Chapter 148: Unexpected Guest Seraphina’s face was a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship. Her features were delicate and harmonious, with high cheekbones and a gracefully sculpted jawline. Her lips, pale and rosy, formed a perfect cupid’s bow, adding to the ethereal allure of her visage.
Even in slumber, there was a serene tranquility that graced her expression. Her long eyelashes rested against her porcelain cheeks, and her breaths were gentle, rhythmic, and filled with an air of innocence.
Xin would have found himself spellbound by the sheer beauty before him. But right now, he was too stunned at how Seraphina was sleeping beside him.
Xin clenched his hair, wracking his brain for an explanation, but no answer seemed to materialize.
Then, in an instant, something clicked in his mind.
"I must still be dreaming," Xin thought to himself, his doubt growing. He decided to test his reality and quickly pinched himself.
The sharp sting that followed left him momentarily stunned.
"This can’t be real," Xin mumbled in disbelief, his mind struggling to grasp the situation.
He couldn’t help but reach out with trembling fingers, gently brushing a strand of Seraphina’s azure hair away from her face.
It was as if he needed tangible proof that she was real and not just a phantom or a figment of his imagination.
Xin’s breath hitched when Seraphina’s long eyelashes fluttered, and then, her eyes slowly opened.
The reality of her presence washed over him, and for the first time, Xin was confronted with the undeniable truth that Seraphina was indeed here, lying beside him.
The room was bathed in soft morning light as Seraphina’s long eyelashes trembled, and like a slow motion, her eyes slowly opened.
Xin was still in a state of shock and could do nothing but stare at her with a mixture of astonishment and disbelief, though his face was nothing more than lethargic.
Xin’s mind had completely shut down on him, and he hadn’t known what to expect from Seraphina’s reaction. He had anticipated shock, anger, or perhaps even a slap.
But against all odds, she groggily brushed her eyes and sat up, her expression gradually transforming into a warm smile.
"Good morning," she greeted him, her voice filled with the kind of tranquility that suggested she was unperturbed by the unusual situation.
With all the calmness he could muster, Xin replied, "Good morning," as though waking up beside her was an everyday occurrence.
Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Xin hesitated for a moment before asking the question that had been on his mind since he first saw her. "Lady Seraphina . . . why are you sleeping next to me?"
Seraphina’s response was surprisingly casual, as though this were a completely ordinary situation. She shrugged slightly and replied, "This is my penthouse. My father gave it to me. I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t be sleeping here."
Xin was surprised at her nonchalant answer, though his face remained impassive. He hadn’t expected that kind of explanation at all.
"Your penthouse?" he repeated, still processing the information. "But why did you . . . I mean, why did you sleep in this room?"
Xin wanted to hit himself. Of course, she would be sleeping in any room she wanted, because she owned the place. So he immediately followed up, "Why didn’t you wake me up?"
Seraphina’s smile remained as she explained, "It’s fine. You were deeply asleep, so I didn’t want to disturb you. And to be honest, I was too tired to care."
Seraphina’s composure and her calm response continued to puzzle Xin. He felt like there was more to this situation than met the eye.
"I should probably get out of here," Xin said, pushing himself to his feet.
"It’s really not necessary," Seraphina insisted, rising as well. "This room is spacious enough for two people."
Xin’s mind raced, trying to process her words, but confusion still clouded his thoughts.
There was something really wrong with what she said but Xin’s mind couldn’t process anything at the moment.
However, the awkwardness of the moment escalated when Xin realized that Seraphina was wearing only a silken sleeping gown.
He shifted uncomfortably, not knowing where to direct his gaze, which only made him feel more tense.
Then, just as Xin was about to respond, a familiar voice interrupted their awkward exchange.
"Xin?! Are you awake?! It’s already past nine!"
It was Evelyn’s voice, calling out from outside the room, and it added to Xin’s dilemma.
Seraphina arched an eyebrow, her smile knowing. "Is there a problem?"
Xin could sense that Seraphina was fully aware of the predicament he now found himself in, but he decided to confirm with her, "Does my mom know that you’re here?"
Seraphina shook her head with a hint of mischief in her eyes. "No."
Xin couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. He was so dead.
Seraphina flipped her hair and assured him, "Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything to her. I should probably greet them first."
Before she could make her way to the door, Xin instinctively reached out and grabbed her shoulder, turning her around to face him.
However, the moment his palms made contact with her bare shoulders, Xin withdrew his hands with lightning speed, a hint of embarrassment coloring his features.
Seraphina, seemingly unperturbed, watched him with an amused glint in her eyes. "Is there a problem?"
Xin avoided her gaze, trying not to stammer as he said, "You should probably change into something more suitable before going out."
Seraphina stifled a laugh. "Oh, you’re right. I completely forgot that I’m still in my gown. Give me a moment."
She gracefully glided into the bathroom, allowing Xin a brief respite from the awkward situation.
As soon as Seraphina was out of his sight, Xin hurriedly left the bedroom and joined his mother and Xiaxia in the living area.
It was the outmost important for him to be the first to inform them about Seraphina’s unexpected arrival, so they wouldn’t misunderstand anything.
"What’s wrong with you? Did you do a marathon in your room?" Xiaxia asked at the sight of Xin, panting and heaving.
Evelyn was concerned, and approached Xin, reaching out to out to touch his face. "Xin, are you okay? Your face is pale, and you’re covered in sweat. What happened?"
"Mom, before you say anything, I want you to calm down—" Xin began, attempting to ease the upcoming conversation.
However, he didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence as the bedroom door swung open, and Seraphina peeked out, wearing only a robe.
"Sorry," she began, her voice soft and polite. "I seem to have forgotten to bring a change of clothes. Could you lend me one?"