"......!"

Laila witnessed the recent events unfold before her eyes, yet comprehension eluded her. Her pensive mind, frozen in thought, belatedly began to grasp the meaning behind his actions.

Cain gently pressed his lips against her hand. This gesture transcended the formalities of a mere greeting between a man and a woman in a public setting. Nor did it contain the tender sentiments exchanged between lovers. What could it be? Laila's mind grew tangled and frozen, while Cain lifted his head nonchalantly.

"Worry not, and rest once more. I shall remain by your side until you drift back to slumber."

"No, there is no need for that."

Laila swiftly regained her composure and responded. Of course, a part of her wouldn't have minded if Cain had chosen to stay. Her fear stemming from the events with Rose had not yet dissipated, even if she were to lock the doors. It seemed unlikely that she would find sleep.

Nevertheless, it was out of the question. This would burden Cain far too much. No matter how resilient a man he may be, he could not overcome the fatigue accumulated from extended travels. It weighed heavily on her as well.

The moment Laila refused, Cain swiftly swept her up in his arms. Startled, she was carried to the bed and gently set down.

"Rest now. I, too, need respite."

"......"

Laila attempted to rise again, but Cain's words caused her body to tremble. Witnessing the firmness in his gaze, she understood the futility of persuasion. Once the conflict was resolved by another's will, an unexpected tranquility settled within her. There was nothing else that could bring her as much solace as his presence by her side.

"Thank you."

Laila shyly smiled, nestling her body beneath the covers. The tingling sensation on her lips gradually faded away.

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***

Laila awakened with a sense of something stirring in her subconscious. She slowly lifted her eyelids, revealing the dimly lit ceiling of Cain's room, or rather, their newlywed chamber. It was late at night, yet a single candle burned, casting a gentle glow that kept the darkness at bay.

Laila turned her head gradually, and as her eyes beheld the unfamiliar sight beside her, a glimmer of light danced in her cloudy gaze.

Cain had brought a chair and sat beside the bed. His head was inclined at an angle, and seeing his closed eyes, it appeared that sleep had claimed him. His crossed arms seemed to support his weary body, while his legs extended gracefully, stretched out before him.

The way his forehead met the descent of his bangs exuded an air of tidiness, far more dignified than when he had been awake. With his eyes shut, his sharp features and captivating facial structure softened with a subtle transformation. The amalgamation of masculine allure and childlike innocence in his countenance evoked a smile from Laila.

"It seems I prevented you from going to study," she said.

Having fallen asleep while intending to go, he must have been exhausted.

Laila gingerly rose from the bed, careful not to disturb his slumber.

Observing him uncomfortably lost in sleep, a surge of emotions overwhelmed her. Gratitude, remorse, and a sense of security mingled with an elusive, unidentified sentiment.

No one had ever endured such discomfort on her behalf. No one had shown her such care and protection. She found herself growing increasingly attentive to this person who remained by her side. The reason she couldn't grasp Cain's actions that went beyond the boundaries of a husband on paper was the root cause of her confusion.

Merely entertaining such thoughts made Laila feel as though she were committing a sin. The man before her was none other than Cain Vanderbilt, someone she could never reach—a person from a distant, unreachable world. She must not harbor any greedy desires. What kind of woman would his true wife be?

A spark ignited deep within her core, as flames crackled and flickered. In the moment when the shadows swayed with the light's creation, Cain's head slowly inclined and abruptly dropped. Ah, while Laila internally empathized, he opened his heavy eyes and gradually straightened his neck.

His eyes, still drowsy and unawakened, finally beheld Laila. As he realized she was sitting upright, his blue eyes narrowed swiftly.

"Why... aren't you sleeping more?" his voice, low and drawn-out, was directed at Laila.

"I woke up on my own," Laila faintly smiled and replied.