The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 343

Sebastian was devastatingly handsome, exuded an extraordinary aura, possessed a noble status, and was mature and steady. Whether it was his appearance, his background, or his character, he was absolutely flawless.

It wasn't strange at all that she would fall for a man like that.

Right, it wasn't strange.

Riley reasoned with herself in her mind.

Having feelings wasn't something to be ashamed of.

Liking him didn't mean she had to act on it, and it certainly didn't mean they had to be together.

She was a mature woman who had been married and divorced. She could rationally control her emotions and clearly distinguish between fantasy and reality.

Liking Sebastian was just an illusory dream.

Keeping her distance and maintaining their current dynamic was reality.

Even though she was clear-headed and had thought it through thoroughly, Riley still suffered from insomnia that night. She tossed and turned until dawn broke, finally falling asleep only when her body couldn't fight the sheer exhaustion anymore.

It felt as though she had only just drifted off when she heard a knock on the door, followed immediately by Mrs. Gable's voice. "Riley, Mr. St. John is here."

Riley bolted upright in bed. Had she thought about Sebastian so much last night that she was having auditory hallucinations?

How could Sebastian possibly be here this early in the morning?

Beside her, a groggy Winona was also woken up. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and sat up slowly. "Why is Sebastian here so early?"

Riley was speechless.

It wasn't a hallucination. Sebastian really was here.

What should she do?

Should she hide?

The next second, Riley caught herself. So what if he was here? What was she hiding for?

It wasn't like he could read her mind anyway.

"Riley, are you awake?" Mrs. Gable's voice came through the door again.

Riley steadied her nerves and called out toward the door, "I'll be out as soon as I freshen up."

Winona checked the time on her phone, and her delicate brows immediately pulled into a frown. "It's only six. He didn't need to come this early just to pick me up, did he?"

Riley was confused. "He's here to pick you up?"

Winona blinked her sleep-heavy eyes. "Did I not tell you last night?"

Riley shook her head. "No."

Winona tapped her own forehead. "How could I forget? He said he was coming to pick me up and drop me off at campus today. But..." She leaned in close to Riley, her gaze filled with mischievous implication, "I bet he just used that as an excuse to come see you."

Flustered, she quickly scrambled out of his embrace. Not daring to look at him, she kept her eyes lowered and mumbled, "Mrs. Gable told me to call you for breakfast." She spun around and practically power-walked toward the dining room.

Watching Riley's shy, panicked retreat, a faint, almost imperceptible curve touched Sebastian's lips.

He followed her to the dining room. Noticing Winona's noticeably puffy eyes, his brows knitted slightly, and he asked, "Why are your eyes swollen?"

Winona, who was in the middle of taking a bite, choked and coughed twice. "...I drank too much water before bed last night." After saying that, she shot Riley a look, signaling her to keep her secret.

She absolutely could not let Sebastian know she had cried over a heartbreak. If he told her parents, they would be worried sick.

Riley handed Winona a glass of milk. "Eat slowly." She gave a subtle nod, silently promising not to say a word.

Winona smiled, her eyes communicating: You're the best.

Sebastian took in their silent exchange perfectly. It was women's business; since they didn't want to tell him, he naturally wouldn't pry.

Mrs. Gable was already quite intimidated by Sebastian, especially after witnessing him applying medicine to Riley in the middle of the night. She always felt like she had stumbled onto some deeply private secret, making her even more terrified of him now.

After setting all the breakfast dishes on the table, she immediately slipped back into the nursery to watch Alora.

The three of them ate breakfast in silence.

Riley had to go to work, so she ate rather quickly. Setting down her utensils, she looked at Winona and Sebastian. "I'm done. I'm going to head to the hospital first. Take your time eating."

Sebastian put down his utensils as well. "Wait a second. I'll go down with you."