Chapter 9: Sharing a Bed Again

The sound of running water reached Aylin's ears, triggering uncontrollable images in her mind.

She quickly took out her phone and started playing a game, furiously tapping away.

Soon, the bathroom door opened, and footsteps approached.

Aylin instinctively looked up to see a man in black silk pajamas, tall and handsome with an alluring presence.

After a few seconds, Aylin lowered her gaze and continued playing her game.

Joaquin looked at her. "Aren't you going to take a shower?"

Aylin's ears turned red. "I'll go later. You go to sleep first."

Without looking up, she heard Joaquin lie down.

When her game ended, she glanced over to see Joaquin leaning against the headboard, reading a book.

Seeing him so calm made Aylin feel embarrassed and annoyed at herself for not being composed.

She put down her phone and walked towards the bathroom.

Once the bathroom door closed, Joaquin raised his eyes. He wasn't as calm as he appeared. Images from that night flashed through his mind, along with the woman's soft voice.

It was completely different from how she usually spoke.

He frowned slightly and suddenly got up to go to the study.

The bathroom had prepared women's pajamas. After showering, Aylin came out but didn't see Joaquin.

Feeling sleepy, she didn't think much of it and lay down on the sofa, soon falling asleep.

Joaquin finished some work and returned to find Aylin asleep. He stood there watching her for a moment before picking her up and placing her on the bed.

The next morning.

Aylin slowly opened her eyes to see a familiar handsome face. She was momentarily dazed but quickly woke up.

How did she end up in bed?

Why was she sharing a bed with him again?

At that moment, Joaquin opened his eyes calmly. "You're awake."

"H-How did I end up in bed?"

Joaquin remained expressionless. "You came up yourself in the middle of the night."

"Impossible! I don't sleepwalk."

"Then how did you get here?" Joaquin countered.

Aylin was at a loss for words.

It couldn't have been Joaquin who brought her up. Could she have really sleepwalked?

"Sorry," she said.

Joaquin's eyes flickered briefly, but his face remained calm. "It's okay."

They got up, washed up, then went downstairs together.

Nathan had been up early and was waiting for them downstairs. Seeing them come down, he deliberately asked, "Did you sleep well last night?"

Joaquin answered, "Very well."

Aylin echoed, "Pretty good."

Nathan smiled. "That's good."

After breakfast, Nathan left with Daniel, giving Aylin a gift before he left and reminding them to visit Cityscape Chateau often.

Watching Nathan's car leave, Aylin suddenly asked, "Do you think your grandfather really believes us?"

She thought Nathan was wise and not easily fooled.

Joaquin's gaze deepened. "No."

Aylin raised an eyebrow. "Then why go through all this trouble?"

Joaquin didn't explain but simply said, "Thank you for yesterday."

Since he didn't explain further, Aylin didn't ask more. "You're welcome. I promised to help you." She paused before adding, "I'm going upstairs now. I need to go out later."

Joaquin looked at her. "Isn't today Saturday?"

"I'm going to see my teacher."

"Your teacher?"

"Yes."

Joaquin didn't ask further as Aylin turned to go upstairs.

Back in her room, Aylin immediately called her teacher.

When the call connected, Bryson's kind voice came through. "Hello, Aylin."

"Mr. Hector, are you home?"

"I'm not at home. Why?"

"Where are you? I want to visit you."

"Sure." Bryson chuckled, "I haven't seen you in a while either. I'm at my studio. Come over directly."

"Okay, I'll be there soon."

An hour later.

Aylin arrived at Bryson's private studio and greeted him with a smile, "Mr. Hector."

Seeing his disciple made Bryson very happy. He immediately put down his brush and smiled. "Aylin, you're here."

Aylin walked over and looked at the magnificent landscape painting on the desk. "Is this your new work?"

"Yes," Bryson said. "It's for a friend's birthday in a few days. What do you think?"

Aylin smiled lightly. "Your pieces are always exceptional."

"They've always wanted to meet my mysterious top disciple. Would you like to come with me?" Bryson asked.

Aylin pressed her lips together. "Mr. Hector, you know I don't like being in the spotlight, so I'd rather not show my face." She paused before continuing, "Actually, I came today because I have something to tell you."

"What is it?"

"Mr. Hector, I got married," Aylin said directly.

Bryson was stunned and looked at Aylin in shock. "You got married? When? To whom?"

"It's a fake marriage with Joaquin."

"A fake marriage? Joaquin? Who is he?"

"The president of the ZenZest."

Bryson was at a loss for words.

Aylin continued, "I owe him a favor. As it happens, he needed to get married, so I agreed to a fake marriage with him."

"What kind of favor requires this?"

"I got into trouble a few days ago, and he saved me."

"You what?" Bryson's expression changed with concern. "What happened?"

"It wasn't anything major. It's been resolved now. You don't need to worry." Aylin's eyes sparkled as she looked at Bryson. "Mr. Hector, I want you to keep this secret for me and not tell anyone that I'm your disciple, Aliza Latimer, including Nathan."

"You met Nathan?"

"Yes, he knows I like painting and said he would introduce us in a few days, so I came right away to tell you about this."

Bryson smiled, "It seems he likes you very much."

"But my marriage with his grandson is fake. It will end in two years."

Bryson sighed lightly, "Young people these days are reckless."

Aylin said seriously, "Please keep it a secret for me, Mr. Hector."

Faced with her plea, Bryson could only agree indulgently, "Alright, I'll keep it a secret from everyone."

Aylin smiled sweetly, "Thank you, Mr. Hector."

Bryson then suggested, "Stay for lunch."

Aylin nodded. "I'll cook for you."

Bryson blurted out, "With your cooking skills? Better not."

Aylin was speechless.

Remembering something else, Bryson added, "Oh, if that is the case, that means you'll be attending Gregory Kew's birthday banquet next week too since the Beckham family and the Kew family are close friends. Nathan and Joaquin will definitely go."

"Joaquin hasn't mentioned it."

"Nathan said he would introduce us in a few days. It's likely at the banquet."

After thinking for a moment, Aylin said, "I probably won't go. Joaquin will only announce our marriage but won't reveal me publicly as his wife. That's part of our agreement."

Bryson nodded thoughtfully. "I see, but Nathan might not agree."

Aylin said, "Joaquin should have a way to handle it."