The warm, bright sunlight hit my face, making me lazily rub my eyes. There's a window next to this couch that can be a bit eerie at night, but I don’t mind it. At least I wasn't sleeping on the cold floor. I slowly opened my eyes, only to have them widen at the sight before me.

Daniel stood in front of the wardrobe, wearing nothing but a towel around his waist, as he examined the clothes on display. I quickly looked away, feeling my cheeks flush. Oh my... he has a body like those of models. It’s clear he works out, and his wet black hair, messily falling over his forehead, made him look almost god-like. He's truly a work of art!

What is wrong with me?! I’m admiring this arrogant man’s body. I must be going crazy! Snap out of it, Ariana! He’s not your mate! I repeated that mantra in my head and pretended to be asleep until he left the room after getting dressed in the closet.

As soon as I heard the door close behind him, I sat up on the couch and let out a deep breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Dear Lord! This is going to be even harder than I thought, especially with my husband being so attractive.

****

I left the room after freshening up and putting on one of the dresses Ariel had bought for me. She had provided me with an entire wardrobe, knowing I hadn't brought anything with me.

I wandered through the castle's vast corridors, unsure of what to do. Staying in the room all day wasn’t an option, so I decided to explore, but I quickly regretted it. I considered going back to the room when I heard Ariel call my name.

“Ariana?”

I turned to see her standing by the exit with James. Both were dressed elegantly, as if heading to a formal event—Ariel in a beautiful violet gown and James in a tuxedo.

"I want to come too, Momma!" Cami’s voice piped up from the other side of the door. She stood next to Daniel, arms crossed and a big frown on her adorable face.

"Sweetheart, you can’t. The party is for adults, and it’s too dangerous for you to come. Otherwise, we would’ve taken you. Be a good girl for Momma and stay here with Dan," Ariel said, patting Cami's head and kissing her cheeks, which made the little girl giggle.

After soothing her daughter, Ariel turned to me. "James and I are attending a soiree. We’ll be back by midnight," she informed me. "Please look after Cami. She seems to be quite fond of you," she added with a smile.

"I will," I assured her with a nod, returning her smile.

Ariel exchanged a few words with Daniel while James played with Cami for a bit before they both left in the carriage. The whole time, I avoided making eye contact with Daniel. Every time I glanced in his direction, the memory of seeing him in a towel that morning flashed in my mind, making my cheeks burn.

He has no idea I saw him like that, so why do I feel so flustered?

"Ari," Cami’s sweet voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She was holding onto my skirt.

"Yes, sweetie? Do you need something?" I asked, bending down to her level.

"Can you make me a cake?" she asked with a bright smile.

"A cake?" I placed a hand on my chin, pretending to think it over, as she waited eagerly for my answer. Just seeing her curious blue eyes made me grin. "Why not?"

Cami sat on the kitchen island singing a poetry as I started preparing the cake. When I entered the kitchen, the maids offered to prepare the cake but Cami wanted me to make the cake so after much hesitation, they gave me all the needed ingredients and exited the kitchen leaving me with Cami.

After mixing the contents well, the batter was prepared to bake. I dipped my index finger in it to taste the creamy mixture.

Tastes good.

"Can I taste it?" Cami jumped down from the island and stood in front of me.

Smiling at the little girl, I nodded. But an idea popped in my head. Cami's been grumpy whole day because Ariel and James didn't take her along with them. I should at least try to make her laugh.

Before she could dip her tiny fingers into the batter, I held the bowl up refraining her from doing so.

"Ari, I want to taste it." Cami frowned.

"Taste this?"

Placing the bowl back on the counter, I dipped my finger into the batter collecting an ample amount of the cream on my index finger and bent down to Cami's height to hold it in front of her small mouth.

Cami's face brightened with a smile as she jot out her tongue to taste the cream but before she could lick it, I pasted the cream on her cheeks.

The expression on her face was priceless. Her eyes widened with surprise.

She grinned as she dipped her fingers in the bowl placed on the counter and spread the batter on my cheeks taking me by surprise before running off, laughing and giggling.

"I'll catch you. You little muchkin." I sprint off after her, my pace matching hers.

The little girl giggled running ahead of me. Her laughter echoing in the corridors. After a certain turn, I lost her tracks.

She must have hidden somewhere.

My doubt was cleared when Cami shouted, "Find me, Ari!"

I lost track of the sound, but a distant voice confirmed her presence, and I instinctively sprinted toward it without thinking. Instead of finding the little one, I collided with Daniel’s solid chest, almost toppling to the floor if he hadn’t quickly wrapped an arm around my waist to steady me.

I looked up from his chest and found myself staring into his captivating blue eyes. I had never seen them so close before. They were as blue as the sea, as deep as the ocean, and I couldn’t help but lose myself in their depths. There was something in his gaze, a story that felt strangely familiar.

"Hehehe, Ari, you found Dan!" Cami’s giggle snapped me out of my trance, and I quickly stepped back, muttering an apology for crashing into him as Daniel let go of my waist.

"Why are you running around the mansion like a maniac?" His question caught me off guard, leaving me momentarily speechless.

I opened my mouth to give a sharp reply, but no words came out.

"Cat got your tongue?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest, looking every bit the arrogant man he is.

Why does he always have to be so rude?

I felt anger rising inside me, but I just looked away and muttered, "Sorry. It won’t happen again."

"Very well."

"Why are you speaking so rudely to Ari, Dan? It’s a bad habit. I’m disappointed," Cami huffed, narrowing her eyes.

Oh, my sweet little angel! She’s truly a gem.

Daniel looked momentarily speechless, and I wanted nothing more than to laugh, but I kept my mouth shut.

"And why are you wearing dirty clothes? Your shirt is stained," she pointed out, gesturing to the cream on Daniel’s black shirt.

Daniel inspected his shirt and then shot me an accusatory look. I raised an eyebrow, but soon my eyes widened in realization.

The cream must have smeared onto his shirt from my cheeks when I bumped into him. I probably still have some on my face from when Cami spread it there. I must look like a clown, but I’m actually glad I accidentally stained his shirt. He was rude to me, so I’m pleased I ruined his clothes.

"Oh, we still have our cake to make. Let’s go, Cami," I said, taking Cami’s hand and walking past Daniel, ignoring his irritated glare.

A huge grin spread across my face as I saw his annoyed expression.

Serves you right!