<b>Sean </b>must have noticed that Charlotte felt a little uneasy around him, because he said, me know. I’m going upstairs to take a shower.”
“Wait a second.”
Sean paused mid–step and turned back to her. “What is It?”
ke a look around and see if you need anything Let
can you get
get this tested? I think something might be
Charlotte unzipped her backpack, pulled out a bottle of milk, and handed it to him. <b>“</b><b>Sean</b>, can y wrong with
His eyes darkened. “Someone tried to harm you?”
Charlotte’s expression grew serious as she nodded. “I think so. I’m not sure, but I’d rather be careful.”
“Got it. Leave it to me<b>.</b><b>” </b>
Sean took out his phone and made a call “Come to the hotel. I have something for you to handle.”
Then he walked off, disappearing around the corner.
Charlotte lot out a breath, her body finally rxing
Just moments <b>ago</b>, when she handed him the milk, she had identally locked eyes with him. His gaze was deep and unreadable, and for a split second<b>, </b>she swore her heart stopped.
His eyes were beautiful.
No–not just his eyes. His entire face was a masterpiece, like something sculpted by the gods themselves. Staring at him too long made her heart race.
After Sean left, Charlotte took in the suite.
It was clear someone actually lived here. Personal belongings were <b>scattered </b>throughout the space, and it didn’t feel like <b>a </b>temporary stay at
<b>all </b>
That was odd.
This wasn’t a standard hotel:
1 room Sean <b>had </b>booked on a whim. It looked like he stayed here often.
But wasn’t he supposed to be living In Jersey City?
Charlotte shook <b>off </b>the thought. It wasn’t really her business.
??
She took her suitcase to the <b>bedroom </b>and only then realized she had forgotten to pack slippers for the shower.
Just as she debated whether to ask Sean, the doorbell rang
When she <b>opened </b>the door, a hotel staff member stood there holding a tray in one hand and a shopping bag in the other<b>. </b><b>“</b><b>Good </b>evening. Miss. I have a delivery for Mr. Jasper.”
Charlotte <b>took </b>the items. Thank you.”
<b>“</b><b>You’re </b>wee.”
After closing the <b>door</b><b>, </b>she <b>looked </b>down at the warm milk on the tray
Sean drank wara milk before bed too? That was unexpected.
She ced the <b>ss </b><b>on </b>the table and opened the bag. Inside were <b>a </b><b>brand</b>–new pair of women’s slippers, two neatly wrapped towels, and a set of travel–sized toiletries.
They were for her.
Warmth spread in her chest. Sean was
<b>as </b>more thoughtful than she remembered,
“<b>Did </b>everything arrive?” His voice came from the <b>stairs</b>.
Charlotte turned to him. “<b>Yeah</b>, it’s all here. Thanks, Sean.”
<b>Their </b>eyes met, and for <b>a </b>moment, something felt different.
He wasn’t just the older brother figure who used to tutor her anymore.
Now, he was also her fanc
“The milk is for you,” Sean said.
“Huh?” She blinked “I thought it was for <b>you</b>.”
“I <b>don’t </b>have that habit. Drink <b>up</b><b>.</b><b>” </b>
He walked to the door<b>, </b>where his assistant was already waiting.
<b>“</b><b>Take </b>this for testing.” Sean instructed.
“Understood, Mr. Jasper.”
When he turned back, he caught Charlotte watching him.
Her eyes were round and bright, brimming with curiosity–like a small, adorable animal.
Something light as a feather brushed against Sean’s heart, leaving behind a warmth he didn’t quite understand.
Without thinking<b>, </b><b>he </b>walked over and ruffled her hair. His touch was soft and affectionate, just like when they were kids.
“Get some rest,” he <b>said</b>. “What time should I wake you up tomorrow?
“Ten in the morning.” Charlotte tilted her head up at him.
A small trace of milk clung to her lips, stark <b>white </b>against the soft pink–a sight that hit <b>him </b>harder than it should have.
Sean’s gaze darkened slightly. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, forcing himself to look away.
“Sleep early. Good night.”
Before she <b>could </b>reply, he tumed and headed upstairs.
Charlotte,pletely unaware of the shift in his mood, lowered her eyes and took another slow <b>sip </b>of milk
The next moming, before the rm even had a chance to go off, Sean knocked on Charlotte’s door.
“Lottie, time to wake up.”
Charlotte blinked <b>awake </b><b>and </b>reached under her pillow for her phone.
9:59 am
Right on the dot.
By the time she finished freshening up, breakfast was already on the table–chicken <b>broth </b>with poached eggs and <b>a </b>side of <b>toast</b>.
<b>She </b>sat down, unwrapped the disposable utensils<b>, </b>and took a sip of the broth. Her eyes lit up. <b>“</b>This tastes just like the ce near myw firm.”
Sitting across from her, Sean didn’t even look up. He gave a t, indifferent “Mm.”
Charlotte hesitated. What was that <b>supposed </b>to mean?
<b>She </b>took another bite. The taste was identical to the one she always ate.
<b>She </b>looked up at him.suspiciously. “Did you get this from that shop behind my office?”
Charlotte <b>was </b>baffled. “How do you even know about that ce?”
That restaurant was at least six miles from here. Why would Seam go that far just to buy breakfast?
Seeing that there was no way around it, <b>Sean </b>finally admitted, “I came to Harbor City to see you before.”
Charlotte froze.
He came to see me?
273
She had no idea
She was so caught off guard that she choked on her food. “Cough, cough—<b>” </b>
Sean immediately passed her a napkin. “Slow down<b>.</b><b>” </b>
She wiped her mouth and stared at him. “When? I never knew,”
“The first year you left. The second year. And this year.” His voice was calm and matter–of–fact.
Charlotte felt like all the blood in her body rushed to her head.
Sean hade to see her every year? <b>And </b>never once told her?
No wonder the suite fromst night didn’t feel like a temporary stay. He must havee more often than she realized.
Something stirred in her chest, making her heartbeat go wild.
She forced herself to snap out of it and quickly changed the subject. “Thanks, Sean. Breakfast is amazing.”
Sean noticed the slight flush creeping up her ears but chose not to mention it.
Instead, he smiled casually and said, “By the way, I know a restoration expert. She’s worked on museum artifacts before. She might be able to help.”
“Really?”
?Charlotte’s head shot up, her eyes full of hope.
He nodded. “Once <b>we’re </b>back in Jersey <b>City</b>, I’ll take you to see her.”
“Okay!”
Charlotte had spent the whole night feeling awful, but Sean’s words lifted a weight off her chest.
For some reason, she just believed him.
If he said this expert was the best<b>, </b>then she had no doubt her ceramic figurine could be restored.
This moming had been an emotional rollercoaster for Charlotte
Sean had surprised her too many times today.
Now, <b>she </b>couldn’t help but wonder–what else was he hiding?