Later that night, Kris was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling Alden had dropped him off about two hours ago after they'd gone to the hospital to have his wound restitched, but sleep had been playing hide and seek with him. Couple that with his freshly aching shoulder and the fact that he missed Thalassa like hell.

It was funny. Thalassa's room was two doors away from his but despite the distance, when she was home, he could always feel her presence, which gave him some comfort.

But tonight, knowing she wasn't in her room, he felt so damn lonely. Was she thinking about him? Did she miss him as much as he missed her?noveldrama

After tossing and turning for another hour, a thought occurred to him.

It was reckless-something he knew would piss Thalassa off if she found out. But he couldn't help himself.

Before he could talk himself out of it, Kris pushed back the covers and climbed out of bed. Stepping out of his room, he moved until he reached the door to Thalassa's room. Placing his hand on the doorknob, he hesitated for a moment. Then, slowly, he turned it and stepped inside.

Her room was dark, illuminated only by the soft glow of moonlight streaming in through the curtains.

Kris moved toward the bed, and after tossing his phone onto the nightstand, he slowly lowered himself onto the mattress. As soon as his face hit the pillow, her scent infused his senses. Everything in the room smelled like her- soft, floral, intoxicating. He cradled the pillow close to him, burying his face in it. Since he couldn't have her this close, he would make do with this for now.

In his room, he hadn't been able to sleep a wink, but here, enveloped by her scent, sleep finally welcomed him.

The next morning, Kris was jolted awake by the shrill sound of his phone ringing. Groggily, he blinked his eyes open and glanced at the screen. He tensed when he saw the name flashing across it.

His mother.

His thumb hovered over the answer button for a few seconds before he finally answered. "Mother?"

"Kris! Finally!" His mother's sharp voice rang out. "You finally answered. I've been so worried. I heard about you getting shot."

Kris frowned, sitting up in the bed. "How did you find out?

As far as he knew, they had ensured that the police kept everything under wraps so it didn't gain media attention.

"Does that really matter?" she questioned. "Kris, do you hate me so much that you would hide something like this from me?"

Kris blew out a breath, running his hand through his hair. "Of course I don't hate you. I just didn't want to worry you."

((

"As if not answering my calls will make me worry less," his mother scoffed. After a brief pause, she asked, Thalassa had something to do with you getting shot, didn't she? That woman is dangerous, Kris. Why don't you realize that?" "Don't start, Mom," Kris pursed his mouth into a grim line. "Thalassa had nothing to do with it. This wasn't her

fault." He let out a sigh. "Why did you call, Mom?"

His mother's tone shifted, becoming more desperate. "Kris.. I need your help. My fashion house-it's sinking. All the investors have pulled out. The board members are telling me to declare bankruptcy, but I can't! I can't lose everything I've worked so hard for." Guilt pricked at Kris. After his confrontation with his mother at the Fashion Awards show, he had barely talked to her, much less discussed the crisis her company was facing

"I know you think I was behind what happened to Thalassa's collection," his mother continued. "But I swear, son, I wasn't. It wasn't me. You have to believe me."

"I know, Mom," Kris admitted.

His mother paused. "You do?"

"Yes," he said quietly.

"I knew it! I knew that woman planned everything to gain public sympathy and to destroy my business!"

"Thalassa didn't plan anything, Mom," Kris hissed, then lowered his voice. "She even thought that I was the one behind it, but we found out a few days ago that it was someone close to her who had the dresses destroyed."

He shut his eyes tightly as more guilt clawed at him. "I... I'm sorry, Mom. I shouldn't have doubted you. You told me it wasn't you, and yet I refused to listen. I know I hurt you, and I'm really sorry."

"I'm glad you finally know the truth." His mother's voice trembled, and Kris realized she was crying. "I'm really glad. But, Kris... the things you said to me... they were really hurtful. You called me a disappointment. Do you know what hearing that from a son does to a mother?" Kris's heart clenched with regret. "Forgive me, Mother. Please."

There was a brief silence on the other end before his mother spoke again. "You should've come to see me to apologize, son. It feels like it's been forever since I last saw you, but I'll forgive you, Kris... on one condition."

Kris sucked in a breath. "What is it?"

"You have to make sure the truth comes out," she said firmly. "My fashion house is on the verge of bankruptcy because of all the lies that were spread about me. If the public finds out the truth-that Thalassa's collection was sabotaged by someone close to her and not by me-then I can save my company. You need to make sure she reveals the truth."

Kris froze, realizing the implication of what his mother was asking him. But before he could respond, he heard. the sound of footsteps approaching, followed by Thalassa's voice.

"Mom, I need to go," Kris said, immediately hanging up the call.

He began to panic. If Thalassa found out that he slept in her room, she was definitely going to kick him out of the house for invading her privacy.

Quickly, he smoothed the bed and arranged the pillows as best as he could and rushed to the balcony door, slipping out onto the balcony just as the door to the room opened. Peeking through the gap in the balcony door, he saw Thalassa walking in with her phone pressed to her ear.

"I'll come see you soon, I promise," she spoke softly into the phone. Then, after pause, she chuckled softly and added, "Yes, I promise....I love you too, Alex."

Kris felt like he'd been stabbed through the heart. I love you?

Who the hell was she talking to?