Holding her shoulders gently, Ethan whispered against her hair, "Go to sleep."
"Good night," Sophie murmured softly in return.
She had expected another restless night.
But when she opened her eyes, the early light of dawn was already filtering through the curtains—it was 6:00 AM.
Oh no.
Emily had told her to leave before six.
She was late.
Sophie moved to get up, but quickly realized she was still wrapped in Ethan's arms. His firm, warm hold circled her waist, and their bodies were intimately pressed together.
Her breath caught.
She tried to slip out quietly, but the moment she moved, the man stirred.
His voice came out low and husky, still heavy with sleep."Why're you up so early? Stay here a little longer..."
Sophie froze as his arms instinctively tightened around her.
He didn't open his eyes—just pulled her closer, clearly still half-asleep.He had struggled with chronic insomnia for years, but somehow, with her in his arms, he had slept better than he had in ages.
Sophie could feel his breath on her shoulder, and her entire body tensed.She couldn't afford to stay.Emily was likely already outside the door, counting the seconds, sharpening her claws.
"I should go," Sophie said quietly, trying to wriggle free. "There's housework to do."
Ethan, still drowsy, smirked faintly without opening his eyes."Aren't there enough maids in this house? Why's the lady of the house doing chores?"
He still thought she was Emily.
"I just... like keeping busy."
She slipped from his arms and sat up.
As soon as her warmth left, Ethan opened his eyes. The haze of sleep cleared from his gaze as he watched her quickly dress and leave without a word.
He frowned.Why the rush?
Why did she reject his invitation to stay, as if she'd rather be anywhere but here?
Downstairs, Sophie had already re-applied her makeup and restored the fake scar to her cheek.
The moment she stepped out, Emily was waiting, face thunderous.
"It's 6:05!" she snapped. "Five minutes late, Sophie. Was my husband's embrace too comfortable to leave? Huh? Was it so warm you just couldn't pull yourself away?"
Sophie flinched slightly.She rarely overslept. She was always disciplined. But this time… she had lingered.
His arms had indeed been warm. She'd clung to him like a starfish, basking in the rare comfort.
"If you're that jealous," she replied calmly, "then don't ask me to sleep with your husband again."
Emily's face twisted in fury.
She hadn't slept at all last night. Just picturing Sophie curled up in Ethan's arms made her chest burn with jealousy.
But there were more pressing things to deal with.
"What perfume are you wearing?" Emily demanded. "Give it to me."
Sophie blinked.Again with the perfume?
First Ethan asked. Now Emily.Was it really because of her scent?
Raising a brow, she reached into her pocket and casually handed over a small glass bottle.
Emily's pupils contracted sharply the moment she saw it.
CC Parfum.
One of the most prestigious luxury fragrance houses in the world. CC's limited seasonal perfumes were legendary. Their spring edition this year—"Spring Encounter"—was already considered a masterpiece, known for its enchanting floral layers and addictive warmth.
Some even called it the "Straight Man Killer."No man could resist a woman who wore it.
Every quarter, CC released only a handful of bottles. The elite socialites of Yecheng practically trampled one another to get their hands on it.
Even Emily and her mother had tried everything—connections, money, begging—and still couldn't buy a bottle.
Yet Sophie had just… handed one over like it was nothing.
Emily's voice cracked."Where did you get this, Sophie?"