The Stranger I Married-Chapter 33: A Rabbit

Nicholas returned home late, the weight of his recent business dealings still lingering in his mind. The mansion was quiet, the staff having retired for the night. His polished shoes clicked softly against the marble floor as he made his way toward the living room, where a faint light spilled out into the hallway. He frowned slightly, curious as to why someone was still awake at this hour.

Ella was curled up on the couch, her head resting against the armrest. She wasn’t asleep, but she looked close to it, her eyes half-lidded as she stared blankly at the television, which played a muted late-night show. She seemed startled when she noticed him, sitting up abruptly and clutching the throw blanket tighter around her.

"You’re back," she said softly, her voice hoarse from lingering exhaustion.

Nicholas raised an eyebrow as he set his keys down on the coffee table. "It’s late, why are you still up? Waiting for me?"

Ella shrugged, giving him a tired smile. "I wasn’t waiting. I just couldn’t sleep."

His eyes scanned her pale complexion and the dark circles under her eyes. "Still not feeling well?"

"I’m better," she replied, though her weak tone betrayed her words. "Thanks for asking."

Nicholas smirked as he crossed his arms, leaning against the back of the couch. "You’re welcome, little vixen. But judging by those shadows under your eyes, I’d say you’re lying."

Ella rolled her eyes, clearly too drained to argue. "What about you? Long night?"

His smirk faltered ever so slightly, and his gaze grew darker, more distant. "You could say that."

Ella tilted her head, noticing the subtle change in his demeanor. Though curiosity tugged at her, she decided against pushing him for details. Instead, she yawned, the weight of the day catching up to her. Nicholas chuckled lightly, the tension between them easing.

"Come on," he said, extending a hand toward her. "You should get some rest."

Ella hesitated, staring at his outstretched hand with suspicion. "What’s the catch?"

"No catch," Nicholas replied, his smirk returning. "Unless you want to fall asleep on the couch and wake up with a crick in your neck."

Her lips pursed in a reluctant frown, but she eventually sighed and placed her hand in his, allowing him to pull her to her feet. The blanket slipped from her shoulders, and Nicholas caught it, draping it back over her like a cape.

"Thanks," she mumbled, her gaze dropping to avoid his.

They walked to the staircase in companionable silence, his pace deliberately slower to match her unsteady steps. At the bottom of the stairs, Nicholas stopped, his hand brushing her arm to get her attention.

"Ella," he said, his voice softer than she’d ever heard it.

She turned to look at him, her brows furrowing at his sudden seriousness. His dark eyes held hers, the playful glint replaced by something deeper, something she couldn’t quite decipher. Nicholas’s gaze flicked down to her lips before snapping back up to her eyes.

"Goodnight," he murmured, his tone laced with a subtle intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

Ella swallowed hard, stepping back instinctively. "Goodnight, Nicholas."

She hurried up the stairs, her pulse racing. Nicholas watched her until she disappeared down the hallway, a small, knowing smirk tugging at his lips.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through Ella’s window, waking her gently. She stretched, realizing she felt considerably better. Her fever had broken, and though her body still felt a bit sluggish, the worst of her illness seemed to be behind her. Determined to shake off the previous night’s strange tension, she dressed in a cozy sweater and jeans before heading downstairs.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee and something savory greeted her as she entered the kitchen. Nicholas was already there, leaning casually against the counter with a steaming mug in hand. He wore a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his dark slacks tailored perfectly to his lean frame. He looked relaxed, but his sharp gaze immediately found hers.

"Good morning," he said, his voice light and teasing.

"Morning," Ella replied, her tone hesitant. She wasn’t used to seeing him so domestic.

"Feeling better?" he asked, setting his mug down and crossing his arms.

"Yeah," she nodded, offering a small smile. "Thanks for... everything."

Nicholas’s smirk widened. "So polite this morning. I might start to miss your sharp tongue."

Ella huffed, crossing her arms. "Don’t get used to it."

"Too late," Nicholas shot back, his tone dripping with mock seriousness. "Though I have to admit, your stubbornness is growing on me."

Before she could retort, the butler entered to announce breakfast was ready. Nicholas gestured for Ella to follow him to the dining room, where an impressive spread awaited them. Plates of eggs, toast, pastries, and fresh fruit were arranged alongside pitchers of juice and coffee.

Ella’s jaw dropped slightly. "This is... a lot."

Nicholas chuckled as he pulled out a chair for her. "What can I say? I like options."

Her stomach growled at the sight of the food, betraying her hesitation. Nicholas smirked, clearly amused. "Sit. Eat."

Ella reluctantly obeyed, helping herself to a small portion of scrambled eggs and toast. Nicholas watched her with an expression that was equal parts smug and curious.

"You know," he said after a moment, "you don’t have to be so skittish. It’s just breakfast."

"I’m not skittish," Ella replied defensively, though her cheeks flushed under his scrutiny.

"Sure you’re not." Nicholas leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening. "You’re like a little rabbit—wide-eyed and ready to bolt at any moment."

Ella glared at him. "I am not a rabbit."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, little vixen."

Her cheeks burned as she focused on her food, but despite herself, a small smile tugged at her lips. Nicholas’s teasing was infuriating, but it also had a strange way of putting her at ease.

After breakfast, Nicholas leaned against the counter, his arms folded as he watched her. The playful glint in his eyes returned, though there was an edge of seriousness in his tone when he spoke.

"I have business to take care of today," he said. "Try not to get into trouble while I’m gone."

Ella raised an eyebrow. "I wasn’t planning on it."

Nicholas chuckled, pushing off the counter and stepping closer. "Good."

Make yourself at home. Read a book, take a walk in the garden... or sit around and think about me all day."

Ella’s cheeks flushed a deeper red. "You wish."

Nicholas grinned, leaning in slightly. "Oh, I don’t have to wish. I’m sure I’ll be on your mind, little vixen."

Before she could muster a comeback, he grabbed his jacket, winked, and strode out the door, leaving her both flustered and fuming.