Ethan Roscente stood by the bed, his dark gaze fixed on Jenna Roland's sleeping form.

His eyes traced the peaceful curve of her face before lingering on her slightly parted lips.

His Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

That soft pink reminded him of cherry blossoms blooming in early spring.

His gaze traveled lower, settling on the loose neckline of her silk nightgown.

The delicate fabric rose and fell with each breath, hinting at the curves beneath.

Ethan clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white.

He forced himself to look away and strode to the opposite side of the bed.

His dress shirt and slacks were discarded carelessly on the floor.

The mattress dipped slightly under his weight.

He maintained a deliberate distance—enough space for another person between them.

Turning his back to Jenna, Ethan yanked the covers over his head.

His heartbeat pounded in his ears.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

It felt like his chest might burst.

The air beneath the blanket grew thin.

The suffocating sensation oddly helped calm him.

When he finally threw off the covers, a faint fragrance drifted into his senses.

The sweet yet crisp scent of gardenia—Jenna's signature perfume.

He turned his head slightly.

Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting delicate shadows on her eyelashes.

Surrounded by her scent, exhaustion finally claimed him.

......

Morning light seeped through the gap in the curtains.

Ethan opened his eyes and instinctively glanced beside him.

The sheets were neatly smoothed, long gone cold.

A self-deprecating smile tugged at his lips.

He'd expected to find her flustered this morning.

Instead, she'd remained perfectly composed.

Of course. Sharing a bed was perfectly normal for married couples.

His fingers brushed over the indentation her head had left on the pillow.

The faintest trace of her fragrance clung to his fingertips.

Before he realized what he was doing, he grabbed the pillow and inhaled deeply.

The sound of the door unlocking made him freeze.

Jenna stood in the doorway, a breakfast tray in her hands.

Their eyes locked.

Ethan's ears burned crimson.

"Get out!" he barked, hurling the pillow aside.

Jenna's hands trembled, nearly spilling the milk on the tray.

"I—I came to call you for breakfast..."

"I know."

The door clicked shut again.

Jenna leaned against the wall, her heart hammering.

That image wouldn't leave her mind.

Had Ethan just... smelled her pillow?