The Wrong Woman

"Have you met that woman before?" Jasper asked.

"We haven't seen her in person. Her parents handled the negotiations," Gregory answered.

Jasper nodded in understanding upon hearing this. "Dad, everything is settled now. You should take some rest." "Okay, you should get to bed early too."

With that, Gregory retreated to his room, leaving Jasper slumped on the sofa, closing his eyes to rest.

Meanwhile, Imogen emerged from the bathroom and found Jasper reclined on the sofa, apparently asleep.

Approaching quietly, she leaned down and whispered, "Ash, don't sleep here, you—"

Before she could finish, Jasper opened his eyes.

Imogen stood frozen, her eyes locked onto Jasper's profound gaze.

His eyes shimmered with mystery and depth, their intensity captivating as he gazed into hers.

Imogen nervously cleared her throat before advising, "You shouldn't stay here; you might catch a cold. Take a shower before heading to your room to sleep." "Imogen."

"Yes?"

"Do you have any regrets?"

"Regrets about what?"

you regret marrying me so

guilt. "I should be asking you that question. You've been so good to me. Why would I regret anything? But given my family's circumstances and my

reached out slowly, tenderly clasping her delicate hand in his own. He gently

her hand. Her cheeks flushed crimson as

a shower," she murmured. "Do

a moment before

he let

while

Imogen gently

she murmured to herself, "Imogen, you're too easily flustered. Just holding hands with him and you're a bundle of nerves? How

As

wasn't even slightly overweight. So why were

palpable as she swiftly tucked the underwear

took a deep breath, followed by another, feeling a wave of heat flush through her

all." Carrying Jasper's clothes, Imogen approached the bathroom door and called out, "Ash, I've got your clothes. Can you open the door and take

glanced away, extending her arm to pass the clothes

clothes. After thanking Imogen, he gently closed the door behind him. That night proved restless for both of them, each consumed by their

clock