Christian looked at Anastasia and his gaze softened without him realizing.
Like he was staring at a treasure trove dressed up as a woman.
Then, suddenly, he spoke.
"I want to show my appreciation for all this… Can I?"
Anastasia's golden eye narrowed slightly in suspicion.
But in the end, she only smiled and gave a small nod.
And Christian didn't miss a beat.
Still holding her hand, he gently tugged — and pulled her into his arms, wrapping her in a firm, warm hug.
Her body, petite and soft, pressed against his chest.
He closed his eyes, exhaled slowly, and said in a voice quieter than before, "Thank you, really."
Christian was content. Genuinely happy with how the day had gone.
But Anastasia — who had been taken advantage of once again — didn't seem to share the same mood.
She looked like she was on the verge of eruption. Her shoulders were stiff, her eyes twitching.
And yet… she didn't erupt.
