Ivy reluctantly pulled away first, lifting her gaze to meet his. Her eyes fluttered shut for a brief moment as his fingers grazed her cheek, tenderly tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"You should get some sleep," Roderick murmured as he withdrew his hand.
Ivy offered a faint hum in response, her lips curving in a subtle, bittersweet smile. Turning on her heels, she disappeared into the bedroom, leaving him behind. Closing the door gently, she leaned against it, her chest rising and falling as if trying to steady her thoughts.
The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting faint shadows on the walls. Her gaze wandered across the space before she pushed herself away from the door and made her way to the washroom.
The sound of running water filled the silence as she freshened up, splashing cool water over her face in an attempt to silence the flutter in her chest.