Yasmine wouldn't face him, not when Boyd was around, but the next moment, Boyd pulled back the covers and lay down next to her.
She scooted back slightly, only to be stopped by Boyd's firm grip around her waist. "What are you going to do?"
Boyd inched closer, whispering, "To sleep."
Yasmine frowned, attempting to turn away, but his hold was unyielding. "Boyd," her voice held a warning note.
Unfazed, Boyd looked up at Yasmine with puppy-dog eyes. "I didn't sleep last night."
This sudden shift left Yasmine dumbfounded. Was this guy for real? A grown man, playing the sympathy card in front of her?d2
Taking advantage of her momentary shock, Boyd nuzzled closer, eyes closed, pulling her waist toward him.
Yasmine stiffened, "Boyd!"
"Let's just sleep a bit more. Lack of rest ages you quick."
Yasmine was speechless.
After a few futile attempts to break free, Yasmine resigned to her fate and drifted off again.
Only when her breathing became steady did Boyd dare to open his eyes, red and weary. He watched her, blinking as little as possible, holding his breath as if even his breath could shatter the precious moment before him. It had been too long since he had the chance to observe her peacefully, up close. This scene was too precious and beautiful.
Yasmine woke up around eight, later than usual. Boyd lay quietly by her side, his face showing signs of fatigue despite the rest. Time had marched on over two decades, pushing everyone forward.
She pursed her lips, shifted, and found she could move again. She slipped out of bed, grabbed her shoes, and went to freshen up in another room.
After ensuring she was gone, Boyd slowly opened his eyes. He couldn't sleep, not with Yasmine so peacefully in front of him. He didn't want to let her go, but knowing her temper, he wouldn't get away with it for long.
She had allowed him to stay by her side, and that made him happy. He was greedy, but this was enough.
After lying still for a while, Boyd got out of bed too.
Yasmine had just finished freshening up when she found Boyd waiting, visibly more worn than before. She gave him a cold glance, "What do you want?"
"Where are you heading today? I can drive you."
Yasmine paused mid-brush, meeting Boyd's gaze through the mirror. She decided not to dwell on his earlier antics, but his haggard reflection irritated her. "Don't tell me you were faking sleep."
"I slept."
"The weather's fine. I'm taking the flowers out for some sun. No plans to go out."
A smile touched Boyd's lips, "I'll help."
"Don't bother me. Enjoying the flowers is supposed to be a pleasure. Don't ruin it."
With that, she tossed aside her brush and left the room, heading downstairs in a more casual, airy outfit fitting her gardening plans.
After breakfast, Yasmine grabbed a trowel and watering can and headed for the backyard. Boyd, reassured, directed a couple of servants to assist her and then went upstairs. From his study window, he could see Yasmine moving the plants with practiced ease. But as she turned and looked directly at him, her gaze cold, Boyd recoiled and quickly shut the blinds.
Later, feeling restless, he went to his room and fell asleep quickly from exhaustion. Waking to bright light, he realized it was late and hurried downstairs.
Yasmine was watching TV on the living room sofa. She barely glanced at him, catching his panicked look.
Boyd relaxed, "Have you had lunch?"
She didn't even look at him, "Why wouldn't I? Do you think I'm stupid?"
Boyd nodded, "Good. That’s good."
Shortly after lunch, Herschel arrived, accompanied by the same two from yesterday.
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