The Divorce Prescription

Hailey was stirred awake by the faint movements beside her. Still half-asleep, she felt Declan shifting as if he was about to get up, prompting her to groggily open

her eyes.

Last night, they had gone from the bed to the bathroom and then to the couch, exhausting every bit of their energy. Now, every slight movement sent a burning ache through her body, and she felt as if she were falling apart.

"Declan, are you leaving?" she asked.

Hailey had been sleeping nestled in Declan's arms, and though he had tried to be as gentle as possible, his movements had still woken her.

Declan gazed at her softly. "Hailey, I have to go."

"What time is it?"

"Go back to sleep. It's only 4:00 am."

Hailey reached out and hugged him, snuggling into his embrace like a clingy kitten. "It's only 4:00 am. Why are you leaving so soon? Stay with me a little longer."

Declan needed to return to the hotel. He couldn't afford to be absent when Stella woke up, and he had his own responsibilities to attend to.

But now, with Hailey holding onto him and acting spoiled, he found himself wavering.

After all, even the strongest heroes could falter in the face of tenderness.

Declan lay back down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Alright, I'll stay a little longer. Go back to sleep."

Hailey planted a firm kiss on his cheek before snuggling back into him. She was so exhausted that she quickly drifted back into a deep slumber.

However, Declan couldn't sleep. He held Hailey in his arms for a long time, savoring the warmth of her body against his.

The memories of last night still lingered in his bones, sending shivers through him whenever he thought about it. The passion they had shared had been intoxicating.

Now that the heat of the moment had passed, he realized how impulsive he had been. He had taken her-and now, she was his.

Declan gazed at Hailey's delicate oval face affectionately. He leaned down and kissed her, starting from her cheeks to her lips, then burying his face in her silky hair to kiss her again.

He had suppressed his feelings for so long, but now that they had been unleashed, he realized just how much he adored her. He wanted to be with her forever.

He pulled her tightly into his embrace, perhaps a little too forcefully. Hailey winced slightly in her sleep and let out a soft murmur. "It hurts..."

Declan immediately loosened his grip, afraid of hurting her further.

Once Hailey was sound asleep again, Declan carefully slipped out of bed. He

dressed quietly, kissed her one last time, and then left the room.

...noveldrama

Back at the hotel, Stella was still fast asleep.

He placed Stella on the bed and lay down beside her, closing his eyes as thoughts of Hailey filled his mind.

At 7:00 am, Stella stirred awake. She shifted slightly, realizing she was lying in Declan's arms.

Declan sat up. "You're awake?"

Stella sat up as well, trying to recall the events of the previous night. She remembered sitting on Declan's lap, but everything after that wa a blur.

"Declan, did we sleep together last night?" Stella asked hesitantly.

Declan got out of bed and coldly asked, "Isn't that what you and your father wanted? He drugged me so this would happen.

Congratulations-you got what you wanted."

It seemed they had really slept together.

Stella quickly got out of bed and wrapped her arms around him. "Declan, are you

mad? Are you upset because of what my father did?"

Declan pushed her away gently. "I'm not mad."

"I feel like you are. Declan, I'm sorry. I like you so much. I was afraid you'd reject

me, so I resorted to such a desperate measure."

Declan met her gaze. "Stella, I've already agreed to be with you. You didn't have to do this."

ས་དམ

"But I felt like your heart wasn't with me!" Stella exclaimed, hugging him again. Now it's settled. We're f together, Declan. Let's never be apart."

Declan stood still as she clung to him. He didn't say a word.