Facade

Bernard had always prided himself on his self–discipline. No matter how seductive the women he encountered during his missions, he never lost his composure. However, Hera effortlessly shattered his self–discipline. 

Propping his right leg, Bernard tried to conceal his awkward reaction from Hera. Assuming she might have touched his wound, Hera remained still as he instructed, lying on his sturdy chest and enveloped by his faint tobacco scent. 

Sensing the warmth, Hera could feel the firmness of his chest and abdomen muscles beneath his shirt. Recalling the photo Bernard had mistakenly sent her last time, she suddenly felt the desire to trace his muscular lines. 

However, she quickly brushed aside such an inappropriate thought, feeling the flush on her cheeks and the confusion in her mind. 

As their breaths intertwined, Hera could hear their heartbeats loud and clear, unable to distinguish her heartbeat from his. It felt like the temperature in the room had risen. 

After a long pause, Bernard broke the silence. “I think I need a shower.” A cold shower, to be exact. 

Hera promptly got up and cleared her throat before saying. “No, your wound can’t get wet.” 

However, knowing Bernard’s hygienic habits, she presumed he wouldn’t be able to sleep without a shower. Reluctantly, she said, “If you insist, you can opt to wipe your body…” 

She could offer to wash the towel for him, though 

“It’s alright then,” Bernard gently declined. 

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, breaking the awkwardness in the air, 

Hera hurried out, washing her face with cold water before answering the door. 

A delivery man was at the door, holding a large bouquet of champagne roses. 

“Hi, this is for Ms. Youngworth. Please sign bere,” he said. 

Hera stared at the bouquet in disbeliet she hadn’t expected Bernard to actually buy her another bouquet. Moreover, she was incredibly fond of the color of these roses. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Once Hera returned to the house with the bouquet, she promptly snapped a picture and sent it to Samantha 

Shortly after, Samantha initiated a voice call to Hera. Instead of answering immediately, Hera retreated to her room upstairs before picking up. 

“50, who gifted you those champagne roses?” Samantha asked anxiously once the call connected, her beautiful face enlarged on the screen. 

“Bernie bought them,” Hera decided it was more appropriate to use “bought than “gifted“. 

“ooh, Bernie, huh?” Samantha sensed something juicy was brewing, remembering Hera had addressed him as Bernard the last time they met. 

Upon realizing she had instinctively addressed Bernard by his nickname, Hera quickly became aware of her own unusual behavior 

Despite her usual composure, Hera didn’t seem to be herself whenever she was around Bernard. 

“We’re not blood–related, so I can’t keep calling him Uncle Bernard. That would boost his ego,” Hera explained, trying to convince herself at the same time. 

Samantha smiled mischievously. “Oh, yes. I definitely see your point there! So, did you say yes to his proposal?” 

“Stop t 

teasing me, or I’ll hang up now,” Hera protested shyly. 

“Darling, don’t you know? Champagne roses are not to be given ghtly. They represent “the one and only,” meaning “you’re the love of my life. In other words, he’s proposing to you! Oh, dear. You’re making me jealous…” 

Hera was stunned by Samantha’s remark, her cheeks burning. She couldn’t help but wonder if Bernard had chosen those roses on purpose. 

Meanwhile, Douglas was busy packing his luggage, planning to visit his parents in his hometown since Bernard had told him to take a vacation. 

However, just as he finished booking his flight, Douglas received a call from Bernard. 

“Come to Skyview Heights now,” Bernard urged over the phone. 

Douglas was stunned, puzzled by Bernard’s sudden change of mind.