Revenge is best served cold

I didn't reject Elsa outright. Instead, I simply sent her a few words of

encouragement.

She should get the message.

The semifinals were set for two weeks later, and all contestants had to submit their new design drafts within that time frame.

Meanwhile, my company seemed to be making some adjustments to my position, which kept me extra busy. Because of that, I could only make time on the weekend to meet up with Levi and have him lend me a hand.

After two full days of hard work, I finally uploaded my design draft by the end of the first weekend.

"Done!" I stretched my arms and let out a satisfied breath.

Levi also looked relieved.noveldrama

At that moment, Eric strode in from outside, where he had been waiting. Ever since I told him I'd spend the weekend at the studio working on my draft with Levi, he insisted on coming along.

At first, I thought he'd end up bickering with Levi the whole time. But to my surprise, he promised to just sit outside and read. He had been so earnest about it that I reluctantly agreed.

And, to his credit, he actually stuck to his word. He didn't say a single unnecessary thing to Levi the entire time I was working.

As he walked in, Levi's smile immediately stiffened, his expression full of reluctance. "Jane, I just have to ask. Why do you always have to bring him?" He was utterly baffled.

Eric strolled up beside me, smirking with a hint of provocation. "Jae wants me here, so I'm here. Since when did you become the fun police, monitoring where I go?"

I lifted my head and gave him a weary look. He instantly got the message and shut up. I then turned to Levi. "I'll let you off the hook today. You look exhausted. Go home and get some rest."

Levi looked like he had more to say, but after noticing the fatigue in my eyes, he swallowed his words and let them go.

Once I got into Eric's car, I turned to him apologetically. "I've been so busy these past two days. Looks like we'll have to push back our plans."

A few days ago, Eric asked me to accompany him to a custom suit shop, and I readily agreed. We were supposed to go this weekend. But with everything going on, I had completely lost track of time. Now, the shop had probably long since closed at this hour.

Eric shook his head, his voice low and steady. "It's fine. We can always go another time. It's just a suit. I just noticed how busy you've been lately and wanted an excuse to get you outside for some fresh air."

His voice was calm and deep, like a lullaby in the quiet of the night.

And before I knew it, my eyelids grew heavier and heavier... At some point, I drifted off. When I woke up again, I was already home.

My eyes fluttered open, and the first thing I saw was the crystal chandelier on the ceiling. The light was so dazzling that I instinctively shut my eyes again.

Once I adjusted to the brightness, I opened them slowly only to meet Eric's gaze, which was warm with amusement. That was when I realized I was cradled in his arms. He was carrying me.

Panic shot through me, and I scrambled to get down. My mind short-circuited for a moment.

How could I have fallen asleep so easily? And how did I sleep through him carrying me all the way inside?

I must've been too exhausted lately, so much so that even my usual instincts had dulled.

Eric looked a little awkward himself as he set me down, his gaze shifting slightly. "You were sleeping so soundly that I didn't want to wake you. It didn't seem comfortable sleeping in the car, so I figured I'd try carrying you inside."

A hint of embarrassment flickered across his face. "Guess I wasn't careful enough. I woke you up, after all."

I quickly waved my hands. "No, no, you were really gentle!"

My eyes darted around the room before landing on the chandelier.

"It was that!" I blurted out, pointing at it. "It was too bright and it woke me up."

The second I said it, I regretted it. Why was I making excuses for him? Wasn't this even more awkward now?

I bit my lip, terrified I might say something even dumber if I stayed a second longer.

Flustered, I muttered a quick "Goodnight" and practically bolted upstairs.