Yes

"Are you still thinking?"

Leonid raised an eyebrow in surprise; he hadn't expected such a response. But Charlotte's way of answering reassured him that she wasn't hiding anything from him especially since what occupied her mind now was his earlier question at the luxurious jewelry store.

"Umm..."

Charlotte clasped her hands together, mumbling shyly as she tried to meet his gaze.

Unknowingly, a soft smile formed on Leonid's lips as he watched her struggle with her embarrassment until she finally managed to look directly into his eyes.

He slowly released her waist and took her hand while his other hand continued to gently caress her cheek.

"Alright then, please answer properly."

Leonid lowered his silver lashes, his icy blue eyes locking onto Charlotte's as they finally steadied. At that moment, the heat between them rose, their noses brushing, their breaths mingling.

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

"I'm really eager to hear your answer."

Leonid closed his eyes for a brief moment before opening them slowly, glancing at her lips before returning his gaze to her eyes.

This time, his calmness was different like he was truly anticipating every second of her response.

"I'll ask you again. Will you wear this necklace… until we live under the same roof?"

A brief silence settled between them before Charlotte cleared her throat softly and spoke in a shy voice.

"I can…"

Leonid's eyes widened slightly, as if he hadn't expected to hear that word from her so easily. For the first time, he felt a real stir in his heart. He pulled back slightly, studying her features, as if trying to confirm whether she truly understood what she had just said.

"I'm asking for an honest answer, Charlotte… Is this the truth you've been thinking about?"

In a rare surge of emotion, he gently let go of her hand and raised his other palm to cradle her cheeks. Charlotte felt a slight shiver course through her as her lips parted again, this time her voice clearer.

"Yes. I'll wear it… until we live under the same roof."

"My God~"

A small chuckle escaped Leonid's lips, as if her words had completely shaken his world. For a moment, he felt something akin to gratitude something unfamiliar to him.

He gently brushed his thumb over her cheek before leaning in to place a warm kiss on her forehead. Then another on her temple, followed by a soft peck at the tip of her nose.

They were random kisses, yet they overflowed with tenderness and sincerity.

Charlotte instinctively closed her eyes at his affectionate attacks. She wasn't used to this level of intimacy, but each of his touches left a lingering warmth, as if he was imprinting himself on her, making her melt.

When he finally stopped, she slowly opened her eyes, her dark gaze meeting his filled with something unusual for him: gratitude, though still carrying its usual intensity.

Leonid watched her in silence before a sly smirk tugged at his lips, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

"You know…"

He leaned in, his lips almost grazing her ear as he whispered.

"This means you've accepted marrying me."

"What?!"

Charlotte's eyebrows shot up as if she was trying to process his words.

Marriage?

She blinked repeatedly, staring into space, as if reanalyzing reality.

Marriage… to him?

Her eyebrow twitched slightly, and her face twisted into an expression of discontent. How could this happen? She had only agreed to wear the necklace… until they were under the same roof… But wait, didn't that mean marriage?

But they had just started dating!

Her eyes widened, and she quickly raised her hands to push him away, but Leonid was faster. He cupped her cheeks between his palms, pressing them gently, making her lips pout in the middle.

"Wait…!"

A soft chuckle escaped his lips.

"What's wrong, darling~?"

At that moment, he knew she had finally grasped the deeper meaning of his words clear as day. Amused by her flustered reaction, he lifted her chin slightly, forcing her to look at him.

With a voice soft yet dripping with allure, he murmured.

"Don't you like the fact that you've fallen under my spell, darling~?"

"This—!"

"Well, no matter. It's not important."

Suddenly, without warning, he wrapped his arms around her waist and effortlessly lifted her off the ground, carrying her toward her room.

"I was just joking."

But the playful glint in his eyes told her that, in reality, he wasn't joking at all.

"Stop messing with me!"

Charlotte pounded his shoulder with her small fists, but she quickly clung to him when she felt his firm steps carrying her steadily toward the bedroom. Despite the pout on her lips, the warmth of his body against hers left her breath hitching for a second.

