"Is that all you aspire to?" Ethan chuckled softly, closing his eyes. "But you're right—a peaceful life does sound appealing."

The salary at Roscente Group was generous, with a monthly income in the tens of thousands and a respectable career. Staying until retirement wouldn't be a bad choice.

But she had to work twice as hard. Milo deserved nothing less than the best.

She had endured enough hardship. Now, she only wanted to give him a comfortable life.

Starting today, she would give it her all to carve out a future.

Jenna claimed she wasn't tired, but sleep claimed her soon after she shut her eyes. Especially when Ethan fell silent, she drifted off effortlessly.

Hearing her steady breathing below, Ethan set aside his magazine and sat up. His gaze lingered on her sleeping face, intense and unreadable.

He once thought Jenna had ulterior motives, even suspected her of deceiving Grandma Blanche. But he later realized she wasn't that kind of person.

He used to avoid her at all costs. Now, he couldn't stop thinking about her—wondering what she was doing, if she was well.

Perhaps he had truly fallen for this stubborn yet simple girl.

A silent smile curved his lips. Carefully, he slipped out of bed and knelt beside her. His fingers brushed her cheek.

Her skin was slightly rough, tinged with faint redness, yet carried a comforting warmth.

He turned off the light and lay down beside her.

He only meant to rest briefly before returning to bed. But before he knew it, dawn had arrived.

......

Jenna woke at seven sharp. Stretching, her arm bumped against something warm.

She turned abruptly—only to find Ethan sleeping right beside her!

Oh god!

She scrambled away, heart pounding. Staring at his peaceful face, a whirlwind of thoughts raced through her mind.

Had he done something last night? Or had he accidentally rolled off the bed? Or... had he chosen to lie beside her?

If it was the latter... did that mean he liked her?

The man who once barely spoke to her now found every excuse to be near her.

Could it be... Ethan Roscente had actually fallen for her?