Chapter 73

Upon arriving home, Lily immediately showered. After an hour, satisfied with the scent of her homemade body wash and essential oil blend, she emerged in her pajamas. Alexander, having already showered in another bathroom, approached her with a towel. "You didn't dry your hair?" he observed, noting her usual aversion to blow-drying.

"I don't like the feeling of hot air on my scalp," Lily explained, reaching for the towel. He intercepted her, draping it over her head and gently placing his hands on her shoulders. "Sit down."

Lily, unable to dissuade him, obediently complied. Alexander used the towel to gently dry her hair. This is great service, she mused, hesitantly allowing him to continue. Initially, she found his attentiveness unusual, but she was gradually growing accustomed to, and even enjoying, his kindness. His sweetness felt overwhelming; she felt enveloped in a comforting warmth. The gentle drying of her hair was so soothing that she closed her eyes, completely relaxing. Hearing her silence, Alexander looked down to see her eyes closed, head slightly tilted, clearly enjoying the moment. He smiled, lightening his touch and carefully drying her hair from roots to ends.

Sleeping with wet hair would be unhealthy. Since she disliked the hairdryer, he had no choice but to towel-dry it. Before falling asleep, she murmured, "It doesn't smell anymore, right?" "Yeah," he replied, unsure how to respond. This was his first encounter with a perfumer who could create such a potent aroma. She's certainly different, he thought.

Unaware of his thoughts, Lily continued, eyes still closed, "With my exclusive essential oil, I can't really stink! It's just that I used a little too much today, and the blend might be too strong, so"

"Don't go there tomorrow," Alexander interrupted. "Huh?" Startled, Lily opened her eyes and turned, causing her to yell, "Ouch!" She had pulled a muscle.

Alexander immediately released her, scolding, "Careful! Why did you turn so fast?"

"This is my job. Once I agree to do something, I can't stop. Plus, I promised"

"Promised what?" he asked intently.

"I promised my superior I'd have the results within a day."

"One day? All forty-eight types of scents?"

"Yeah. Wait," Lily paused, surprised. "How did you know it's forty-eight smells?"

"You need a detailed analysis of forty-eight sources of bad scents. Who told you to complete it in one day?"

"I did."

"You did?"