Three years of loving him, three days to erase myself from his world novel Chapter 229

Clara bit her lip, feeling entirely out of her depth. Truth be told, in the three years they had been together, they had never even shared a real kiss...

Assuming she just hadn't fully opened up to him yet, Julian didn't push it. He pressed a warm kiss to the top of her head and murmured huskily, "Your ankle is treated. Skip the shower tonight and get some rest."

Clara's eyes flickered; she hadn't actually planned on refusing him.

But hearing his words, she didn't know what to say. Obediently, she slid under the covers, her pale cheek resting perfectly against the plush pillow.

However, seeing that he hadn't left but instead sat casually on the edge of her bed, her heartbeat skyrocketed.

"Are... are you sleeping here tonight?"

Julian pulled a tissue to wipe his hands, looked down at her, and flashed a devastating smile. "Why? Do you want me to keep you company?"

Clara blushed furiously.

Julian chuckled and tossed the tissue into the trash, deciding to stop teasing her for the night. "I'll leave once you fall asleep."

Clara's chest tightened, melting completely at his words... He had never offered her this kind of sweet talk or gentle companionship before.

Everything that had happened tonight felt like a fairytale.

Clara gazed at him for a long moment, pouring all her unspoken affection into that single look. She didn't say another word, simply closing her eyes as her long lashes fluttered against her cheeks...

She was truly exhausted from the day's ordeal, and it didn't take long for her to drift off into a deep sleep.

Julian sat beside her in the quiet room, his intense gaze tracing the delicate features of her sleeping face.

He still had major work to finish and hadn't planned on staying, but in that moment, he felt an irresistible pull to remain right where he was.

Perhaps the atmosphere tonight was just too perfect, and Clara was undeniably captivating.

Men were visual creatures; in a moment like this, it was impossible not to feel moved by her beauty.

Julian's eyes darkened.

Just then, his phone buzzed. It was Arthur.

Julian glanced at the screen. Seeing the girl's delicate brows furrow at the noise, he quickly took the phone out to the balcony. Only after sliding the glass door completely shut did he answer. "What is it?"

Arthur didn't bring up the upcoming meeting with Professor Thorne. Instead, he dropped a different bomb.

"Mr. Lowell, I looked into the situation between Clara and the Colters. You were right—it was Dominic Jarrett. He went to the Colter estate right after you did."

"If she finds out about this, I'm afraid..." Arthur trailed off, leaving the implication hanging.

Julian narrowed his eyes, his expression turning dark and incredibly stormy. "Keep it strictly under wraps."

"Understood."

"..."

He hung up.

Julian set his phone down and lit a cigarette, glancing back into the room at the girl sleeping soundly on the massive bed. She looked so peaceful and docile.

His gaze darkened dangerously as he took a drag.

Once the chaotic memories of last night rushed back...

Remembering all the incredibly sweet moments with Julian and the bold things she had demanded...

Clara's face burned hot.

She covered her face with her hands, groaning inwardly—

Clara, you really outdid yourself!

But as she raised her hands, she noticed she wasn't wearing last night's clothes, but a sleek silk nightgown...

Who had changed her?

Startled, Clara sat bolt upright in bed. The terrifying possibility of who it might be made her face even hotter.

Just as she was practically steaming with absolute embarrassment, the bedroom door slowly opened.

Julian was already dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, looking every inch the elegant, untouchable aristocrat.

Seeing her awake with flushed cheeks, he easily guessed why and smiled knowingly. "Susan changed you."

Clara looked up at him, her face growing even warmer. Clutching the blanket tightly to her chest, she mumbled a flustered acknowledgment.

Julian narrowed his eyes, suddenly feeling the undeniable urge to tease her. When he spoke, his voice was slightly raspy. "What, did you think it was me?"

Clara bit her lip, desperate to change the subject, and threw off the covers to get out of bed. "No..."