The last remaining starlight dissolved into the pre-dawn darkness.


    As if the previous day had never been, the sky was filled with an inky blackness.


    The cool air shattered against a gentle breeze.


    It was a night so deep that no one could deny it.


    The time when everyone, having passed an exhausting day, regained the strength to live the next one in their own dreamland.


    But even then, there was a girl who was still tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.


    “…”


    Soft brown hair.


    Rachel blinked her eyes open as she lay still.


    She wanted to toss and turn, but she couldn''t bring herself to do it.


    It was because of the presence that was holding her.


    *Sniffle…sniffle…*


    The girl looked up at the faint sound of breathing.


    There, sound asleep, was the Young Master.


    He had his arms wrapped around Rachel''s body, holding her gently.


    The two of them were so close.


    Their body heat mingled softly as they touched.


    The feeling of their skin brushing against each other gave a strange feeling.


    ‘My heart… I think it’s going to explode.’


    Rachel unconsciously clutched at her chest.


    Her heart was racing so fast that she couldn''t hide it, even through her thin nightgown.


    What if the Young Master heard her heartbeat and woke up?


    Rachel was seriously worried.


    She took a deep breath to calm herself down.


    But…


    ‘What do I do… It feels so good that I can’t stop trembling…’


    It was impossible to stop the overflowing emotions.


    Being held in the arms of the one she loved brought a joy that she couldn''t fully express.


    Rachel let out a shaky breath.


    She and the Young Master had hugged lightly before, but this was the first time they had slept in the same bed.


    A sense of contentment pressed against her chest.


    She trembled as she savored it.


    ‘…It’s warm.’


    The girl muttered as she rested her forehead against his broad chest.


    A sweet warmth spread through her.


    The unique, refreshing scent of winter wafted into her nose.


    Rachel buried her face in the Young Master’s chest for a moment and breathed in his addictive scent.


    She couldn''t control herself.


    She had no idea she had such a lustful side.


    She felt ashamed of herself, but she couldn''t bring herself to let go of his scent.


    ‘I promised myself I wouldn’t have any unrealistic hopes…’


    Rachel knew.


    She knew how inadequate she was to stand by the Young Master''s side.


    It was a place she shouldn''t dare covet.


    He had saved her life, taught her what it meant to be happy, and shown her what love was.


    It was out of line to wish for anything more.


    That''s why she tried not to have any regrets.


    She just wanted the Young Master to be at peace.


    She wanted to pray that someday he would meet a woman he loved and find happiness like everyone else.


    ‘…I was sure of it.’


    Her complicated thoughts stabbed at her fingertips like sharp thorns.


    Her heart ached.


    Every time she received warmth from him like this, she found it hard to breathe because of the sadness that choked her, even as she was happy. sea??h thё ηovёlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In moments like this, when she was at her weakest, Rachel would indulge in a hazy daydream, imagining a future that could never be hers.


    ‘What if…’


    What if she hadn’t been a commoner?


    What if she hadn’t been a beggar freezing to death on the streets without a charm, but the daughter of a noble family?


    If she had been born with a destiny that would have allowed her to meet him as an equal, to understand his pain, to embrace his very being…


    ‘…Would I have been able to tell you that I love you?’


    It was a meaningless assumption.


    Life was like a piece of paper already filled with time, leaving no space to write the words “what if”.


    There was no place for her in this short play.


    Her only permitted role was that of a supporting character.


    When the time came for him to find someone to love and leave, her role was to smile at the fact that she had been by his side, however briefly, and disappear in a humble dance.


    ‘…I just want the Young Master to be happy.’


    That would be enough.


    A small monologue escaped her red lips.


    Her heart was tattered, but it was the only wish she had as a supporting character.


    *Rustle…*


    Rachel forced herself to organize her messy thoughts.


    And with a wriggling motion, she burrowed into the Young Master''s arms, which were holding her.


    Deep.


    Deeper.


    Letting his warmth engulf her completely.


    ‘Young Master…’


    Rachel quietly closed her eyelids.


    Imprisoning herself in a sweet cage of longing, she wore an expression of utter contentment.


    And so she lived through the dawn.