Chapter 3

The days that followed settled into a rhythm that felt deceptively ordinary, yet every small moment carried an undercurrent I couldn’t quite name. On the third evening after my discovery, Nick suggested we have an early night. Dinner had been simple — congee with century egg and shredded chicken. We ate with quiet conversation, his fingers occasionally brushing mine across the table. Each touch seemed to linger a little longer than usual. After clearing the dishes, he took my hand and led me to the bedroom. The lights were turned down to a warm, golden glow. He stopped just inside the doorway, turning to face me with his hands resting lightly on my waist.

“Change into the white cotton nightdress for me,” he said softly, his voice low and calm. “The one with the thin straps.” I felt a flicker of nervousness at the specific request, but I nodded and moved to the wardrobe. As I slipped into the soft fabric, I could feel his eyes following me. When I turned around, Nick was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching me with quiet intensity.

“Come here,” he murmured, patting the space beside him. I sat down, my bare thighs brushing against the cool sheets. Nick shifted closer until our bodies touched. His fingers gently tucked my hair behind my ear, then trailed slowly down the side of my neck, sending tiny sparks across my skin.

“Close your eyes,” he whispered. My heart fluttered. “Why?”

“Trust me. Just for a little while.” I hesitated, then let my eyelids fall shut. The world went dark, sharpening every other sensation — the sound of his breathing, the faint hum of the air-con, and the warmth of his body so close to mine. His touch remained feather-light as he traced the line of my collarbone and the thin strap of my nightdress. “You’re trembling,” he observed gently.