Safe.

  Still here.

  His breathing gradually slowed. Within moments, exhaustion pulled him back into sleep once more—this time holding Eva and their unborn child close in his arms.

  __________________________________

  (One Day Before Luca and Aranel’s Wedding)

  Inside the spacious chamber, bolts of silk and lace were carefully laid across a long table. A few attendants stood nearby, waiting quietly as the final wedding dress was being adjusted.

  From behind the dressing screen, Aranel’s voice echoed lightly.

  “Eva, I’m coming out…”

  Eva, who had been waiting impatiently near the mirror, straightened immediately. Her eyes lit up with excitement.

  “I’m ready!” she said eagerly.

  A moment later, Aranel stepped out from behind the screen.

  She wore a breathtaking wedding gown made of soft ivory silk. The dress flowed gracefully to the floor, its long skirt layered with delicate lace that shimmered faintly under the candlelight. Tiny pearls were embroidered along the bodice, catching the light with every movement, while the sleeves were made of sheer fabric decorated with intricate silver patterns.

  The back of the gown trailed behind her in a gentle train, elegant yet regal—perfect for a royal bride.

  Aranel looked almost unreal in it.

  Eva’s breath caught. Her hands immediately flew to her mouth.

  “You look so beautiful…”

  Her voice trembled slightly. Before she realized it, tears had already gathered in her eyes.

  Aranel blinked in surprise. “Eva… why are you crying?”

  Eva quickly wiped her cheeks, laughing awkwardly through her tears.

  “It’s just… you’re getting married tomorrow,” she said softly. “You will leave me soon.”

  Aranel sighed and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Eva in a warm hug.

  “You silly girl,” she said gently. “Why would I leave you?”

  Eva sniffed softly. Aranel chuckled and lightly tapped her back.

  “After my marriage, we’ll be sisters,” she continued. “And we’ll live here together in the palace.”

  Eva blinked. Then realization dawned on her face.

  “Oh… right,” she said slowly.

  A second later she wiped her remaining tears and straightened up.

  “I forgot about that,” she muttered, slightly embarrassed. “I shouldn’t have wasted my precious tears!”

  Aranel burst into laughter.

  Eva laughed too, the two of them holding their stomachs as the tension dissolved into giggles.

  After a moment, Aranel looked down at her dress again and spun lightly in place.

  The long skirt swirled gracefully around her. She looked back at Eva expectantly.

  “Now tell me honestly,” Aranel said. “Does this wedding dress look good on me or not?”

  Eva crossed her arms and pretended to study her carefully. Then she smiled brightly.

  “It’s looking more than good,” she said. “You look gorgeous in this one.”

  Aranel’s face lit up with satisfaction. “Good.”

  She turned toward the woman standing respectfully nearby—the royal seamstress who had brought the dresses.

  Aranel turned toward the royal seamstress with a pleased smile.

  “Lady Marise,” she said, lightly touching the delicate fabric of her gown. “I like this one.”

  Lady Marise bowed respectfully, a proud smile on her face.

  “You have chosen the finest one from our collection, my lady.”

  Eva, who had been admiring the gown from every angle, suddenly asked curiously,

  “How much does it cost?”

  Lady Marise answered calmly, as if it were the most ordinary amount in the world.

  “Not much. Just one thousand gold coins.”

  Eva’s eyes widened instantly.

  “On—one thousand gold coins…?” she stuttered.

  Lady Marise nodded politely. “Yes, my lady. Not much, right?”

  Eva forced a stiff smile, but inside her mind was screaming.

  She swallowed quietly.

  Lady Marise then turned her attention to Eva. “And my lady, what dress have you chosen?”

  Eva immediately waved her hands. “Me? No… I don’t need one.”

  Lady Marise looked surprised. “But my lady, His Majesty informed me that both of you would be choosing dresses today.”

  Eva shook her head quickly. “No, no. There must be some misunderstanding. I don’t need one.”

  Lady Marise nodded politely. “I see.”

  Aranel glanced at Eva and leaned closer, whispering urgently.

  “Eva… just buy a dress.”

  Eva leaned toward her and whispered back, “Aranel, didn’t you hear the price? It’s too expensive. I’ll just buy one from the market.”

  “Eva—”

  The chamber door opened.

  One of the attendants stepped aside and bowed deeply.

  “Your Majesty… Master Luca.”

  Eyan entered the room with Luca following behind him.

  Eyan spoke calmly. “Lady Marise called us here.”

  Lady Marise approached them and bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Master Luca.”

