For Eliana, everything that happened last night felt like a dream. When she woke up, she knew it was time to face reality.

Dylan could have countless women, could engage in passionate affairs with anyone he desired, but that woman would never be her. In his eyes, she was still a servant of the Cunningham Family, a redemption-bound slave.

Biting her lip, she remembered the harsh lesson she'd learned: survival in the Cunningham Family meant she had to keep her teeth clenched and her pain hidden. No matter what had transpired between them, when the sun rose, he was still Dylan, and she was still Eliana.

Their relationship, hidden from the world, was their secret. However, that secret had now been exposed due to an unexpected overnight stay.

Rose, irritated by yesterday's events, had trouble sleeping and woke up early. It was just her luck to witness Dylan coming out of Eliana's room. Many things didn't need an explanation, especially not to a sensitive woman like Rose. She had long felt that Dylan's gaze towards Eliana was different.

Slap!

Eliana had barely left her room when she received a resounding slap from Rose.

"You wretched woman! You're nothing but a wretched woman!"

"What do you mean, Ms. Eastwood? I don't understand."

"Eliana, don't play dumb with me. What did you do to Dylan? It's all because of your seductive face!" Rose's words were extremely harsh.

Though their relationship had nothing to do with seduction, it had become tainted between her and Dylan.

"I don't need to explain anything to you. I'm a servant of the Cunningham Family, and you're just a guest..." Eliana retorted with an air of dominance.

She had once been a wealthy heiress, and deep down, she still carried that pride. In front of Cunningham Family members, she bowed her head and swallowed her pride to protect her family, but she didn't need to bow to someone like Rose.

"Well, you shitty servant, dare to talk back to me? I'll smash that seductive face of yours!" Rose threatened as she raised her hand, but this time, Eliana blocked it with her own. "Ms. Eastwood, regardless of whether I'm a servant or not, I belong to the Cunningham Family. Your name, Li, doesn't matter."

Eliana had been doing the rough work in the Cunningham Family for three years, and she had the strength to fend off Rose.

Rabbits would bite when cornered. Though she had endured countless lashes from Mrs. Cunningham the day before, it didn't mean she would bow down to everyone and wag her tail like a dog.

"Huh, you bitch, just watch what happens. My cousin belongs to me. You, of all people, are not worthy of the Cunningham Family." Rose left in frustration.

Seeing the arrogant Rose walk away, Eliana slumped onto a nearby flowerbed. "Worthy or not, it's already like this. It's all fate." She sighed, taking a deep breath. Since she had entered the Cunningham Family, she had accepted that she had no control over her fate.

In the days that followed, Eliana deliberately avoided Dylan. The only interaction between them was at night when he would stand by the window, almost unconsciously, until the faint light went out.

For Dylan, it had been an ongoing struggle. He couldn't explain, nor face, his feelings for Eliana.

He considered himself a highly disciplined man, but over the past three years, he had found himself unable to resist succumbing to his desires with her time and time again. It was no longer a matter of mere release.

The tension between them was a terrifying, unfathomable abyss, yet it held an inexplicable allure that made him yearn for more. Like moths to a flame...

The night was deep, the sky filled with countless stars, and such a beautiful night made it easier for people's hearts to tremble with anticipation.

Dragging her tired body back home after a long day of work, Eliana noticed that there was someone else in her room as soon as she entered.

"Why are you avoiding me?" Dylan's sudden accusation caught her off guard as he grabbed Eliana and pulled her into his embrace.

"I... I'm not." She struggled to breathe as she was enveloped by him. His presence made her heart race once again.

"You're lying."

"You should leave. If the madam finds out about this, she'll kill me, and you won't have any sympathy for me, right?" Eliana feigned indifference, but her heart was in turmoil.

"You deliberately avoided me, didn't you?" he asked ambiguously.

"Yes, because I'm afraid..."

"With me here, you have nothing to fear."

Before Eliana could respond, Dylan's lips were on hers.