POV: Ava Ren
I was so careful.
I opened the door s-l-o-w-l-y, inch by inch, praying it wouldn't creak. I peeked out into the hallway like a spy in one of those late-night dramas I binge on during exam breaks.
Clear.
Thank goodness.
Still barefoot, I tiptoed out of Alexroom, pulling the oversized hoodie—his hoodie, obviously—tight around me like it could make me invisible.
One step. Two steps. Almost there. Just a few more to the stairs and I'd make it back to my room—
"Ahem."
I froze.
Then slowly—slowly—turned my head.
Three maids, one chef, and two bodyguards were standing there like a full-on welcome committee. All of them grinning. Smug. Suspiciously wide-eyed. Chef Li was even holding a tray of fresh croissants like this was a meet-and-greet.
I blinked. "Oh… hi?"
"Good morning, Mrs. Ren," the oldest maid said sweetly.
The others nodded enthusiastically.
I blinked harder. "What a coincidence! You're all up early!"
The youngest maid snorted into her apron.
"I was just… um…" I pointed backward at the hallway. "Getting a book! From the… uh… bookshelf. Near his room. That doesn't exist."
Dead silence.
Then—
The chef cracked first. "You know, I used to think Mr. Ren's room was soundproof," he said thoughtfully. "But now I know it's not. Because I heard tiny sobs and then footsteps and then a very dramatic 'I had a dream and you were gone!'"
I gasped. "You eavesdropped?"
"We were worried!" one of the bodyguards defended. "Thought a cat got into the mansion again. Turns out, just Mrs. Ren sneaking into her husband's room for emotional support. Very romantic."
"Oh my gosh," I muttered, tugging the hood over my head. "Can you all un-see this, please?"
"But you look so cute," one of the maids gushed. "You're glowing!"
"She is glowing," another agreed. "Marriage looks good on her."
I groaned, face burning. "Please stop."
"You're welcome for the croissants," Chef Li added, handing me one with a wink. "Fresh from the oven. For our favorite daughter-in-law."
I snatched the croissant and muttered something unintelligible into it as I half-sprinted toward the stairs.
Behind me, I could still hear them whispering.
"She stayed the night!"
"Did they cuddle?"
"I bet he smiled. He probably smiled."
I reached the hallway, closed the door to my room behind me, and leaned against it, cheeks flaming, heart thudding.
This mansion was never going to let me live.
And honestly?
I didn't mind one bit.