Spencer paused in kissing Thalia, looking down and gaping at her with a surprised look in his eyes.
Thalia was silent briefly before admitting softly, “I learned all of this from watching TV.”
“You...”
Spencer wanted to say something, but the words got stuck in his throat, leaving him unable to utter a single word.
He had always assumed that Thalia must have had a few boyfriends through the years since it was nothing out of the ordinary. Therefore, he had never harbored any unrealistic expectations. But upon hearing her admission right then, he was suddenly at a loss for a reaction.
Delight flooded him, but a sense of conflict overshadowed it.
He was not a conservative man. Instead, he was open-minded about such a thing. To him, meeting her again was a godsend blessing. At this moment, however, he really did not know what to do as he looked at her.
Seeing him staring at her, Thalia frowned. “What's wrong?”
Spencer's lips twitched slightly, seemingly having something to say yet hesitant to speak.
At that, Thalia asked, “Do you find me boring?”
“No, it's not that.”
“I may lack experience, but I'm a quick learner,” Thalia said.
Upon hearing that, Spencer immediately cut her off. “That wasn't what I meant.”
“Then?”
“I...” Spencer struggled to find the right words.
“What on earth is wrong with you?” Thalia asked.
At that moment, Spencer looked at her and held her tightly. “Nothing.”
Thalia was slightly taken aback. It did not seem as though he disdained her since he was the one who took the initiative to hug her then. Besides, she could sense how much he cherished her through his embrace. Still, something seemed off.
Thalia was somewhat puzzled. “What's wrong with you?”
“Nothing. Just let me hold you,” Spencer said softly, carefully pulling her into his embrace as though he were cradling a rare treasure.
Thalia did not move, simply allowing him to hold her. Leaning against his chest and listening to his strong and powerful heartbeat, she felt an indescribable sense of peace.
With that, time ticked by. Spencer seemingly did nothing more or planned to take things further.
Thalia wanted to say something, but she did not want to shatter the peace. It was rare for Spencer to hold her in such a manner, so it was something she had never experienced before. Deep down, she was already very much contented.
And so, drowsiness assailed Thalia while she was enveloped in Spencer's embrace. Unbidden, she gradually drifted off to sleep.
Only when the sound of even breathing drifted into his ears did Spencer realize she had fallen asleep. He looked down to find her curled up in his arms.
He knew it was a posture that revealed a deep sense of insecurity. She usually appeared carefree and untroubled, but at that moment, she looked just like a child, tugging at one's heartstrings.
Spencer scrutinized her. It was only at that moment while she was asleep that he could gaze upon her without restraint, setting free his feelings and longing toward her.
His brows furrowed and eased from time to time. As he looked at her, he wished time would stop at that very moment.
Ah, forget it! Who needs an eternity? I just want the present, seizing every moment!
At that thought, he leaned closer and gently kissed her ear. In the next moment, he held her tightly in his arms.
He closed his eyes, and a voice seemingly spoke to him from within.
Just act as if nothing ever happened, Spencer. Just be a liar and deceive her for a lifetime, using the rest of your life to make amends and reparations.
With that in mind, he slowly tightened his arms around her, hugging her even more firmly.
Meanwhile, Anthony was lying in bed in his room.
He tossed and turned, sleep eluding him.
He could not quite put his finger on it, but something felt off. His mind was filled with Kenneth's gaze and expression when the man looked at him.
He glanced up at the clock countless times. Never before had he found the night to be so long.
If Natasha were not such a sleep enthusiast, he might have gotten out of bed to look in on her right then and there.
Once again, he lifted his eyes and looked at the time. Let's wait for a while longer. Dawn is almost here.
And so, amidst such prayers, Anthony drifted off into a light slumber.
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