AVELINE As the carriage pulled up to the Duke's estate, it was already around 8 pm. Stepping out, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the place. The Duke's estate in the capital was massive—far bigger than the Thorne family estate. The towering walls, the elegant design, everything about it screamed wealth and power. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

A man in his forties, dressed in a formal suit, approached and introduced himself as Sherlock, the butler of the estate. He informed me that my room had already been prepared and that dinner awaited me there. He also mentioned that the Duke wouldn't return until tomorrow night. I nodded, feeling both relieved and overwhelmed by everything that had transpired today.

Following the head maid, I made my way to my room. The space was magnificent—far more luxurious than I had ever imagined. The bed was large and inviting, the furniture tasteful and regal. I couldn't help but stare in wonder as I walked further into the room.

After taking a long, hot bath, I relaxed and enjoyed the dinner that had been prepared for me. The meal was exquisite, but my mind was elsewhere, still processing the events of the day. After finishing, a maid entered to clear the plates.

***

XAVIER I can't believe I'm standing outside Aveline's balcony right now. My heart is racing in my chest, and I feel like a complete fool. It's like I'm a spy, sneaking around in the dark, my hood pulled low to hide my face. The cool night air bites at my skin, but it's nothing compared to the knot tightening in my stomach.

Should I knock? I ask myself, debating whether it's too reckless to even be here, this close to her. Maybe I should just leave, turn around, and pretend this never happened. But something pulls me to the window, something I can't ignore. God, I'm terrified.

Tuktuk. I knock softly on the window, trying to be quiet. The moment I hear a sound from inside, I freeze. Aveline's shocked face appears behind the glass. Her wide eyes widen further in disbelief. I know what I must look like—like a ghost, or worse, a complete stranger who shouldn't be here. She takes a step back, no doubt startled by the sight of someone standing in the shadows.

She moves closer, hesitant but curious, and I take a deep breath, preparing myself. I reach up and pull down my hood, revealing my face.

"XAVIER?" Her voice cracks, louder than I'd expected. I immediately place my hand over her mouth, silencing her before she could shout any louder.

Her eyes search mine, both confused and a little nervous. But after a brief moment, she quickly gestures for me to come inside. The door creaks open, and I step in, finally feeling the warmth of her presence close up. My heart races in a different way now—this time with excitement. *** AVELINE Why is he here? My heart skipped a beat when I heard the knock on my window. Panic set in as I scrambled to lock the door to my bedroom. I couldn't believe it. Xavier was standing right outside my balcony. What is he doing here?

I quickly composed myself, trying not to seem too flustered. I opened the window, and there he was, standing in the dark with his hood up. He looked like a spy, sneaking around. I could barely hide my shock.

"Xavier?" I blurted, my voice a mix of surprise and confusion.

Before I could say anything more, he placed his hand over my mouth gently, urging me to keep quiet. "Shh, don't say anything," he whispered, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

He stepped inside, his presence immediately filling the room with a tension I hadn't expected. I couldn't stop staring at him as he revealed his identity, taking off the hood, his dark eyes meeting mine.

"Come in," I said quickly, feeling a mix of excitement and wariness. We both sat down, opposite each other—he on the couch, and I on the bed. I couldn't help but notice how much he had grown over the years. He was no longer that young, carefree boy I remembered. He had changed. A lot.

I looked at him, trying to gather my thoughts. "Why are you here?" I asked, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside me.

Xavier chuckled lightly, leaning back casually. "I heard you and the Duke were in the capital," he said with a teasing smile. "Personal intel." He winked, and I rolled my eyes.

It's been five years since we last saw each other, and I felt my face flush as he casually added, "Aveline, you've grown so pretty."

My heart skipped again, and I felt my cheeks warm. "You too," I said, my gaze drifting downward, landing on his muscular arms. His body had changed too—stronger, more defined.

Without thinking, I leaned forward, my hand reaching instinctively to feel his bicep. "Wow, your muscles are huge," I said, completely unaware of how bold I was being.

The moment I realized what I had done, I froze. Oh my god. Did I just touch his arm like that?

I quickly apologized, frustrated by my lack of self-control. "Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean—" I stammered.

Xavier chuckled softly, his expression softening. "It's fine, really. Don't worry about it."

I sighed in relief, trying to shake off the awkwardness. "So... why are you here, really?"

His smile turned playful. "I'm just here for fun," he said nonchalantly, but there was something about his gaze that made me feel like he was keeping something from me.

I glanced at the clock. "Well, I'm about to go to bed," I said, eager to escape the sudden surge of emotions that were making my heart race.

But before I could even get comfortable, Xavier stood up from the couch and approached me. What is he doing?

Before I could even process his movements, he gently tucked me into bed. I blinked, my mind unable to catch up. What?

And then—he kissed my forehead, the softest, most tender kiss that caught me completely off guard. "Goodnight, Aveline," he whispered.

My heart skipped a beat, and my face turned bright red. "G-goodnight," I muttered, turning quickly to face the other side of the bed, trying to hide my embarrassment.

Xavier settled by my side, not leaving. "I'll stay until you fall asleep," he said, his voice calm, as if this was the most normal thing in the world.

I wasn't sure how to feel. I had so many questions, but for now, all I could focus on was the steady sound of his breathing beside me. And, perhaps for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of peace.