  She gestured toward the garments arranged nearby.

  “I requested your presence so that you may both choose your outfits as well.”

  Luca glanced around the room. “Has Lady Aranel chosen her dress already?”

  Lady Marise nodded.

  “Yes, Master Luca. Lady has selected her gown.”

  Eyan and Luca stepped further inside. The moment Luca’s eyes landed on Aranel—

  He froze. For a brief moment he completely forgot how to speak.

  Aranel stood there gracefully in her wedding gown, the ivory silk shimmering softly under the candlelight.

  She looked breathtaking.

  Aranel noticed his reaction and smiled shyly. “Lord Luca… how do I look?”

  Luca blinked as if waking from a spell.

  “You look absolutely stunning,” he said sincerely. “I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

  Aranel’s cheeks turned red immediately.

  Eva burst into laughter. She walked toward Luca and nudged his arm playfully.

  “Lord Luca… can’t wait for tomorrow?” she teased.

  Then she leaned closer with a mischievous grin. “Or you can’t wait for tomorrow night?”

  Luca’s face turned bright red instantly. Aranel quickly turned her face away, blushing deeply.

  “L—Lady Eva!” Luca protested. “What are you saying?!”

  Eva laughed even harder. “Oh look at you blushing.”

  Luca groaned in embarrassment and turned desperately toward Eyan. “Eyan! Tell her to stop.”

  Eyan folded his arms calmly.

  “Don’t drag me into this,” he said flatly. “This is between the two of you.”

  “You—!”

  Before Luca could protest further, Lady Marise stepped in. “Master Luca, here is your outfit. Please check it.”

  Grateful for the escape, Luca quickly took the clothes and hurried toward the dressing room.

  Lady Marise then turned toward Aranel.

  “My lady, please change your dress as well so I can make the final adjustments.”

  Aranel nodded. “Alright.”

  She disappeared behind the screen.

  Soon the room grew quieter. Luca and Aranel were both changing, and Lady Marise was busy sorting fabrics nearby. Only Eyan and Eva remained standing together.

  Lady Marise approached Eyan with several outfits.

  “Your Majesty, what about you? Could you tell me which one you prefer?”

  Eyan walked toward the garments and began examining them thoughtfully.

  But his gaze slowly shifted toward Eva.

  “Lady Eva,” he said casually, “could you help me choose one?”

  Eva smiled politely and stepped closer to Eyan, beginning to examine the rows of elegant outfits laid out before them.

  “Let me look…” she said softly, lifting one coat to inspect the embroidery.

  Eyan, however, wasn’t truly looking at the clothes. His attention was entirely on her.

  He glanced around the chamber. The attendants were busy adjusting Luca’s sleeves. Aranel was still behind the dressing screen. Lady Marise was occupied at the far table. No one was watching them.

  A slow, playful smile spread across Eyan’s face. He moved closer—closer than necessary—and reached for one of the garments. At the same time, his arm slid around Eva’s waist.

  Eva instantly stiffened. “Your Majesty—” she whispered in alarm.

  Eyan simply pulled her slightly closer against him as if they were both examining the same coat.

  From a distance, it looked perfectly normal. Up close, Eva could feel the warmth of his arm around her waist, holding her firmly.

  “Which one looks better, Lady Eva?” he asked casually.

  Eva tried to pry his arm away a little. “Someone will see,” she whispered nervously.

  Eyan leaned closer to her ear. “They’re all busy,” he murmured softly.

  The warmth of his breath brushed against her ear. Eva’s cheeks flushed immediately.

  Slowly, he lowered his head. His lips brushed lightly against the side of her neck.

  Her eyes widened. “Eyan—!” she whispered urgently.

  But he was already pressing another soft kiss against her neck. Her heart began to race.

  “Stop,” she hissed under her breath.

  Eyan only chuckled quietly. “Why are you so nervous?” he whispered teasingly.

  Eva’s face grew even redder. “Because you’re acting like this.”

  Eyan chuckled softly. “Acting like what?”

  Before she could answer, his hand gently pulled her a little closer to him again.

  “Please behave,” she muttered under her breath.

  Eyan lowered his voice even more. “But you look very adorable when you’re flustered.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. She tried to step away, but his arm around her waist held her in place.

  “Someone will see us,” she insisted.

  He straightened slightly and looked at her flushed face with clear amusement. Then he gently lifted his fingers and turned her chin toward him.

