The first thing Ella noticed when she stirred was the faint ache pressing behind her eyes.
Her lashes fluttered open to the sight of the familiar glass chandelier across the ceiling. The room was dimly lit.
It took her a moment to register her surroundings before she realized that she was back in her bedroom, in the Eve Mansion.
Ella shifted slightly on the bed, only to freeze in the next moment when her movements were obstructed.
Ella's gaze wandered to her right. Her fingers were wrapped around a firm hand that enveloped hers.
Adrian was sitting beside her on the bed, his sleeves rolled up, one hand wrapped around hers while the other… stirred a bowl that was placed on the bedside table.
The scent of ginger and scallions filled the quiet space.
"Awake?" Adrian didn't look at her immediately. His posture was composed, but there was a certain stillness to his presence.
One that she used to find unnerving before but weirdly enough, it felt comforting now.