Holding the same position for so long—even for someone trained in martial arts—will make your arm ache. Nolan Arden quietly massaged his sore hand.
Serena Feng curled up in his arms like a kitten, looking so adorable. He didn’t mind holding her all night, but he wanted to shift his position or at least relieve his aching arm. If he ran into danger tomorrow, he’d be in no shape to defend himself.
He moved his arm slightly, and when Serena didn’t object, Nolan gradually made bigger adjustments. But soon he realized something was off—she was far too quiet.
Looking down, Nolan’s usually stern face softened with a tenderness he didn’t notice himself. "You really are..." She’d just fallen asleep in his arms. Was it because she trusted him too much, or did she simply not see him as a man?
Does Serena not realize that a man and woman alone together in a room, in such an intimate position, could lead to all sorts of things? And no matter what happened, Serena would be the one at a disadvantage.
Nolan carefully adjusted his posture, preparing to carry Serena to the bed, when he saw her face streaked with tears.
She had been crying!
She’d cried for half the night in his arms, and he hadn’t even noticed. Nolan felt a sharp pang in his chest. He’d seen plenty of beauties shed tears, but never had anyone’s silent weeping hurt him the way Serena’s did.
To cry in front of him without being noticed—Serena’s tears made no sound at all, just quietly falling. That kind of suppressed sorrow made Nolan’s heart ache.
Nolan unconsciously tightened his hold on Serena.
Serena, what happened? What could hurt you so much?
Serena, who hurt you?
The tenderness vanished from Nolan’s face, replaced by coldness and a murderous air.
Only he was allowed to bully Serena.
He carefully placed Serena on the bed and, a bit clumsily, pulled the covers over her. Though Nolan was reluctant, he decided to leave.
He needed to find out exactly who Serena met in the palace and what happened. He didn’t believe she would cry in his arms for no reason.
Nolan was brimming with murderous intent, but just as he turned to leave, he stopped!
Don’t—don’t leave me. I don’t want to be alone, I don’t want to be alone." Serena unconsciously grabbed Nolan’s robe, her voice still hoarse from crying, sounding so pitiful—completely different from her usual strength and confidence.
So fragile, so timid, so pitiful. Nolan usually hated women like this, but somehow, seeing Serena so helpless, he couldn’t bring himself to dislike her at all.
A strong woman showing weakness makes her even more heartbreaking—impossible to refuse.
Alright, I won’t go.' Let those people enjoy their peace for one more day—he simply couldn’t harden his heart against Serena like this.
It was late. Serena was asleep, and Nolan didn’t plan to just sit there all night. Staying up wasn’t a big deal for him, but if he could sleep, he would. Serena’s bed was big enough…
He blew out the lamp, took off his boots, and lay down fully clothed. Serena’s bed was a bit cramped for two, but it didn’t matter—they only needed the space of one person.
Nolan reached out and pulled Serena into his arms. With a slight turn, half of Serena’s body ended up draped over him. She was so docile—not only didn’t she resist, she even obediently rubbed his waist.
In the darkness, you could just make out Nolan’s faintly upturned lips and the smile he couldn’t hide in his eyes.
Outside, Mira Tang and Jada Tang kept watch. When they saw Serena’s lamp go out, they yawned and went back to their own rooms.
Looks like the double-dose calming soup worked. Seeing how troubled Miss looked earlier, I was worried she wouldn’t sleep tonight.
Uh… Nolan’s smile faded a little. So Serena fell asleep in his arms mostly thanks to the calming soup, not him.
Nolan sighed and tightened his hold on her.
Sleep, sleep… tomorrow there’s a mountain of things to do.
The two of them lay together like an old married couple, perfectly at ease. For convenience, Serena used Nolan’s arm as her pillow.
So… the next morning, Nolan could only eat with his left hand—his right arm was still numb. Prince Titus of Lyndaria thought Nolan had been attacked last night and subtly suggested he could use Titus’s name to call Serena over and have her bandage him.
If she could help him walk again, surely she could handle a minor injury.
Nolan ignored Prince Titus, kept his face cold, and went to the study. When no one was looking, he discreetly acupressed a few points on his arm. Once he was sure the numbness was gone, he calmly handled his official duties—and quietly ordered an investigation into every word Serena heard in the palace yesterday.
Nolan really was Nolan—injured yet acting completely normal. Thank goodness I’m his friend, not his enemy; having an enemy like that would be terrifying.' Because of this, Prince Titus finally gave up the idea of ever opposing Nolan. Even later, when he had opportunities to seize power for himself, he let them go.
To make an enemy of someone as tough as Nolan would be foolish. He had no desire to become another Prince Terrence.
Serena woke up in the morning to find herself still fully dressed on the bed. Thinking back on last night, she wished she could turn back time.
Oh God, I was so embarrassing! Is it because autumn’s here and I’m getting sentimental? Serena really couldn’t figure out why she was so upset yesterday—the whole thing was long past.
Those people abandoned her, and she abandoned them right back. She’d been fine all these years, barely ever thinking of her parents, but yesterday… Serena silently looked up at the sky.
Crying was bad enough, but why did she have to run into Nolan—and cry in his arms, no less? So embarrassing!
Miss, are you alright?' Jada Tang and Mira Tang came in carrying wash water. Seeing Serena’s wrinkled outer robe, they tactfully didn’t ask questions, though in their hearts they wondered if someone had come by last night—yet they hadn’t heard a sound.
I’m fine.' Serena sighed, got up, and let her two maids help her wash and change. After breakfast, she was completely over what had happened yesterday.
Like a bird leaving no trace, only she and Nolan knew what happened last night. Given Nolan’s personality, he’d never bring it up, so she decided to act as if nothing had happened.
Do I have anything to do today?' Yesterday, after leaving the palace, she’d felt lost and heartbroken, trapped in memories of being abandoned by family. But today she finally felt better. Serena decided to keep herself busy so she wouldn’t dwell on it again…
Last night was an accident. She absolutely wouldn’t let it happen again.