Goodbye, My Love

Festival Banquet

Feeling the temperature rise behind her, Loraine's eyes widened with unease. Her body seemed ready to burst with anticipation, and she stared intently at a spot on the weathered wall, her mind a whirl of confusion. They were sharing a bed; what if Marco intended to cross a line?

Despite the progress in their relationship, which could now be labeled as romantic, it was quite early for any physical intimacy.

The orphanage was not known for its soundproofing, and Loraine didn't wish to wake up to curious children questioning their nighttime activities.

Lost in her thoughts, she was jolted back to reality by a muffled chuckle from behind her, a mix of fondness and playful teasing.

Quickly, a hand gently lifted the blanket from her head. His somewhat cold hand grazed her heated face, a teasing voice murmuring, "Relax, I won't make a move. Go to sleep."

As he saw through her transparent thoughts, Loraine blushed with embarrassment, a sudden urge to bite his hand out of frustration.

In the darkness, Marco seemed to have an uncanny ability to sense her emotions, his Laughter echoing with added mirth.

If it weren't for...

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Loraine shut her eyes tight and clenched her teeth, trying to convince herself to be magnanimous and not to squabble with a man who had recently been cast out of his family. She tried to lull herself into sleep. But sleep was a distant dream.

Marco's proximity was overwhelming; she could almost feel his breath on her skin. The slightest movement might Land her in his arms. Never before had Loraine felt such an agonizing level of discomfort, her body taut with tension, frozen out of fear of what might ensue. Time seemed to stretch infinitely while she Lay motionless. Suddenly, a fond chuckle echoed behind her, followed by a soft shudder of the bed. Marco had edged closer, narrowing the gap between them.

Alarmed and uncertain of Marco's intentions, Loraine discreetly scooted towards the edge of the bed, hoping to put some distance between them.

Neither side of the bed was against the wall, and Loraine found herself teetering on the brink. Any further, and she would tumble off the bed. She cursed Marco inwardly, regretting her decision not to insist that he sleep on the floor.

To Loraine, Marco didn't seem to warrant her sympathy. His claimed vulnerability and need for solace only added to her problems.

Lost in her thoughts, she teetered dangerously on the edge of the bed, nearly toppling over.

In the nick of time, a hand encircled her waist, pulling her back into a warm hold.

When she felt Marco's hand patting her head in a soothing way, she writhed under his touch.