"Jazlyn?"

"Yes! Jazlyn is pretty and assertive, bordering on aggressive. She's perfect for an evil side character! Plus, she's an actress, so it won't be obvious she's acting."

Wendy continued, "Most importantly, she's Olivier's cousin. Even if the ruse is discovered, Gwenda won't alienate herself from Olivier, even if she's angry."

"That makes sense." Melanie nodded.

Wendy grinned. "Grandmama, let's do it now! Contact Jazlyn immediately. We'll have a great show!"

"You clever brat, always scheming! Will you ever focus on your studies?" Though Melanie said this, her wrinkled face crinkled into a smile.

Wendy took her hand. "Grandmama, I'm just being helpful. Besides, my grades aren't bad. Don't worry!"

"Alright, alright. Since you've planned this so well, I'd be remiss not to use it! I'll call her now. Chat with Jazlyn for a bit."

"Grandmama, you're amazing!!"

"Don't shout! This must be kept secret!" Melanie warned, giving Wendy a pointed look.

Wendy quickly covered her mouth, but her eyes shone with glee. Oh, what should she do? She was actually looking forward to this fantastic show Chuckling, she wondered how Gwenda would react to being set up.

At that moment, Gwenda slept soundly, unaware of the plot against her. In her dream, she was surrounded by flowers at sunset. Olivier held her hand, about to kiss her But Gwenda woke suddenly.

Opening her eyes, she saw only darkness. The movie was over; the screen showed only a faint glow. A blanket covered her.

Turning her head, she saw Olivier beside her. He'd fallen asleep, his arms wrapped tightly around her. Their bodies were pressed close, their warmth mingling. If sharing a bed had been difficult yesterday, today, with the dream, it was downright unnerving.

She touched her burning cheeks, then glanced at Olivier's handsome face. Her heart pounded. For goodness sake, how could she have such inappropriate thoughts about him She'd openly dismissed his courtship before. But now, she'd dreamed about doing those things with him

Gwenda bit her lip, burning with embarrassment. After a while, she calmed down and looked at him again. Olivier slept soundly. His eyelashes cast shadows on his eyelids; his breathing was even. The scent of his cologne was intoxicating. The longer she stared, the more captivated she became. Unconsciously, she raised her hand, her fingertips almost brushing his lips. Just as she was about to touch him, her wrist was caught.

Her heart leaped. She was stunned to find Olivier awake, his dark eyes fixed on hers, a playful smile on his face.

"Taking advantage of me while I'm asleep?"

Gwenda's heart pounded; her cheeks burned even hotter. She panicked. "N-no, I I"

"You what?"

Olivier's fingers gently rubbed her wrist, feeling her pulse. His smile deepened. Gwenda tried to pull away, but his grip was firm. Biting her lip, she explained, "I just wanted to wake you up. Don't overthink it."

"Is that so?" Olivier looked at her wrist, then chuckled teasingly. "Then why is your heart racing? Nervous?"

Gwenda was speechless. She struggled, but couldn't break free. "Let go of me!"

"Gwenda" His hand on her back stroked gently. His warm breath caressed her face; their eyes met. Gwenda shuddered, completely at a loss.