Ariel’s mind went blank for some time.

Jayson’s breath was tinged with alcohol as his lips grazed against hers. She couldn’t even put up a fight against him, not until she felt him trying to part her lips.

Shaken back into her senses, she shoved him aside and moved away from him. As she straightened out her disheveled pajamas, her eyes turned cold. “Jayson, you’re drunk. I’m not Nancy.”

Jayson opened his eyes upon the impact. He kept his gaze fixed on her displeased expression as his soulful eyes regained clarity. He then frowned.

He certainly didn’t see that coming, especially Ariel’s taut expression.

Looking around, he sat upright, kneading his temples. In a raspy voice, he asked, “What time is it?”

Ariel’s heart was still racing. It’d been some time since they were last so close to each other, and it made her feel uncomfortable. Besides, given their current situation, it was inappropriate.

At that moment, the repulsion and annoyance she’d felt when they pressured her to change her gown in front of everyone else—and when Jayson mistook her for Nancy–resurfaced.

“It’s a bit past ten.”

Jayson let out a soft hum. “We don’t have to call her now. Let’s do it tomorrow.”

He then got up, his sturdy figure casting an imposing air over the room.

Casting her a glance, he didn’t bring up what just happened. “You should go to bed.”

Then, he picked up his coat and left in a hurry, seemingly having something important to attend to.

Ariel assumed that he must’ve felt frustrated over mistaking her for Nancy. He must’ve felt guilty toward Nancy after he sobered up.

She recalled him saying “I miss you“. Never once had she seen that clingy side to him. He must’ve been used to being all lovey–dovey with Nancy, so he behaved in such a way earlier.

Unlike the times when he was with her, he’d never been so affectionate even when they were being intimate. After the deed was done, he’d also never hugged her as they slept.

She stopped thinking about that and went to bed.

A new day had begun. Ariel’s trip back was already confirmed.

Early in the morning, Betty called. “Ari, are you two up?”

Ariel placed her mug back down. “Yes, we are.”

“When are you two coming back to Eldoria? Have you bought your tickets?”

Ariel hesitated. She and Jayson had always been moving separately, so she didn’t know how to answer Betty. “W- We haven’t decided.”

“I see. Tell me when you’ve decided. I’ll get someone to send you some imported prepackaged supplements.”

“Sure.”

They talked for a bit more before ending the call.

Ariel presumed that she and Jayson might not be on the same flight and wondered if she should ask him when his flight would arrive at Eldoria. They could then gloss that situation over.

She dialed Jayson’s number. It took quite a long time before the call was answered.

“Jayson is still sleeping. Is anything the matter?” Nancy’s calm voice came through the receiver. A hint of arrogance slipped out, though her tone was gentle.

Ariel was stunned but quickly came back to her senses. “It’s nothing.”

Nancy simply hummed and ended the call.

Ariel put her phone back down and shook her head. Jayson had been particularly lenient on Nancy. He even allowed Nancy to handle something as personal as his phone without qualms.

Ariel suddenly remembered that one time Jayson got drunk. She helped him change, and seeing that his phone was out of battery, she helped him charge it.

However, Jayson stared at her coldly, saying, “Never touch my phone again.”

His piercing gaze left a humiliating mark on her.

He warned her to stay in line even though she didn’t mean to do anything. However, he allowed Nancy to do as she wished.

Ariel snapped back to the present. Seeing how he’d mistaken her for Nancy last night, he must have wanted to see Nancy. It was natural that he would be with her now.

Putting her phone down, she sat in silence for a while before starting to pack her suitcase.

Laura bought the ticket for an afternoon flight, so she had all the time to get ready.

At noon, Chad called to invite Ariel for lunch.

She left after putting on a coat. She ran into Lucas in the elevator lobby.

Lucas must’ve drunk a bit last night. His untamed features wore a lazy expression that lingered after a night of drinking. When he saw her approaching, he instinctively glanced at her neck.

When he didn’t see the necklace, he frowned. “Why aren’t you wearing it?”

Ariel had just pressed the elevator button. She remembered how the necklace was a free gift.