Chapter 5

Our eyes met for a moment.

I quickly lowered my head, my face burning to the tips of my ears.

Suddenly, something heavy fell on my shoulders—a suit jacket, carrying a faint, clean scent.

"The mornings are chilly; don't wear too little," Alexander's voice was low and gentle, with an undeniable tone of concern.

I froze, surprised by his reaction.

Had he not seen anything? Had he forgotten about last night's incident at the hot spring?

The more I thought about it, the more confused I became. I forced myself to stay calm and shoved the jacket back into his arms. "Thanks, but I'll go back now."

With that, I hurried past him and returned to my bedroom.

Even after locking the door, the flush on my face hadn't faded, and my heart was still pounding erratically.

"Bella!" Adrian's voice suddenly called from outside. "Aren't you up yet?"

My heart skipped a beat. Before Adrian could come in, I quickly smoothed my hair and forced a smile as I opened the door.

The moment he stepped in, Adrian wrapped his arms around me, his tone cheerful. "Sweetheart, I've started the treatment. We'll have a baby soon!"

"This time, it's a real master—very effective. We're visiting the temple today, so let's go together."

Hearing this, my heart was in turmoil. My husband was running everywhere to help me have a child, while I was lost in thoughts of another man.

Guilt surged over me like a tide, pressing down on my heart. I immediately nodded. "Okay."

Leaning against Adrian's shoulder, I looked at his profile, reminding myself that my husband was the man beside me and that I had to protect my marriage.

Adrian wasted no time taking me to the temple.

As we got out of the car at the temple, a light rain began to fall, bringing a slight chill. I couldn't help but think of the comforting jacket from this morning.

I reminded myself to suppress these inappropriate thoughts, yet my mind kept drifting to that elegant, aloof figure.

I took a deep breath and followed Adrian, engaging in conversation with the master.

It wasn't until evening that we had a moment to stroll around the temple.

I walked to a distant pavilion to admire the lotus flowers. After the rain, the pond water was like a mirror, and the delicate fragrance of the lotuses was calming.

I had always loved lotuses for their purity and beauty. But after nearly drowning in a pond as a child, my parents had forbidden me from going near any pond. Reluctant to get too close, I turned to leave, only to bump into Alexander, who had appeared silently behind me.

What was he doing here!?

Startled, I lost my footing and fell toward the water—

"Ah—" I screamed.

The next moment, a pair of strong, hot hands caught me by the waist. Instinctively, I clung to Alexander's neck. In the chaos, I bumped into his mouth.

Even if it was just a fleeting moment, the intoxicating scent of pinewood overwhelmed my senses.

My eyes widened in shock as I quickly pulled away, awkwardly adjusting my clothes, my chest heaving with my rapid breaths. Alexander's eyes narrowed behind his glasses, and he stepped back calmly. "Be careful."

"I've warned you before not to get close to the pond."

His words sounded familiar, but his pure and honest gaze made my guilty thoughts feel even more shameful. I stiffly replied, "Thank you."

Then, I turned and hurried away, aimlessly heading deeper into the temple grounds.

I didn't notice the flicker of concern in Alexander's usually calm eyes as he followed me.

Distraught, I walked forward, unaware I had ventured into the depths of the forest. It began to rain again, and I realized I was lost, unable to find my way back.

Panicking, I reached for my phone to call Adrian, only to remember I had left it behind in my haste.

As the sky grew darker and the rain intensified, making it hard to see, I sought shelter in a nearby cave, hoping the rain would let up. But night fell, and the rain continued relentlessly.

In the pitch-black cave, I couldn't see anything. Only the sound of rain and other unknown noises echoed around me. Fear and anxiety overwhelmed me as I realized the foolishness of my actions, and tears filled my eyes.

I crouched down, hugging myself, and called out, "Is anyone there?"

No response.

My heart ached, and tears streamed down my face. Maybe this was divine punishment for my wavering heart.

With this thought, I cried even harder, wanting to release all my pent-up grievances.

Just then, a pair of warm hands enveloped me, and a familiar deep voice came from above. "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

The sudden voice startled me into silence.

After a moment, I tentatively whispered, "Alexander?"

Alexander responded with a low "yes."

For some reason, hearing his voice calmed me instantly. I then realized Alexander's hand was gently patting my back.

The forbidden memories from the rooftop and hot spring flooded my mind. My lower abdomen warmed as I tried to push Alexander away. But as I lifted my head, he lowered his.

In the darkness, our lips met again, breaths intertwining. The cool sensation sent shivers down my spine, and I instinctively pressed my lips together. Alexander's large frame trembled, his arms tightened, and his cock hardened against my abdomen.