Chapter 992

“Shit!” He had already left—why was he coming back?! Lena’s first instinct was to hide. Running back to the bedroom wasn’t realistic; Aaron would probably enter before she even made it. In the end, she chose the nearest possible hiding spot—the floor-length curtains. Lena’s fingers dug into the wall behind her. Her chest felt tight. Stifling. Maybe people really were pathetic—never realizing what they had until it was gone.

She used to despise people like that. Now, she had become the very thing she hated most.

“If you don’t like it, you can redecorate however you want before you move in,” Aaron said casually.

Lena’s eyes went wide. Move in? They’re moving in together?! It had only been a few days! Their progress was moving way too fast! An icy weight settled over her heart, as if a chunk of snow had been stuffed inside her chest, freezing her from the inside out.

“Not at all, I quite like it,” Xandra’s voice was soft, carrying a shy undertone.

Lena clenched her teeth. She didn’t know whether she was angrier at Aaron for inviting another woman to his home, or at herself for caring so damn much.

“Sit wherever you like. What would you like to drink? Coffee?”

“Mm, coffee.”

Aaron walked to the coffee machine. That was when he noticed the cup Lena had abandoned earlier in her panic. He picked it up, his fingers brushing against the rim before setting it aside. Then, without hesitation, he grabbed another cup and made fresh coffee for Xandra. He placed the steaming cup in front of her, reminding her gently, “It’s hot, be careful.”

He used to say that to her. Now, those same words belonged to someone else.

Chapter 992

In fact, he was even more considerate than he had been with her. Lena’s nails scraped against the wall, leaving behind faint white marks—scratches that might as well have been carved into her own heart.

“Aaron, can I take a look around?” Xandra asked sweetly.

“Mm, go ahead,” he replied smoothly, offering no hesitation, no attempt to hide anything.

Lena’s heart raced. Did he not care if she was still here? Or did he just assume she had already left? Maybe he knew she was still hiding and was simply confident she wouldn’t dare reveal herself. Like an ostrich burying its head in the sand.

A sudden impulse surged through Lena. What if I just walked out right now? What if she stepped out, right in front of Xandra, wearing nothing but his oversized dress shirt? Would Aaron be able to explain it away? Even though she was technically his niece by title, no woman in her right mind would just ignore a half-dressed woman hiding in her man’s house. I dare you, Aaron. Explain this one.

But in the end… she didn’t have the heart to be that cruel. She already knew his stance. She had tested him. And she had lost. Now, all she wanted was for Xandra to hurry up and leave so she could slip out unnoticed.

She was just thinking this when—

Beep.

The washing machine finished its cycle, the notification chime cutting through the air like a knife. Lena’s breath stilled.

“Shit,” Xandra turned toward the sound. “Aaron, your laundry is done. Do you want me to take it out for you?”

The air went deathly silent. Aaron didn’t respond immediately. Because there was one problem. He hadn’t done any laundry.

Chapter 992

He knew. He knew she was still here. Lena bit down on her lip. Well. At least now, he’d have to hurry up and send Xandra away. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Just as she concealed herself, the door opened. The moment Aaron stepped inside, he caught the faintest trace of fragrance in the air—freshly showered skin, the lingering scent of body wash mixed with the natural sweetness of a woman’s warmth. His lips curled slightly, his sharp gaze scanning the room until it landed on the curtains.

Then, another voice rang out.

“Aaron, your home’s interior design isn’t quite what I imagined,” Xandra’s voice carried a soft lilt, laced with curiosity.

Lena’s heart stopped. He brought Xandra back?! This is his private place. Bringing her here—it was obvious what that meant. Suddenly, her mind flashed back to last night, when she had drunkenly tested him. So it’s true. He really didn’t feel anything for her anymore. He was serious about moving forward with Xandra.