Chapter 36

As Nicolas spoke, his breath brushed lightly against Thea's neck, sending an unexpected tickle through her. Her face flushed involuntarily, and her heart raced faster. Steadying herself on Nicolas's arm, she softly asked, "Can you walk?"

Nicolas nodded, letting her help him up without protest. When they reached the parking garage, Thea leaned over to buckle his seatbelt, feeling an odd sense of being a wife caring for her drunken husband.

After dropping him off at the hotel, Thea was about to leave when Darwin approached her hesitantly. "If Stefan finds out," he began, "well… I'm afraid—"

Thea remained silent for a few moments, then sighed. "Alright, I'll stay for now. Can you get me a room next door?" Darwin's face brightened with relief. "Thank you for staying."

Later, Thea went out to buy hangover medicine. When she returned to Nicolas's room, she expected him to be asleep but found him sitting upright on the couch. She thought he'd sobered up, but his gaze met hers, unfocused. "My head hurts," he murmured, his voice rougher than usual from the alcohol. His usually composed, powerful demeanor had softened, revealing a rare vulnerability.

Thea's heart skipped a beat. She knelt in front of him, holding out the medicine and some water. "Here, take this."

Nicolas cooperated, but as she handed him the medicine, his lips accidentally brushed her fingers. They both froze for a split second. Nicolas's gaze darkened, but he said nothing. He simply took the cup from her and drank the water in one gulp. Thea could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, knowing her face must be red. Before she could fully process what was happening, Nicolas suddenly pulled her onto the couch. "Mr. Hendrix!" she gasped.

His large hands settled on her waist, pulling her closer to his chest. Thea's mind went blank. Instinctively, she placed her hands on his chest to resist.

She tried to calm her breathing and think clearly, but despite her efforts, she didn't find the intimate contact entirely unpleasant. Still, she couldn't help but wonder if he was only acting this way because he was drunk.

"Thea," Nicolas murmured her name, his eyes closed as he held her tightly. His words were soft and almost tender. "I know it's you. I feel terrible. Don't move."

Thea's pounding heart slowly steadied. Unsure where to place her hands or how to respond, looking down at him, she blurted out, "Mr. Hendrix, will you regret this when you're sober tomorrow?"

Nicolas didn't hesitate. "I may not seem fully myself right now, but I never make rash decisions."

His steady, assured response sent a ripple through Thea's heart. She didn't know what to say next, so she stayed silent, resting in his arms.

After a while, she finally gathered the courage to ask, "Mr. Hendrix, what am I to you?"

She wasn't sure why she had asked, but the question had been growing in her mind. Nicolas was a powerful, dignified man, and despite her caution, it was becoming harder not to feel something for him. But memories of Jake's betrayal still loomed large, and she didn't dare define these feelings as genuine affection just yet. She thought that maybe it was just a fleeting spark between them due to their close proximity. But if that were the case, she felt a strange sense of dissatisfaction.

Nicolas sighed softly and loosened his hold on her. He answered carefully, "You're my wife, legally speaking."

Thea frowned slightly but chose not to press him further. She slid off his lap, masking her disappointment. "Mr. Hendrix, you should rest."

She waited until Nicolas had fallen asleep before leaving the room. As she opened the door, she found Darwin standing outside, still keeping watch. Their eyes met, and Darwin quickly shifted awkwardly. "I was just making sure Mr. Hendrix didn't need anything," he said. Thea nodded and let out a bitter smile, her long lashes casting shadows on her face. "I understand. Don't worry. I'll keep my distance, as I promised." Darwin wanted to explain, but before he could, Thea had already turned and walked into the next room.

Darwin sighed heavily. His habit of speaking too soon always got him into trouble. He wondered if Nicolas would be upset with him when he woke up.

Exhausted from these past few days, Thea slept in later than usual the next morning. As she stood by the window, watching the sunlight pour in, the events of the previous night felt like something out of a dream.

When she finally stepped out of her room, she found that Nicolas had already checked out and left. He'd left word for her to stay and rest if she needed to, assuring her that there was no rush with the Virtuex Group business. Thea felt a wave of relief. She'd been dreading the awkwardness of seeing him again after what had happened the night before.

But then her mind began to race. Did Nicolas leave in such a hurry because he felt the same way? she wondered.

Just then, her phone buzzed with several notifications. Normally, Thea paid little attention to celebrity news, but the headlines immediately caught her eye:

International pianist Emmalie's secret romance—she met her boyfriend's family! Emmalie and youngest tycoon Nicolas were seen laughing together outside a restaurant! Rowland Group insider hints at engagement plans!

Emmalie had started a Twitter account a few years back. Thanks to her social media presence and TV appearances, she'd gained quite a following. Nicolas typically avoided the spotlight and had no interest in celebrity gossip. But his striking looks, influential background, and sharp business acumen made him a frequent subject of media fascination. The posts racked up thousands of likes and comments in no time:

They're such a perfect match! The cold, powerful CEO and the elegant pianist—they're both at the top of their fields. Love this power couple! Hope they tie the knot soon! I work for a Rowland Group subsidiary, and the engagement rumors are definitely true. They want to strengthen family ties. The higher-ups have discussed it. What's this about strengthening family ties? How can you not know about the 7-year drama between Emmalie's sister and Jake?

As Thea continued scrolling, she noticed her and Jake's names being dragged into the conversation. Her frown deepened as she read through the comments, and she felt an unsettling tension rise within her.