Chapter 122 Fire
As Rafael reprimanded his subordinate for causing the issue, Xavier remained silently waiting for Hera to emerge from her room. When she finally did, he quietly trailed behind her until she reached the bathroom.
The other participants lingered in the living room and dining area. Xavier narrowed his eyes as he glanced around before leaning against the bathroom door, patiently awaiting for Hera to finish her bath in silence.
Hera, on the other hand, understood that Xavier’s presence outside the bathroom door was a protective measure, aimed at preventing others from picking fights with her when she was alone. Despite this assurance, she couldn’t shake off a sense of restlessness, knowing that Xavier was waiting just outside.
As she sat in the bathtub, washing away the day’s grime, Hera felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach. The earlier scene replayed in her mind incessantly, highlighting Xavier’s unwavering protectiveness.
"Does this mean my mission is complete?" she pondered internally, her thoughts tinged with guilt. She felt dishonest as if she weren’t reciprocating Xavier’s honesty, genuineness, and willingness to shield her from everyone else.
However, amidst her conflicting feelings, Hera knew that her interactions with Xavier were genuine and sincere. While she had indeed planned to grow closer to him, her approach and demeanor were authentic. She wasn’t putting on an act, except for when she dealt with Alice’s manipulative tactics. Hera couldn’t confront Alice directly, as she often resorted to using pity to turn others against her.
After reassuring herself that she shouldn’t feel guilty, Hera didn’t linger as she had initially planned, soaking in a rose petal bath bomb. Instead, she swiftly cleaned herself with the Black Opium Body Wash recommended by the sales lady, mindful of not keeping Xavier waiting outside the bathroom for too long.
It wasn’t just any body wash; it had the scent of perfume woven into its formula. But what truly captivated Hera was its gentle touch on her skin. From the first use, she fell head over heels for it, making it her go-to body wash ever since.
As night fell and the need for ranch work waned, Hera indulged in pampering herself further. She complemented the Black Opium Body Wash with the Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Shimmering Moisture Fluid for the Body. Since she wouldn’t be tending to the animals or the farm in the evening, she felt no guilt in treating herself to this luxury.
As Hera emerged from the bathroom, her scent enveloped not just Xavier but also those lingering nearby. Alice and Minerva couldn’t help but interpret Hera’s choice of fragrance as an attempt to seduce Xavier, perhaps aiming to become not just invincible in the show but in the entire entertainment industry.
Indeed, they weren’t entirely mistaken. Even though it was unintentional, Xavier couldn’t help but be captivated by the scent. As Hera emerged from her bath, the aroma enveloped him, causing his eyes to subconsciously close as he savored the fragrance.
He couldn’t claim it as his favorite scent, but there was an undeniable harmony between Hera and the fragrance. It felt as though the product had been tailor-made for her alone, becoming uniquely hers in every sense.