...After the harsh words had been exchanged, a heavy silence descended upon the room like a thick fog, suffocating any remaining warmth. My heart raced, echoing the tension that hung in the air. The air seemed to hold its breath, waiting for someone to break it.I sank down onto the edge of the bed, the mattress giving a soft sigh beneath me. My fingers clenched and unclenched, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within. Every heartbeat sent a jolt of emotion through my body, reminding me of the pain I was trying so desperately to quell.I glanced at the space where Max had stood just moments ago, his figure outlined by the sliver of light that crept in through the curtains. His back was turned to me, shoulders tense, and his steps were heavy as he retreated from the battlefield we had unwittingly created. I watched his broad shoulders recede, the very sight of him igniting a flurry of emotions within me.The seconds ticked by, each one carrying the weight of an eternity. The sec

...Max excused himself to take his bath, and I finally exhaled, a small smile tugging at my lips as he disappeared from the room, into the bathroom. The weight that had settled on my shoulders lifted, and I welcomed the newfound quiet. It was a rare moment to collect my thoughts without the distracting pull of his presence.Leaning back in his chair, I couldn't help but glance to the space where he was just standing just seconds ago. His absence left an echo, a void that allowed me to shift my gaze away from his captivating, chiseled chest. The pull of his masculinity had been undeniable, but now, with him out of sight, I could finally clear my head.With a determined breath, I redirected my attention to the plate in front of me. The flavors seemed more intense, as if my taste buds had been awakened from a slumber. I savored each bite, chewing thoughtfully as my mind wandered. The sound of running water from the bathroom reached my ears, a reminder that he was momentarily out of rea

Seraphina's sudden collapse jolted the room into chaos, a sense of panic tightening my chest as I watched Nathaniel swoop in to carry her swiftly out of the room. Her limp form seemed so fragile, a stark contrast to the strong-willed woman I had seen just moments before. The shock of her actions left me momentarily frozen, my mind struggling to comprehend the gravity of what had just occurred.Nathaniel's quick and decisive actions were commendable, his strength evident as he carried her with urgency. The reality of the situation dawned on me—the gravity of Seraphina's self-inflicted wound, the urgency of getting her medical attention. The room felt charged with a mix of anxiety and concern, a reflection of the collective worry that had settled over us.As my eyes shifted from Seraphina's departing figure to Max, I noticed his immediate instinct to follow. His face was a mask of desperation, a reflection of the fear that gripped him as he tried to reach her side. However, before he co

(Max's POV)Standing by the window of my study, I watched Luna from a distance. She was walking in the garden, her voice animated as she chatted with her maid. The sunlight caught the strands of her hair, turning them into threads of gold. Her laughter reached my ears like a melodic tune, filling the air with a warmth that matched the glow in her eyes.She escaped earlier when I was in a deep conversation with the doctor sneaking out as if i wouldn't notice.I couldn't help but smile as I observed her. She had a way of brightening even the dullest of days. That I can no longer deny. Her energy has become infectious for me, and it seemed as though a trail of stardust followed wherever she went. It was moments like these that makes me confused and somehow grateful.My fingers absently traced the edge of the window frame, my mind wandering to the memory of her touch. Just this morning, she had helped me wrap my injured hand. Her fingers had been gentle and careful, her touch sending a jo

(Narration.)Amid the night's hushed darkness, Max's sleep was unexpectedly interrupted by the insistent ringing of his phone. His eyes flashed open, heavy with sleep, as he gradually rose from the comfort of the bed. His movements were deliberate, a careful effort not to disturb the sleeping form of Luna, who had somehow found her way into his embrace during the night.The soft glow of the phone illuminated the room, casting fleeting shadows across the walls. Max's fingers fumbled for the device on the bedside table, his mind still groggy from the depths of his twisted dreams. With a sigh, he managed to answer the call, his voice a mixture of sleep and alertness plus a frown resting on his handsome face.As he spoke into the phone, Max's gaze shifted to Luna, her features softened in the gentle embrace of sleep. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, the sight of her bringing warmth to the unexpected interruption of his rest. He adjusted the covers around her, ensuring her comfo