Daniel held Sienna firmly from behind, his voice soft as he whispered into her ear, "You barely touched your food. Did I upset you?"


    "I''m honestly just not hungry," she replied, feeling the warmth of his breath against her skin. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she spoke with a hint of resignation.


    "You should try to eat a bit more," Daniel insisted, guiding her back to the table and helping her into her seat.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Once seated, he picked up a piece of steak and offered it to Sienna, his gaze both intense and serene as he observed her.


    Sienna felt bashful under his scrutiny but reluctantly picked up her utensils and began to eat.


    Following their meal, Daniel took her hand and led her outside for a stroll in the garden to aid digestion.


    In the evening, Sienna retreated to the study to work. She remained seated in front of theputer for four consecutive hours, only leaving the study after 11:00 pm.


    Standing before the doors to the master bedroom and the guest bedroom, Sienna hesitated, torn between the two options.


    Which room should she choose for the night?


    Some couples opted for separate sleeping arrangements, only reuniting for intimacy when desired. This arrangement preserved the quality of sleep and provided each person with their personal space. Yet, it also risked hindering the development of intimacy between them.


    Deep down, Sienna resisted the idea of sleeping in separate rooms. However, the lingering pain from losing her virginity left her apprehensive.


    What if Daniel desired intimacy again tonight? How could she refuse?


    After some deliberation, Sienna decided to bide her time, anticipating that Daniel might drift off to sleep before her.


    She retreated to the guest bedroom, taking a soothing shower and changing into her pajamas.


    As midnight approached, Sienna assumed Daniel would already be asleep.


    With careful steps, she ventured out of the guest bedroom, her movements deliberate as she gently turned the knob of the master bedroom door.


    Inside, a soft, warm night light cast a gentle glow over the room.


    Daniely in bed, his breathing steady and rhythmic, appearing deeply asleep.


    Sienna carefully eased herself into bed, being mindful not to disturb him.


    As she settled on her side, she couldn''t help but steal a nce at Daniel''s handsome profile. Her heart fluttered with an almost secret excitement, tinged with nervousness, as she observed him sleeping. Though she longed to share the same bed with him, the memory of her past pain lingered, creating a conflicting sensation.


    In the tranquil room, only the soft, rhythmic breaths of the two could be heard.


    After a moment, Sienna reached for the remote control and turned off the nightmp, closing her eyes in an attempt to drift into sleep.


    Suddenly, Daniel beside her shifted, his strong arm pulling Sienna close into his embrace.


    Sienna tensed in surprise, her body stiff with uncertainty, her breath catching in her throat.


    Yet, his embrace was reassuringly warm and secure, his familiar scent offeringfort and alleviating her apprehension.


    Daniel pressed a gentle kiss to her hair, his breath warm against her skin.


    Initially, Sienna had assumed it was a subconscious action as Daniel slept, but then she heard his soft voice whisper, "Are you avoiding me?"


    Her heart tightened with a twinge of


    guilt, and she attempted to dive


    conversation in a yful tone,


    A


    wake you up, or were you already awake?"


    Daniel''s response carried a subtle undertone of disappointment. "I''ve been waiting for you. I thought you intended to sleep in a different room tonight." Sienna hesitated, wrestling with her reluctance to address her anxieties. "I..."


    "If I hadn''t pretended to be asleep, you wouldn''t havee in, would you?" Daniel interjected.


    Sienna could only bury her face in his chest, remaining silent.


    Daniel released a soft sigh, his weariness evident in his demeanor. He drew her closer into his embrace, his arms enveloping her tightly.


    "I wasn''t avoiding you, I was just upied," Sienna offered as an exnation.


    However, she had underestimated


    Daniel''s profession as a police


    officer, who was renowned for his


    keen observational skills. He could easily discern her patterns and notice any deviations from her usual behavior.


    But when it came to Sienna, Daniel didn''t focus on assigning me or winning arguments. His primary concern was her happiness; if she was content, so was he.


    "Sisi."


    "Yes?"


    "I love you."


    Sienna''s heart skipped a beat at Daniel''s deration, a surge of excitement mixed with a hint of apprehension coursing through her.