  Eva’s eyes widened knowing where this is going "Don't you dare—”

  Before she could finish speaking, Eyan leaned forward and kissed her. Right on the lips..It lasted only a moment. But it was enough to leave Eva completely stunned. When he pulled back, a teasing smile rested on his lips.

  Eva stared at him in shock, her cheeks burning. Then she quickly looked around again. Thankfully, no one seemed to have noticed.

  Her embarrassment quickly turned into revenge. Without warning— She stomped hard on his foot.

  “Ah—!”

  Eyan instantly grabbed his foot.

  Lady Marise looked up in alarm. “Your Majesty! What happened?”

  Eyan quickly straightened, forcing a composed expression. “…Nothing.” He cleared his throat..“You may continue your work.”

  Lady Marise nodded and returned to arranging the fabrics.

  Eyan slowly looked back at Eva. Eva glared at him and quietly raised her fist in warning.

  Eyan only chuckled under his breath, clearly not the least bit intimidated.

  Eva huffed in annoyance and turned back to the dresses. After a moment of pretending to examine them carefully, she grabbed one outfit and handed it to him.

  “There,” she said firmly. “Your Majesty, this one will look good on you.”

  Eyan took the garment from her, a faint smile still lingering on his lips.

  “Very well,” he said. “Then I’ll try it.”

  Lady Marise glanced toward the dressing rooms and gave an apologetic bow.

  “Your Majesty, both rooms are occupied right now. Could you wait a little?”

  Eyan nodded calmly. “Of course.”

  He and Eva walked toward the couch placed near the wall and sat down to wait.

  Just then, the dressing room door opened.

  Luca stepped out wearing his groom’s attire.

  The elegant white ceremonial outfit fit him perfectly. The fine silver embroidery along the collar and sleeves shimmered softly under the light, and the long coat gave him the dignified appearance of a noble groom.

  Eva’s eyes immediately lit up.

  “Wow, Lord Luca!” she exclaimed with a bright smile. “You look very handsome!”

  She turned toward Eyan. “Right, Your Majesty?”

  Eyan glanced at Luca briefly before answering in his usual calm tone. “He looks… decent.”

  Luca’s proud expression immediately fell.

  Eva rolled her eyes.

  “Don’t listen to him,” she said firmly to Luca. “I’m telling you, you are looking very handsome.”

  Luca’s mood improved slightly.

  Eva then added cheerfully,

  “And both your and Aranel’s outfits are matching too. It’s so romantic wearing the same design on your wedding.”

  Eyan slowly looked down at the outfit he was holding in his hands.

  Then he looked toward Eva.

  “Lady Eva,” he asked casually, “what dress did you choose? May I see it as well?”

  Before Eva could answer, Lady Marise spoke from the side.

  “Your Majesty, Lady Eva hasn’t chosen anything yet.”

  Eyan turned his gaze toward Eva. “Did you not like the dresses?” He gestured toward the racks of gowns. “If that is the case, Lady Marise can bring more options for you—”

  Eva quickly shook her head. “No, Your Majesty. All the dresses are beautiful.”

  “Then what is the problem?”

  Eva suddenly became quiet. She avoided his gaze.

  Luca leaned closer to her curiously.

  “Sister-in-law,” he whispered, “why aren’t you choosing any dress?”

  Eva leaned slightly toward him and whispered back, “They’re too expensive… I can buy one for myself from the market.”

  Luca immediately straightened and spoke loudly. “She says the dresses are too expensive, that’s why she’s not choosing one.”

  Eva’s eyes widened in horror.

  “Why did you say it out loud?!” she whispered angrily.

  Eyan looked at her calmly.

  “So that is the only reason?...Don’t worry about the price, Lady Eva.” His voice was calm but firm. “It is your friend’s wedding. You should also wear something beautiful.”

  He nodded toward the dresses again. “So go ahead and choose one you like.”

  Eva hesitated for a moment. Then she slowly nodded. “Alright.”

  Then she walked slowly toward the row of dresses displayed on the tall wooden stands. Silks and velvets of many colors hung neatly, their fine embroidery catching the soft light of the room.

  She touched one dress… then another.

  Each one was beautiful.

  But every time she glanced at the small price tag tied to the sleeve, her fingers quickly withdrew.

  After looking for a while, she still hadn’t chosen anything.

  Eyan noticed her hesitation. He walked toward her quietly and stopped beside her.

  “Did you find a dress you like, Lady Eva?” he asked.

  Eva shook her head lightly.

  “They are all beautiful, Your Majesty,” she said politely. “But I can't choose, I'll buy something from the market later.”

