Chapter 89

As evening drew its curtain, a family helper arrived to prepare dinner. After the meal, she quietly tidied the kitchen and slipped away.

In the master bedroom stood a computer desk, a perfect spot for working before drifting into dreams.

Verena held two books on neurology, their spines bent and corners worn-clear footprints of constant use by their owner.

Pointing toward the desk, she asked softly, "Isaac, may l use your computer?"

Isaac,leaning against the headboard with a book in hand, nodded with calm ease."Suit yourself."

Verena answered his nod with a smile, and then seated herself at the desk, meticulously sorting out medical cases akin to lsaac's condition.

Time ticked away unhurriedly, the room hushed except for the rustle of turning pages and the steady tapping of keys.

Isaac's book lay open on the very first page, while the sound of flipping paper came from Verena's corner.

His gaze lingered on her back, absentminded, as though his thoughts had wandered far.

The house had a proper study, yet she had chosen to remain here, in the same room with him.

He sat reading at the bedside, while she worked earnestly within his sightline.

The moment carried the air of a dream-a fleeting glimpse of what ordinary couples might call daily life,something Isaac once thought beyond his reach.

And yet, by grace or chance... the quiet murmur of paper and the rhythmic clatter of keys testified that it was no mirage.

A faint smile tugged at his lips, his eyes softening as they rested warmly on Verena. Just then, Verena stretched her arms overhead, stood up, and was about to turn around.

Startled, Isaac, as though caught red-handed, dropped his gaze and buried himself in the book, pretending to read.

Fresh from her plunge into intricate medical notes, Verena failed to notice Isaac's sudden shift in demeanor.

Rubbing her neck, she murmured, "I'Il go take a shower. If you're tired, go ahead and sleep."

"Okay," Isaac replied quickly. Only after his word left his lips did he realize she had already stepped into the adjoining bathroom.

Take a shower...

Soon after, the steady sound of water reached him.

A thought flared in Isaac's mind, and with it came a rush of heat; his ears burned crimson.

He couldn't help the imagination. Until now, no one else had ever set foot inhis private bathroom.

And now... someone who stirred his heart had entered.

The rooms at Seraphina Villas were smaller than those at the Bennett Mansion. On this quiet night, the sound of running water seemed as though it poured right beside him.

He could even picture whether Verena was rinsing shampoo or washing with body wash each time the water paused.

Isaac swallowed, closed his eyes, drew in deep breaths, and then exhaled slowly befóre reopening them.

He looked down again, only to see the corner of his book crumpled, though he couldn't recall when his hand had done it.

Then,without warning, the bathroom door swung open, and steam drifted out like a light veil.

Verena emerged, her hair already dried. Silken strands cascaded down her back, and she wore a light set of pajamas.

Carrying a fresh fragrance with her, she walked to the bed. Isaac drew in another breath, realizing only now how agreeable his own body wash smelled.

"You're still awake? What's so captivating in that book?"

Her voice reeled him back from his thoughts. Isaac looked up to see Verena leaning forward to peek at his reading.

As she drew closer, he hastily smoothed out the wrinkled page with his hand.

Her slight bend brought her long hair spilling over her shoulders, brushing against his nose, her breath warm upon his arm-sending an involuntary shiver through him. Isaac had never been this near to another woman,nor had he felt a tension that strung every nerve taut.

Abruptly, with a snap, he shut the book.

"Oh, nothing special-just skimming. Let's sleep," he said quickly, placing the book on the bedside table before lying flat, steadying himself with both hands.