Becomes

Chapter 0096

Serena’s POV

“Sorry, Serena, I thought you were still upstairs,” he stammers.

I clear my throat. My back still turned to him and my eyes focused on the door as I try to regain my composure. “It’s okay, Bill. I just… wasn’t expecting that,” I manage to say, my voice slightly shaky.

There’s an awkward pause as neither of us knows quite what to say next. Bill is the first to break the silence, his voice echoing slightly in the tiled room. “I should have locked the door. I didn’t think you’d be coming down so soon.”

ו”

“I was just coming to take a bath,” I explain. I think I’ll… wait until you’re finished.” Bill quickly reassures me from behind, “Actually, I’m done already.” I hear the rustling of him drying off and getting dressed.

“Okay,” I reply, my voice still a bit shaky. Taking a deep breath, I finally turn around to enter the shower as Bill heads towards the door. He gives me a brief, awkward nod as he closes the door behind him.

Alone now, I step into the shower, letting the warm water start to wash over me. The steam fills the space, enveloping me in a humid embrace, but it does little to calm the flush of embarrassment that spreads across my cheeks.

I lean against the cool shower tiles, feeling their chill against my flushed skin. I let out a deep sigh and rest my forehead against the wall, closing my eyes. The image of Bill, just out of the shower, sticks in my mind. It’s been so long since I saw him that way. Things were so different between us then.

As I close my eyes and let the water surround me, I find myself hoping that Bill will be gone by the time I’m done. The thought of having to talk to him right now tightens a knot in my stomach.

I’m just not ready to face him yet.

Wrapped in my bathrobe, I step out of the bathroom feeling a bit more grounded. As I make my way down the hallway, a delicious smell catches my attention it’s the unmistakable aroma of frying bacon. Curious and a little hungry, I head towards the kitchen.

1/2

Chapter 0096

The smell of frying bacon gets stronger as I get closer to the kitchen, and my stomach grumbles loudly. I realize I haven’t eaten since yesterday afternoon.

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I reach the kitchen and stop short when I see Bill at the stove, flipping bacon. The unexpected sight sends a jolt through me, and I hesitate at the doorway, suddenly

unsure.

“I didn’t know you cook,” I say, trying to keep my tone light despite the tension.

Bill smiles and his eyes meet mine briefly. He’s mostly focused on not burning the bacon. “I picked it up after we… uhm,” he trails off. I understand immediately. He started cooking after I left. “Anyway, I hope you don’t mind. I just figured you might be hungry.”

“Thanks, that’s really thoughtful of you,” I say, feeling grateful for his effort. I take a seat at the dining table, watching him move around the kitchen.

As the toaster dings, Bill reaches over to grab the toast, adding it to the plates where he’s already neatly arranged the bacon and eggs. He brings the plate over and sets it in front of me with a slight chuckle. “Enjoy breakfast, even if it’s technically noon,” he jokes.

I laugh softly at his joke. “Well, it’s the most important meal of the day, no matter when you have it,” I respond, picking up my fork. “This really looks great.” I start to eat, feeling a bit more relaxed.

Bill grabs a plate for himself and sits down beside me. I notice the familiar scent of my soap on him. It makes me suddenly aware of how close he is. My heart beats a bit faster, and when his arm brushes against mine, I can’t help but shiver. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself and focus on the conversation we need to have.

“So, what happened last night?” he asks, looking at me expectantly.

Uh, oh. This is the conversation I’ve been dreading. I know I need to find the right words, but they seem to stick in my throat.

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