Chapter 13

• Adeline's POV
• The sun was shining on me as I tried to put together the events of what had transpired the previous night. I scanned the empty bed next to me and ran my hands over the sheets to make sure Ethan was there, but he wasn't. As I sat up, my mind filled with questions. Did he leave me? Did he regret it yesterday? My anxiety grew as I reached for my underwear that had been accidentally left on the side table. I knew I had to be ready because I could have just been another one-night stand, not that I'd have blamed him for treating me that way. I quickly dressed, grabbed my heels, and tiptoed down the stairs so as not to wake the butler if at all he was still around. But before I could get away, there was a big cough behind me that made me jump and my shoes fell. It was Ethan with a smug smile on his face. "Eat breakfast before you leave me?" he suggested with amusement in his voice. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I explained myself. "I thought you left me," I admitted, "and when I woke up, I didn't find you in bed."
• Ethan chuckled, clearly amused at my confusion. "Why do you have to sneak out looking like this?" he asked teasingly. My heart skipped a beat as Ethan approached me, his scent still lingering on his shirt. Despite my reservations, I suddenly felt the urge to throw myself into his arms again. For once, I didn't think I needed to hate men for their mistakes, their lies... As Ethan fed me a piece of bacon, he asked how my sleep was. I didn't think much of it until then, but it was one of the most peaceful nights I had ever experienced.