In the garden, Arwen was on call with Aiden, telling him all about her day.

    A sweet smile was adorning her face while her eyes carried the glitter that Beca had mentioned earlier.

    "Good to see that you are listening to me and having your meals," she said, looking up at the sky, staring at the stars.

    She heard him chuckle on the other end. "The stars are beautiful, aren''t they?"

    Not paying attention, she hummed. "They are," she said before suddenly halting. "Wait, what did you say?" She immediately looked around, searching for someone. But no matter where she looked, except the darkness of the night, she saw nothing.

    "Stop looking around, Moon," he said again. "I am not there yet. I might take a few more days to come back to you."

    "Then how did you know?" she asked, still trying to see around in search of the pair of deep eyes she has grown fan of since the very first time.

    "I know because I know you," Aiden said, his tone as gentle as smooth. "You love the bright moon and starry nights. When you are out, you can''t stop yourself from looking at them."

    Arwen''s cheeks flushed, and she couldn''t hold her lips from curling. "You might have guessed me right this time by luck, but don''t make yourself believe that you know me all. You don''t. We just met a few months back. You cannot know me well so soon."

    "Then you can try me anytime and see, Moon," Aiden said confidently. "I would love to amaze you."

    "Fine," Arwen agreed. "If that''s what you challenge me to, I will try in see ... once you are back." She said, and her voice carried the subtle expression of longing that she was trying her best to hide. "Then when are you coming back?"

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    Aiden seemed to pause at that. The line went silent, and she was about to doubt that the call got disconnected when she heard his voice again.

    "Have you started missing me already?" he asked.

    "Your cheeks turn red and redder every time you lie." Aiden''s words came confidently, as if he was inferring it from visual evidence.

    Arwen''s hands at once reached to touch her cheeks. She might not be able to see if it had turned red or not, but she could tell that it felt heated. She could feel the heat on the skin of her palm.

    "You —"

    "What?" Aiden asked. "Did you not confirm it just by touching your cheeks?"

    Arwen felt her breath hitch. He truly knew her well —to an extent where he could easily tell all of it. From her thoughts to her actions and even her reactions.

    How?

    How can someone know her so well?

    It was like he could read her like the back of his hand.

    "Are you not going to say anything now?" he asked again, and Arwen opened her mouth to chide him but then closed it, feeling it difficult to even say a word.

    "Shoo," she huffed. "I am not talking to you anymore now. I am hanging up. Good night!"

    Saying that, she really disconnected the call. Once done, she exhaled out deeply, muttering. "Aiden Winslow, one day I will also make you flustered the way you always make me. And that''s a challenge. Note it!"

    She remained there, staring at the stars and the moon, enjoying the tranquility of the night. It felt peaceful and calm inside.

    Standing there like that, she would have forgotten the track of time, but then she felt a chill run down her spine, making her shiver. "I should have brought my jacket," she muttered, realizing that she had taken it off and handed it to the butler when she came inside. "Achoo!" she sneezed and took it as a warning to head back inside.

    But just as she moved and turned to head back, she crashed into someone. Her brows furrowing in response to the sudden appearance.

    "Arwen, are you alright?" Ryan asked, sounding concerned, his hand reaching to hold her arm, looking at her intently, trying to find any hint of her getting hurt.