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Aileen spotted Hailey and excitedly rushed over. "Hailey, you’re here!"

"Hello, Mrs. Zamora and Aileen!" Hailey greeted them.

Pamela’s expression brightened at the sight of Hailey. "Declan, you should’ve told me Hailey was coming! We could have prepared more dishes."

Before Declan could explain that Hailey wasn’t staying for dinner, Hailey spoke up. "Mrs. Zamora, I’m not picky. As long as there’s enough food to fill me up, I’m happy."

"Well then, you’ll definitely be well-fed!" Pamela replied.

Everyone shared a lighthearted chuckle.

"I’m going to take a shower," Declan said, heading toward his room.

Once inside, he turned on the shower, letting the cold water rush over him.

The aphrodisiac Adeline had used on him was incredibly potent, and despite his experience, it was hard to shake off its effects.

The cold water splashed against his muscles, droplets scattering in every direction. He slowly closed his eyes, trying to steady himself.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Hailey’s soft voice rang out. "Declan?"

He didn’t look up. "Yes?"

Hailey continued, "Mrs. Zamora asked me to bring you clean clothes."

"Just leave them in here," he responded.

Hailey stepped inside, the frosted glass door keeping them apart. Without meeting Declan’s gaze, she asked, "Where should I put them?"

"Hang them up," he said.

"Got it."

With that, Hailey carefully hung the clothes on the rack.

Declan turned his head slightly, his gaze locking on the silhouette of her figure through the frosted glass.

She moved with grace, the gentle curve of her body faintly visible. Her long, dark hair tumbled down, casting a spell of allure in the space around her.
----
She stood on tiptoe to hang his clothes, her body angled to
the side. Her chest was full and rounded, and her back
curved elegantly, exuding a youthful vitality.

Declan’s eyes grew red-rimmed, his hand reaching out
almost mechanically.

Outside, Hailey’s voice broke the silence. "Declan, are you
done? Why are you taking so long?”

There was no response.

She tried again. "Declan, why aren’t you answering? Are
you purposely ignoring me?

"Declan?

"Declan!"


----
Through the ted glass, a quiet
tension filledthe air. The sound of
her calng is name was so melodie,
each repetition echoing in his mind
like a burst of fireworks, leaving:

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

De momentarily lost in the

ation.

The feeling was brief but intense, like the pull of opium—
both strange and addictive.

"Declan? Declan!"

“Enough! Are you trying to drive me mad?" Declan
snapped.


----
Hailey went quiet for a moment before stepping out.

Declan turned off the water and grabbed a towel to dry
himself off. After changing into fresh clothes, he emerged
from the bathroom.

Meanwhile, Pamela had already finished preparing the
vegetables. Declan moved into the kitchen, ready to begin
cooking.

Aileen sat at the table, focused intently on her homework.
Hailey couldn’t help but admire Aileen’s beautiful
handwriting. Aileen was a top student and was always the
highest-ranked in her class.

“Aileen, you’re really impressive! Which high school are you
aiming for?" Hailey asked.

“| want to go to Central High School. Declan went there,
and he got in with the top score," Aileen responded.

Hailey recognized the name. "| heard he was the top scorer
in the state for the college entrance exam.”


----
Aileen nodded proudly. "Yes,
Declan’s alwe s been number one,
from elementary school all the way
through tniversity. He’s my role S
modetbut | still feel like | have a
longWway to go before | can catch up
toFim."

----
Hailey couldnitelp but feel a sense
of awe for ie Zamora siblings—they
were bothso remarkable. While she
was an extellent student herself.
she knew she could never match Declan’s level of achievement.





She walked into the kitchen, watching as Declan prepared

the meal. "Declan, is it because my grades aren’t as good

as yours that you don’t like me? Do you think I’m not smart
enough?"