?Chapter 1001:


    “That’s right.”


    “Okay…” She nodded, agreeing almost on instinct.


    A quick nce at her calendar made her pause. Did she forget something? Why was Ellis so adamant about Tuesday night? Her gazended on the automatic reminder—Valentine’s Day. Realization dawned in an instant.


    So it was for Valentine’s Day. What kind of gift should she prepare in return?


    The thought lingered as their car eased into the garage.


    Freya took in the view as they strolled through the grounds—a broad, well-kept garden stretched out before her, its smooth pebble walkways curving between vibrant hedges and a wide greenwn.


    Ellis quietly slipped her suitcase from her grasp and guided her toward the entrance.


    In this exclusive enve, every vi stood as a testament to bespoke design—each one crafted by top-tier architects and decorated by celebrated interior teams. Homeowners had tailored their spaces to match their tastes, resulting in a collection of twelve distinctive residences, no two alike.


    Freya’s vi stood out with its state-of-the-art smart home features and a sleek, minimalist color scheme—ck, white, and silvery gray—defined by crisp lines and understated luxury.


    In contrast, Ellis’s vi exuded a gentle warmth. As soon as Freya stepped inside, she was struck by the inviting, almost cozy atmosphere. The décor suggested that a nurturing, gentle woman might live here, rather than Ellis himself. Subtle touches and homely details softened the space, revealing a side of Ellis few ever saw.


    Ellis led Freya to the third floor with a quiet, unspoken tenderness—a kind of care that didn’t need to announce itself.


    After a moment’s thought, Freya chose the room to the left, leaving Ellis to take the one on her right.


    Don’t miss fresh updates on gα?ησν???s?c?m


    Once inside her room, she began unpacking her suitcase with deliberate care.


    The two bedrooms were nothing short of luxurious—each outfitted with its own en-suite bathroom and a generously sized walk-in closet. After everything was neatly tucked away, Freya turned toward the closet, intending to give it a quick inspection to check for dust or anything out of ce.


    As soon as she opened one of the wardrobes, she froze mid-motion. Inside was a disy of clothing and essories, all artfully arranged. What unsettled her most was that everything was unmistakably feminine.


    Her hand instinctively withdrew, hesitating.


    At that very moment, Ellis appeared at the doorway. He nced into the room but didn’t spot her at first, then stepped in, catching her just as she emerged from the walk-in closet.


    Their eyes locked, if only for a heartbeat.


    Freya couldn’t quite put her feelings into words.


    “Do you like it?” Ellis asked, his gaze flicking to the open wardrobe. “If there’s anything you don’t like, just let me know. I’ll have it switched out.”


    “Ellis.”


    “Yes?”


    Freya opened her mouth to speak but faltered. Was it even worth asking?


    Sensing her hesitation, Ellis asked softly, “What’s wrong?”


    “Did someone… live here before?” Freya asked, then quickly rephrased with a more guarded tone, her eyes shadowed with aplexity of thought. “Or do you have a sister who’s been here?”


    “No one’s lived here,” he answered calmly. “And I don’t have any sisters.”


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