*****
Stella’s POV:
At that moment, I was completely swept up in the tide of his embrace, unable to discern the deeper meaning behind his words. I couldn't even utter a single syllable, only clinging tightly to the thick pillow as I moved with his rhythm.
Afterward, he didn't say anything more. We simply drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.
The pungent smell of smoke jolted me awake.
He was leaning against the bedside, smoking a cigarette, his chiseled upper body bare. I glanced at the French windows; the curtains were still drawn, obscuring any indication of whether dawn had broken.
Turning back to the man who was still smoking, I asked, "Are you taking a day off today?"
Winter days dawned late. Usually, he would have already left for the office by this hour.
"I'll head to t
