?Chapter 666:

    But no wish could stop what wasing. What needed to be faced would eventually have to be confronted.

    Elliana ate with quiet enthusiasm. Watching her, Cole’s appetite grew stronger, and he soon matched her bite for bite. When they finally set down their forks, both looked content and more at ease than they had in days.

    Paulina smiled quietly to herself. Just seeing them eat and look a little more alive brought her more joy than any meal could. “Mr. Evans, Ms. Marsh,” she said kindly, her voiceced with concern, “you both look exhausted. Please get some rest. I’ll make sure no one disturbs you.”

    Cole gave a small nod.

    Without another word, Paulina quietly cleared the table, wheeled the cart away, and gently closed the door behind her, giving them privacy.

    Elliana rose from her seat. “I’m going to take a shower,” she said casually and then disappeared into the bathroom.

    Momentster, the sound of water running echoed through the room.

    Cole remained seated, eyes fixed on the closed bathroom door. His thoughts drifted, carried by the rhythm of the water. His heart thudded in his chest, growing louder with each passing second. They were already divorced. Yet, she walked into his space like she still belonged here. She didn’t hesitate to use his bathroom, as if nothing had changed between them.

    His mind raced. If she was showering here, it meant she nned to rest here. And in this room, there was only one bed. And once she emerged from her shower, did that mean…

    His pulse quickened, thoughts racing as imaginary images of what might unfold stirred inside his mind.

    Suddenly flustered, he stood up and rushed to the bathroom in the next room. He scrubbed himself clean, brushed his teeth twice just to be sure, and threw on a fresh set of pajamas. Within minutes, he was ready, trying to act calm even as anticipation buzzed beneath his skin.

    Just as he opened the door to their room, he heard her voice from inside the bathroom. “Cole?”

    He froze. His heart skipped a beat. Taking a steadying breath, he stepped closer and faced the bathroom door. “Yeah? What is it?” he asked, his voice calm despite the storm inside him.

    A momentter, the bathroom door creaked open just a little, and Elliana peeked out, only half her face visible. “I don’t have anything to wear. Can you bring me one of your shirts and underwear?”

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    Cole blinked, stunned. His shirt? That wasn’t unusual—she used to wear them all the time when they were together. But his underwear? His mind momentarily short-circuited.

    “Oh… yeah, sure,” he said finally, sounding far too casual for how fast his heart was beating. He turned away quickly and headed to the closet, running a hand through his hair.

    He rummaged through his clothes, finally settling on a ck shirt and a clean pair of ck briefs.

    Elliana maintained her position, peeking out from the bathroom door, herrge eyes watching him. Having just showered, her hair was damp, and her skin glowed with a dewy softness.

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