Chapter 33: A Rabbit
Nicholas returned home late, the weight of his recent business dealings still lingering in his mind. The mansion was quiet, the staff having retired for the night. His polished shoes clicked softly against the marble floor as he made his way toward the living room, where a faint light spilled out into the hallway. He frowned slightly, curious as to why someone was still awake at this hour.
Ella was curled up on the couch, her head resting against the armrest. She wasn’t asleep, but she looked close to it, her eyes half-lidded as she stared blankly at the television, which played a muted late-night show. She seemed startled when she noticed him, sitting up abruptly and clutching the throw blanket tighter around her.
"You’re back," she said softly, her voice hoarse from lingering exhaustion.
Nicholas raised an eyebrow as he set his keys down on the coffee table. "It’s late, why are you still up? Waiting for me?"
Ella shrugged, giving him a tired smile. "I wasn’t waiting. I just couldn’t sleep."
His eyes scanned her pale complexion and the dark circles under her eyes. "Still not feeling well?"
"I’m better," she replied, though her weak tone betrayed her words. "Thanks for asking."
Nicholas smirked as he crossed his arms, leaning against the back of the couch. "You’re welcome, little vixen. But judging by those shadows under your eyes, I’d say you’re lying."
Ella rolled her eyes, clearly too drained to argue. "What about you? Long night?"
His smirk faltered ever so slightly, and his gaze grew darker, more distant. "You could say that."
Ella tilted her head, noticing the subtle change in his demeanor. Though curiosity tugged at her, she decided against pushing him for details. Instead, she yawned, the weight of the day catching up to her. Nicholas chuckled lightly, the tension between them easing.