Chapter 56 : Beside you

The bathroom was silent except for the sound of water running.

Shirley stood frozen under the stream, droplets sliding down her skin.

Lumian's presence lingered at the doorway, his gaze unreadable.

"I said, you can either leave and wait," he repeated, tilting his head slightly, "or you can stay."

The words sent an involuntary shiver down Shirley's spine.

Her hands twitched at her sides.

Something about the way he said it—so casual, so indifferent—made her chest tighten.

She wasn't sure why.

But it did.

She exhaled slowly.

"Fine."

She turned her back to him and continued her shower.

There was a brief pause before she heard the rustling of fabric.

Her pulse quickened.

Then—

The sound of Lumian stepping into the shower behind her.

Shirley didn't move.

She could feel him.

Not touching her.

Not speaking.

But there.

His presence alone was overwhelming.