He pieced me back together, light as a breeze after a summer storm, soothing the aches of my past into quiet reconciliation.


    Suddenly, his cool,rge hand slid my skirt up to my thighs, his whisper grazing my ear, "Jane, where did your mind wander off to? Am I not doing this right?"


    I was nearly speechless, lifting my gaze to meet his bold face, feeling a soft warmth spreading within me. Leaning into his shoulders, I murmured, "I was thinking, Gregory, I think I''ve truly fallen for you."


    This wasn''t just a crush.


    Nor was it mere affection.


    It wasn''t even a lingering sentiment from childhood memories.


    It was me, here and now, genuinely falling for him.


    Hearing this, Gregory pinched my face, his tone fierce, "What do you mean? You mean to say you hadn''t fallen for me when you agreed to be my girlfriend?"


    "Of course not!"


    His grip contorted my face, but he was gentle enough not to cause pain, so I didn''t push him away. "I just misspoke, okay? Gregory, what I meant to say is, I''ve fallen for you even more."


    He gave me a sideways nce, "Even more?"


    "Are you not satisfied?"


    "That''s not it."


    Gregory smiled, "I just wonder, when will you hit the peak?"


    I curved my lips into a smile, "That depends on your performance. Keep it up."


    "Keep it up? I''m about to show you just how much I can ''keep it up.""


    Gregory, ever the charmer, let his hand wander further down my thigh, pausing as he bit down on his lip, "Why hasn''t your menstrual period ended yet?"


    My cheeks burned, and I swatted his hand away, "Seven days! It can''t just end up like that, otherwise, I''d be in the hospital by now!"


    Gregory closed his eyes in


    , scooped me up, andet


    s the dining room, "Im


    me


    hungry."


    Zoe had already prepared dinner, three dishes and a soup.


    My eyes lit up at the sight, turning to Gregory, "All my favorites?"


    In the summer heat, my appetite usually wanes.


    Emma never catered to my tastes when she cooked, making me eat even less.


    Thus, summer was always an unintentional diet season for me.


    Gregory chuckled, "Am I doing enough now?"


    "You are!"


    I happily took my seat, serving myself two bowls of mushroom soup, devouring it eagerly.


    This was favoritism in its purest form.


    He always put my feelings, my experiences, my mood, and my needs first.


    The doorbell suddenly rang.


    As I got up to answer it, Gregory ced a hand on my shoulder, "Enjoy your meal, I''ll get it."


    Upon opening the door, Ike rushed in.


    "Uncle Gregory!!"


    Though he called for Gregory, he


    zoomed


    into


    past him,unching himself


    arms, "Auntie Jane! Ike


    you!"


    Gregory''s lips twitched at the sight. of the


    Si le charmer, then turned t at the door, "Did you bel


    the man


    sister?" Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    call my


    "No."


    Herbert''s voice was calm, then he added, "Could you give me Edith''s current hotel room number?"