  Eyan looked at the dresses for a moment, then stepped closer to the rack.

  “If you won’t choose,” he said calmly, “then I will.”

  His hand moved through several gowns before stopping at one.

  It was a soft blue dress made of fine silk, the skirt flowing gracefully with delicate silver embroidery along the sleeves and neckline.

  Eyan took it down and held it up in front of her.

  “This one.”

  Eva looked at the dress. It truly was beautiful. But when her eyes moved to the tag tied to the sleeve, her expression immediately stiffened.

  Before she could say anything, Eyan quietly removed the tag from the dress.

  Then he placed the gown gently in her hands.

  “Well,” he said with a small smile, “the tag is removed now.”

  Eva looked at him in shock.

  Eyan shrugged lightly. “Which means you have to buy it.”

  Eva stared at him for a moment. Then she sighed softly, knowing there was no escaping now.

  “…Alright.”

  Luca stepped out after changing his clothes, adjusting the sleeve of his coat as he walked back into the room.

  He glanced at Eva and smiled lightly.

  “Lady Eva, did you pick a dress?”

  Eva lifted the fabric in her hands and showed it to him with a soft smile. “Yes, this one.”

  Luca nodded approvingly. "It's suits you."

  Eva then slipped into the dressing room to change while Aranel walked out from the other dressing room, smoothing the skirt of her gown.

  Just then, a servant hurried in and bowed.

  “My lord, the jeweler has arrived. He is waiting for you and Lady Aranel.”

  Luca looked at Aranel. “Let’s not keep him waiting.”

  The two of them left the room together.

  Eyan, who had been quietly watching, walked toward the neatly arranged dresses. His eyes moved over the fabrics before stopping on a deep blue outfit. The color reminded him of Eva’s dress.

  A faint smile appeared on his lips. “Perfect.”

  He took the blue attire and headed to the dressing room to change.

  Meanwhile, Lady Marise suddenly paused in the hallway outside.

  “Oh dear…” she muttered, tapping her forehead lightly. “I forgot to take Lady Aranel’s measurements.”

  She quickly turned around and walked away with her assistant, leaving the room empty.

  Inside, only Eyan and Eva remained.

  A moment later, Eva’s voice came from the dressing room.

  “Lady Marise? Could you help me for a moment?”

  No answer came.

  After a few seconds, the door opened and Eyan stepped out of his dressing room, his chest opened slightly as he was in the middle of changing.

  He looked toward Eva’s dressing room.

  “Eva, what happened? There’s no one here.”

  From inside, Eva answered with a hint of frustration.

  “I can’t tie the knot on the back of this dress.”

  Eyan walked closer and pushed the door open slightly. “Then let me help you.”

  Eva’s eyes widened the moment she saw him.

  “Eyan!” she whispered sharply. “Why did you come in? What if someone sees you?”

  He looked around calmly..“There’s no one here.”

  He stepped behind her and gently took the loose ribbons of the dress. His fingers worked carefully, tying the knot at the back.

  Eva tried to ignore the warmth of his hands brushing lightly against her back.

  When he finished, she quickly turned to face him—

  —and immediately froze.

  Her cheeks flushed. “Why are you naked?”

  Eyan glanced down at himself with amusement. “I was changing.”

  Eva crossed her arms, “Go finish dressing!”

  Eyan leaned slightly closer, a teasing smile on his lips. “Not so fast.”

  Eva narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “What?”

  “Where is my reward for helping you?”

  “A reward?” she repeated.

  “Yes.”

  “And what exactly do you want?”

  Eyan slowly pointed to his lips.

  “Here, a kiss.”

  Eva stared at him, stunned.

  “You already kissed me just a while ago. Now you want another one?”

  Eyan shrugged casually. “That one wasn’t deep enough.”

  Eva tried to look annoyed, but the corner of her lips curved into a smile.

  “Shameless man.”

  Before he could respond, she grabbed the front of his collar and pulled him closer.

  Then she kissed him.

  This time it wasn’t quick.

  Her lips lingered against his, soft but bold. For a moment Eyan stood surprised—but then his arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened.

  The playful moment quickly turned intense. Eva’s heart started racing.

  Realizing how dangerous the moment was becoming, she suddenly pulled away, breath slightly uneven.

  “Eyan… go. Go now.”

  Eyan chuckled softly. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead gently.

  “As you wish.”

  Then he stepped back, and finally left the dressing room—leaving Eva standing there with flushed cheeks and a racing heart.

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