"It's better now," Rhysand said in a cool voice.
Ariel immediately stood up, rubbing her waist. She felt much better, but still super embarrassed.
Looking back, she saw Rhysand's face half-lit by the desk lamp.
His deep, black eyes were watching her, and she felt like he could see through her. Her cheeks burned.
"I'll… uh, go finish the laundry," she stammered.
Rhysand didn't say anything, just turned back to his laptop.
Ariel grabbed the folded shirt and placed it in the wardrobe.
The apartment wasn't fancy, but she didn't mind.
She was determined to make things work with Rhysand, even if they didn't have much right now.
She made the bed, then hesitated.
Should she sleep on the floor or with him? She glanced at Rhysand's back and said casually, "The bed's ready."
"I'm coming," Rhysand said, getting up to turn off the light.
Ariel hadn't expected him to actually join her in bed. She quickly climbed in, feeling super nervous.
As the lights went out, the room turned dark. She heard Rhysand's footsteps as he walked to the bed.
He took off his T-shirt and threw it to the side. In the shadows, his tall, muscular figure looked even more powerful.
Ariel's heart was pounding. Rhysand was nothing like Callum, the guy she used to know.
He was all cold and serious, with sharp features that made him seem almost untouchable. She was still trying to figure him out.
She remembered what her friend Jessica had said earlier that day, about guys like Rhysand.
Jessica always talked about how cold guys became super passionate when they let go.
Ariel pulled the quilt closer, feeling more nervous than ever.
Rhysand didn't talk much, but there was something about him that kept her on edge.
He looked fine in his clothes, but now that he had taken them off, she didn't know what to expect.
A cold, minty breath, mixed with his warmth, hit Ariel.
The man leaned down in the dark, kneeling on one knee next to the bed.
His hands pressed down on either side of her, his strong arms bulging.
The bed dipped under his weight, making a hollow space around her.
Ariel squeezed her eyes shut, her heart pounding.
His breath felt like a big net, trapping her with no way out.
"I have something to do and won't be back tonight. Don't wait for me," Rhysand's deep voice came from above.
Suddenly, the pressure on the bed lifted.
Ariel opened her eyes in surprise.
She saw Rhysand standing up, putting his jacket on with his back turned to her.
She was kinda relieved but also kinda disappointed. He was leaving her alone again.
"If you need anything, call me," Rhysand said, pressing a few buttons on her phone before walking out of the room.
As soon as the door closed, the room became super quiet.
Ariel sat up, staring at the dark window, feeling all sorts of mixed-up feelings.
He didn't want to touch her, probably thinking she was still in love with Callum, but that wasn't true at all.
She had broken up with Callum ages ago!
Ariel closed her eyes in frustration. It upset her that Rhysand misunderstood her and ignored her like that.
After lying down for a few minutes, she suddenly threw the covers off and sat up, feeling mad.
Why should she put up with this?
On their wedding night, he left her alone. And now, he was doing it again!
She didn't even want to do _that_ with him, but they could at least talk!
Ariel didn't like being ignored or misunderstood. She didn't even like Callum!
She helped him clean the room, pour water, tea, even washed his clothes!
And he didn't say anything about it!
Fuming, Ariel stomped over to the closet and yanked it open.
It was full of Rhysand's clothes—shirts, suits, even sportswear.
It used to be a mess, but she had folded everything nice and neat.
Looking at the neatly folded clothes made her even angrier.
If Rhysand thought she liked Callum, then why did he marry her?!