Elizabeth, realizing she couldn't persuade Michael to leave, decided to stop fighting. Between the natural exhaustion of her pregnancy and being woken up far too early, her resolve crumbled. Surprisingly, she found a strange sense of security in his presence and drifted into a deep sleep.

Nancy finished preparing breakfast and set the table. Not seeing either of them in the living room, she called out softly, "Michael? Elizabeth? Breakfast is ready!"

Receiving no response, Nancy grew curious and gently pushed the bedroom door open. Inside, she saw the two of them fast asleep, a rare peace settling over their features. Nancy smiled to herself and quietly closed the door. She didn't want to disturb this fragile truce.

She took the food back to the kitchen and left a note on the dining table: [The food is in the kitchen. You can reheat it when you wake up. I'm off to work!]

By noon, Elizabeth woke up feeling ravenous. As she stirred, Michael also opened his eyes. She quickly tidied her hair, trying to ignore the awkwardness of the situation, and headed to the kitchen.

"Michael, come have brunch!" she called out, her voice more cheerful than usual after the rest.

"Brunch?" he asked, wheeling himself into the dining area.

"Breakfast and lunch together. It’s a luxury for the sleepy," Elizabeth replied, setting the table.

They sat across from each other, eating in a comfortable silence. Elizabeth suddenly realized that in all the months they had known each other, they had never shared a meal so peacefully. There were no cold words, no sharp arguments—just the quiet clinking of silverware and the warm sunlight streaming through the window.

After finishing, Elizabeth washed the dishes. As she walked back into the living room, she let out a long yawn.

Michael frowned, looking concerned. "Elizabeth, why are you still so tired? You’ve slept more than I have today. Is everything all right with your health?"

Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat. She knew her drowsiness was a symptom of the pregnancy, but she had to be careful. "I’m just catching up on lost time," she explained quickly. "I'm going to take a proper nap now."

She headed back to her room, but Michael followed.

"Are you going to join me again?" she asked, half-joking and half-exasperated.

Michael looked at her with an unreadable expression. "Why not? It was the best rest I’ve had in weeks."

Elizabeth pulled the blanket over herself and closed her eyes. "Suit yourself, as long as you stay quiet."

Michael lay down beside her. This time, the atmosphere was different. The air felt charged with a tension that wasn't about anger. Elizabeth, in her half-asleep state, shifted closer to him, seeking warmth.

Michael stared at her, his heart pounding. Her presence—soft, steady, and fragrant—seemed to fill the room. It was a feeling he couldn't control, a protective and deep-seated affection that he had tried so hard to deny.

As if guided by an invisible force, Michael leaned in. His lips touched her forehead in a gesture that was both a promise and a question. Elizabeth opened her eyes, startled by the intensity in his gaze.

"Michael?" she whispered.

"Just close your eyes, Elizabeth," he murmured, his voice low and soothing.

Obediently, she did. Michael leaned down and kissed her—a gentle, lingering touch that was worlds away from his usual cold demeanor. It wasn't a kiss of possession, but one of discovery. He moved with a reverence she hadn't expected, his hand resting lightly against her cheek as if she were a fragile treasure he was finally learning how to hold.

For a moment, the world outside—the corporate battles, the family secrets, and the impending divorce—faded away. In that small room, there was only the steady beat of two hearts finally finding a common rhythm. Michael pulled back just enough to look at her, his lips touching her brow one last time before they settled into the quiet together.

Would you like me to continue with the next Chapter and ensure it stays within safety guidelines?