Chapter 9 To Sleep or Not to Sleep, That Is the Question!

Must be... a coincidence, right?

How could the password to Frederick’s house possibly be her birthday?

Rebecca was so lost in thought that she forgot her hand was still in Frederick's grasp as he led her to the dining table.

The food on the table had already gone cold.

Even so, the sight of the delicious dishes made Rebecca's stomach growl with hunger.

The sound of running water reached her ears as Frederick washed his hands, then took some milk from the fridge, poured it into a cup, and put it in the microwave.

“It’ll be ready soon…”

He handed Rebecca the warm cup, then turned to place the dishes into the oven to reheat them.

Soon, the dining room was filled with enticing aromas.

Rebecca stared at Frederick, somewhat entranced.

They say a gentleman stays out of the kitchen, but this was the first time she realized a man could be so charming while cooking.

Especially a man like Frederick.

“Not hungry anymore?”

Rebecca snapped back to reality and noticed the food was already heated.

She accepted the utensils Frederick handed her and casually said, “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have asked you to come back…”

Frederick paused.

Rebecca picked up a piece of meat for him, then took one for herself, eating in small bites as she spoke, “I should’ve gone to find you. You’d order the food, I’d rush to you, and by the time I arrived, the dishes would be ready. Light a candle, and it’d be a perfect candlelit dinner!”

Only then did she notice the candles on the table.

Frederick looked at the table, which could indeed be called a candlelit dinner, and his heart began to race. “So, you waited for me to come back just for this candlelit dinner.”

“Yeah…”

Rebecca nodded, her eyes fixed on the food in front of her. “Layla said, we don’t have to have a wedding or a banquet, but since it’s our wedding day, we should at least celebrate a little!”

“I think Layla’s right!”

Rebecca took a sip of milk, her lips forming a white mustache, and she raised her cup to Frederick. “Frederick, happy wedding day!”

His heart pounded faster.

Looking at Rebecca’s radiant smile, Frederick felt like he might have had too much to drink at dinner.

But he’d only had a few glasses.

And with his tolerance, that amount of alcohol wasn’t even a warm-up.

He casually picked up his wine glass and clinked it with Rebecca’s, taking a sip of champagne before speaking in a low voice, “It takes me twenty minutes to drive from the office to home. If I’m not home by six-thirty, don’t wait for me. Just eat without me!”

Rebecca nodded.

“But I’ll try to make it home so we can have dinner together.”

“Sure!”

“And if you’re not coming home, call me.”

“Okay!”

In the usually quiet villa, their conversation echoed.

Watching Rebecca, who maintained her elegance even when extremely hungry, and looking around the familiar yet suddenly foreign house, Frederick’s tense nerves gradually relaxed.

Rebecca sensed it immediately.

She’d bet correctly!

Even if it was a transaction, no one could refuse a sincere heart.

Even without love, she and Frederick could still be the best partners, right?

Her anxiety eased, and Rebecca enjoyed her meal even more.

But soon, Rebecca’s mood changed.

After dinner, they watched TV.

As the clock inched toward 11 PM, Rebecca grew restless.

Should she say she was going to her room first?

That might imply she wanted him to follow.

Should she ask if he wanted to shower first?

That would be too obvious.

Should she just go to her room without saying anything?

No way, that’s not how an employee treats their boss.

Before Rebecca could decide, Frederick stood up.

“It’s late…”

He tossed out the words and headed upstairs.

Rebecca was silent.

Her mind raced, and even after her shower, lying in bed, she couldn’t calm down.

Her inner voices battled fiercely.

Dark Becca smirked: Between a man and a woman, it’s natural to follow the rules of attraction and make love. Besides, you’re married now. What’s there to be nervous about? Sleeping with a man like Mr. Windsor is a win-win!

Light Becca blushed: Should I close my eyes when we kiss? And when it comes to that, should I subtly remind him about protection? Would that ruin the mood?

As the lights went out, Rebecca’s body tensed.

With vision impaired, her other senses heightened.

The faint scent of sandalwood.

The fresh smell of body wash.

And the minty freshness of toothpaste from their breaths.

Rebecca could hear her own heartbeat, loud and heavy like a drum.

“Rebecca?”

“Yes?”

“…Relax, I won’t force you. When you’re ready, I’ll…”

What does it mean for me to be ready?

And when that day comes, how will I show it? Should I just pounce on you?

Rebecca’s mind raced.

Frederick abruptly cut off, “...Sleep.”

He turned over.

Rebecca clutched the edge of the blanket tightly, not daring to move.

If she slept, she feared his words were just to calm her nerves.

If she didn’t sleep, she’d be exhausted.

Staring at the dark ceiling, Rebecca sighed deeply.

To sleep or not to sleep, that was the question!

Izzy once said, no man can resist temptation.

Unless he has erectile dysfunction.

Frederick with erectile dysfunction?

What a joke!

Earlier, she’d seen him coming out of the shower.

Even through the bathrobe, Rebecca could see his size.

Though inexperienced, she’d read plenty of comics over the years.

Frederick and erectile dysfunction were unrelated.

“Frederick…”

“Yes?”

“Do you snore, grind your teeth, or talk in your sleep?”

Rebecca heard Frederick’s breathing deepen and quickly changed the subject, “Can I play on my phone for a bit?”

“No.”

“Then… can you tell me a story?”

“…Rebecca, if you can’t sleep, I don’t mind doing something to help you sleep!”

Rebecca’s hair stood on end. In the dark, she turned over, scooting to the edge of the bed. “I’m really tired. I’ll fall asleep soon. Really!”

She clutched the blanket, a chasm forming between them.

Warm air from the heater brushed against his back, raising goosebumps.

In the darkness, Frederick’s eyes flickered.

The occasional cold breeze from the window moved the curtains, lifting a corner.

It brought in a chill and a sliver of moonlight.

Even so, he couldn’t believe everything that had happened today.

As Rebecca’s breathing steadied, Frederick exhaled and relaxed.

The next moment, Rebecca rolled over into his arms.