His heat was overwhelming, and those sculpted muscles pressed against her soft curves, leaving her no room to escape.

"I'm not messing with you. It's the truth."

"And where exactly is this 'truth' you're talking about?!"

Her eyes burned with irritation, but all she received in response was a smirk, as if he was enjoying her futile resistance.

"The truth, my darling… "

He paused, lifting his head to meet her gaze before his voice dropped into a low, seductive murmur.

"…is that we're both drawn to each other… and isn't it only natural for us to end up as a married couple?"

Silence enveloped Charlotte for a moment before her cheeks flushed under his honeyed words. She pushed at his chest forcefully, trying to break free from his arms.

"You're annoying!"

She cried out in embarrassment.

But instead of backing off, Leonid let out a chuckle and used her impulsiveness against her, pulling her even closer to his chest.

"You know? That's what I like about you the way you try to act like you don't enjoy it, even though your eyes tell me everything."

Charlotte gasped, feeling the heat rise to her ears. She couldn't find the right words to counter him, so she fell silent while Leonid watched her, his gaze brimming with amusement and intrigue.

"My darling, you are completely exposed~."

Leonid pushed the bedroom door and headed towards the bed, before turning around and holding her tightly, then lying on his back, keeping her on his chest.

"Wait!"

Charlotte screamed as she clung to his clothes the moment he threw himself onto the bed mattress, feeling the vibrations between their bodies, making her blush even more, unable to lift her head to face him.

"Shh..."

Leonid mumbled and gently patted her back, as if soothing a small child.

"Sleep now, it's the afternoon... Let's rest together."

Charlotte felt the heat creeping inside her, every touch, every movement, every whisper. Everything has a magical effect on her.

"I... don't want to sleep."

She finally lifted her head to look at him, but Leonid's eyes were already looking at her, with a depth she couldn't escape from.

"Then.. "

He raised his arm and ran his fingers through her chestnut hair, before continuing to whisper in a low tone.

"Just stay lying down as you are."

Charlotte bit her lip, her heart pounding with the weight of his words. His voice was so serious, so intimate. His warmth seeped into her skin, wrapping around her gently.

"I..."

Charlotte hesitated, unsure of what to say, feeling shy.

A soft smile curled on Leonid's lips as he continued to slowly run his fingers through her chestnut hair, his calm movements making her relax against his chest.

"Don't overthink it again, Charlotte."

His voice was a warm whisper against her forehead.

"Just relax."

Leonid shifted slightly, adjusting his position to tighten his hold around her waist, pulling her closer. The movement sent a new wave of warmth flooding through her, causing her fingers to instinctively cling to his shirt.

She rested her cheek against his chest, her eyes partially closed as his fingers gently moved through her hair. Over time, and amidst the calm, her heartbeat gradually slowed, and she slowly returned to her balance.

As she was about to drift off, Charlotte silently reflected on the warmth she was feeling again.

Did Leonid sense her unease? After thinking...

She no longer felt safe after seeing that man in the hallway this morning.

How should she act now? Maybe today she felt at ease, but tomorrow... no one would be beside her. Leonid would have to go to work, while she stayed alone in her apartment.

Her grip tightened on his shirt, and she sighed deeply before burying her face further into his chest.

Each time she sank into her thoughts, it felt as though she was losing her mind.

Why did he appear? Why is he following her? Should she have ignored him from the start? Wait, could this be because of her words? Then, should she apologize?

Her eyes widened suddenly at the thought of apologizing, as if she couldn't believe she was considering it.

"This is crazy."

She whispered softly, causing Leonid to open his eyes slightly, but he didn't say a word.

He stopped running his fingers through her hair and gently patted her back as she drowned in self blame.

She shouldn't have gone to that park in the first place. What did she gain after entertaining that puppy?

Charlotte slightly moved her head and looked at Hunter, who was lying beside them on the bed.

No.

She slowly shook her head, then closed her eyes and settled back into Leonid's embrace.

She shouldn't blame an innocent animal, that's wrong.