Kayla looked as if she'd just stepped from a shower, her hair damp, the ends glistening. Her cheeks flushed from the steam, her beautiful doe-like eyes held a shy innocence, lending her an air of vulnerability. The thin, sheer gown did little to conceal her figure as she glided toward Arnold, leaving a trail of delicate, wet footprints. The gown flowed around her like a butterfly. "Arnie..."

She bit her lip shyly, and as her head lowered, her dark hair cascaded, accentuating her porcelain skin. Arnold's breath hitched, his dark eyes intensifying. However, when Kayla moved to embrace him, he gently pushed her away. "Stop it," he said firmly. "Put some clothes on."

Kayla clung to him, refusing to relent, her warm, fragrant body pressing against his. The unique scent enveloped him, momentarily confusing him. Yet, a second later, he pushed her away again, his tone harsher. "Since you're not unwell, I'm leaving." He strode toward the door, his back a cold dismissal.

Kayla was stunned. She had meticulously prepared for this night, spending over a month on beauty treatments and considerable money ensuring a flawless appearance. And now Arnold was walking away? That wouldn't happen.

Dashing forward, she wrapped her arms around his waist, her voice thick with emotion. "Arnie, I like you so much! Why don't you want me?"

Arnold, exasperated, slowly pried her arms loose. "Kayla, I like you too, but it's more like brotherly affection. You understand, right?"

Kayla's eyes widened in disbelief, tears welling. The words felt like a knife to her heart. "Arnie, I've known you since I was eight! Ten years! You've given me gifts, taken me on trips, stood up for me. And you feel...like a sibling?"

She shook her head violently, crying, "I don't believe it! You're lying! You must like someone else! Who is it? Is it Felicia?"

"It's not!" Arnold shot back, irritated by the mention of Felicia. He could like anyone, but not Felicia.

Kayla let out a sigh of relief, skillfully maneuvering to face him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Before he could react, she rose on her toes and kissed him.

"Kayla! Get down!" He tried to pull away, but her arms prevented him from easily dislodging her. They both fell onto the bed in a tangle.

Arnold looked slightly disheveled, a hint of lipstick on his collar and mouth. With a sultry voice, Kayla said, "Arnie, you don't want to get engaged to Felicia, do you? So, why not stay and keep me company for a while?"

This time, as she leaned in to kiss him again, Arnold, breathless from the teasing, didn't push her away. For a fleeting moment, her face momentarily merged in his mind with Felicia's.

The following day, sunlight flooded the luxurious bedroom. Kayla blinked awake, finding the space beside her empty and cold. She was still in the sheer gown, covered by a blanket. The memories of the previous night flooded back instantly.