The car stopped outside Kane's building. He stepped out, straightening his jacket, then turned — and froze.
Elara was fast asleep, her head tilted to the side, lashes resting softly on her cheeks.
He sighed. "You really don't make things easy, do you, Elara?"
Opening the door, he leaned in and carefully scooped her into his arms. She stirred slightly, her hand brushing against his chest.
As they walked toward the elevator, her voice came out in a faint, sleepy whisper. "Mmm… you smell so good… so delicious…"
Kane stiffened mid-step, looking down at her in disbelief. "Elara—"
Before he could finish, she shifted closer, her lips brushing against his neck. The lightest kiss — but enough to send a shiver through him.
He inhaled sharply, holding her tighter so she wouldn't fall. "You're drunk," he muttered, half to himself. "You don't even know what you're saying."
The elevator doors opened, and moments later they were inside his penthouse. Kane gently pushed the door open with his shoulder and carried her to the guest room.
As he set her down on the bed, she blinked drowsily at him, eyes glassy. "Who are you?" she mumbled. " Why are you back . I won't give you my child…"
Kane froze, confusion flickering across his face. "Your… child?"
But Elara was already drifting again, lost in some drunken dream. He sighed, pulling the blanket over her.
"Sleep, Elara," he said softly. "You're safe here."
He turned to leave — but her fingers caught his tie, tugging him suddenly toward her. Their faces were just inches apart, her voice barely a whisper.
"I won't… this time," she murmured.
Kane's breath hitched, his heartbeat hammering. He looked at her — sleeping, fragile, beautiful — and slowly loosened her grip from his tie.
"Goodnight, Elara," he whispered.
____
Sunlight hit Elara's face, making her groan softly. She opened her eyes and froze.
This wasn't her room.
She sat up quickly, her head spinning a little. The place looked clean and expensive — grey walls, big windows, and a faint smell of Kane's cologne in the air.
Then everything from last night flashed back — the wedding, the drink, Kane carrying her, the way she'd kissed his neck.
"Oh no…" she whispered, covering her face. "Please tell me I didn't do that."
Her heels were placed neatly by the bed, and on the side table was a glass of water with a small note:
Rest. We'll talk later — K.
"Talk? No way," Elara muttered, slipping out of bed and quickly putting her things together.
The house was silent. She quietly opened the door and tiptoed through the hall, not wanting to bump into Kane. Her heart was racing the whole time.
When she finally reached outside, the cool morning air hit her face. She took a deep breath. "I'm never drinking again," she mumbled and waved for a cab.
As the car drove away, she looked out the window, trying not to think about the man she'd left sleeping upstairs.
But his scent… his voice… it still lingered.
She closed her eyes. "Just forget it, Elara. Forget it all."
But somehow, she knew she wouldn't.
__
Kane woke up to the sound of birds outside his window. The clock showed it was still early, but his head felt heavy. He ran a hand through his hair and remembered last night — Elara, barely able to stand, mumbling things that made no sense.
He stood up, straightened his shirt, and walked to the guest room. He knocked softly.
"Miss Vance?"
No answer.
He knocked again, a little louder this time. Still nothing.
Frowning, he turned the handle and stepped inside. The bed was empty, the sheets neatly folded. Her heels were gone, and so was she.
For a moment, Kane just stood there, staring at the quiet room.
"She left…" he muttered under his breath.
He sighed and walked back to his room, loosening his tie. A part of him felt relieved she was fine — but another part felt… disappointed?
As he got ready for work, his mind refused to stay still. Every time he tried to focus, flashes of last night came back — the warmth of her in his arms, the way she'd whispered, "I won't give you my child."
He paused, staring at his reflection in the mirror. "What did she mean by that?" he murmured.
The memory of her lips brushing his neck made him freeze. His heartbeat picked up again before he shook his head, trying to push the thought away.
"Get it together, Kane," he muttered, slipping on his jacket.
But even as he stepped out of his apartment, her words and that drunken kiss refused to leave his mind
Kane stepped out of his car, trying to bury his thoughts under his usual calm look. The morning breeze brushed against his face as he walked toward the glass doors of his office building.
Just as he reached for the handle, someone rushed out in a hurry — and before he could react, bam! they collided.
Papers flew everywhere.
"Oh, I'm so sorry—" Elara's voice trailed off as she looked up. Her eyes widened. "Mr. Willison…"
Kane blinked, caught off guard. "Elara."
For a moment, neither of them moved. The air between them felt heavy, awkward — almost like last night was standing right there with them.
She quickly knelt down to pick up her files, avoiding his eyes. "I didn't see you coming," she said softly.
"I noticed," Kane replied dryly, bending down to help. Their hands brushed for a second, and Elara instantly pulled hers back.
Kane's gaze lingered on her — the same soft brown hair, the faint scent he'd remembered all morning.
"You left early," he said, his tone calm but curious.
Elara straightened up, clutching the files to her chest. "I didn't want to bother anyone. I'm fine now."
Kane studied her for a moment, his jaw tightening. "Next time, at least leave a note."
She nodded quickly, avoiding his eyes again. "i hope there is no next , Mr. Willison."
He gave a small nod and stepped aside, letting her pass. But as she walked away, his eyes followed her — and he couldn't help but think of how easily she'd slipped out of his arms and out of his apartment, like a dream fading with daylight.