Chapter: 69

Lilliana settled into the guest room. She slipped into her nightgown and lingered outside Alan's room, a cup of warm milk in hand and a sly look in her eyes.

After a moment's hesitation, she finally knocked on the study door.

"Come in," Alan called.

Lilliana entered the study and set a cup of warm milk on the table.

“Alan, I've just heated this for you. It might help you sleep better."

He nodded in acknowledgment but didn't reach for the milk immediately, preoccupied with his work.

With a slight sigh, Lilliana tried a different approach. “You know, Ashley always drank warm milk before bed. She swore by its soothing effects."

Alan paused and glanced at the milk. After a moment's hesitation, he took a sip. The sweetness was more pronounced than he preferred.

"Lilliana, you should get some rest. I still have work to do," Alan said, his voice firm.

Lilliana nodded but didn't leave. Instead, she picked a book from the shelf and settled on the sofa, her presence marked only by the soft turning of pages.

Alan continued his work, focusing on his emails.

Before long, he felt a wave of dizziness and an unusual warmth in his lower abdomen.

Lilliana spotted his discomfort, her lips curling into a smirk before she masked it with concern.

She stepped closer and asked, “Alan, are you alright?"

Alan massaged his forehead, feeling a fog creeping over his thoughts.

His breathing grew heavy, as if he were fighting to hold something back.

Lilliana, fully aware of the effect she had, had chosen a nightgown that threatened to reveal more at the slightest slip.

She was confident that Alan would not be able to withstand her allure this time.

With a playful giggle, she perched on his lap, her arms encircling him like tendrils.

“Alan, do you feel alright? Why are you burning up?" she teased.

Alan shook his head, gently setting her aside as he made his way to the door.

The heat was unbearable. He thought a cold shower might offer some relief.

However, Lilliana was steps ahead. She had locked the study door earlier.

Alan's attempts to open the door grew frantic as it stubbornly refused to budge.