Lynette's POV
Compared to the other residence, this place was much smaller, though still luxurious.
I was still in my black funeral dress when Arian showed me to my room. It was undeniably large, just like the one in the previous residence, with an identical design.
I opened one of the doors and discovered a breathtaking bathroom.
My eyes widened.
How could a bathroom be this spacious, this refined?
I unzipped my dress, stepping out of it, leaving only my undergarments as I walked over to fill the bathtub with warm water.
While waiting, I wandered toward the cupboards, opening them out of curiosity.
Rows upon rows of high-end skincare products lined the shelves.
Luxury. Expense. Things I had never had time—or money—for.
I turned toward the large mirror, staring at my reflection.
Looks alone wouldn't be enough to replace Lynette.
I needed information.
A phone.
A way to learn how to act like her.
The thought flickered in my mind—the water.
I rushed back to the bathtub, shutting off the tap just before it overflowed.
With a deep breath, I reached behind me, unbuckling my bra. My fingers slid down, lowering my panties before stepping into the bath.
The warm water enveloped me, soothing every tense muscle.
I closed my eyes.
For the first time in a long time, I wasn't worried about finding a job. I wasn't drowning in unpaid bills.
Then, my mind drifted.
To Arian.
His presence. The way he spoke—low, smooth, deliberate.
The memory of being in his arms returned—the strength, the warmth, the effortless way he had lifted me.
The thought lingered too long.
Arian's hands on my waist. His lips grazing mine.
No barriers. No distance.
I jolted awake and slapped myself.
How can I be thinking about someone else's husband like this? I shouldn't—I couldn't.
Yet, the resemblance was undeniable. Arian had the same face as Silver Anderson's fiancé, the man I once admired from a distance. But that was all it had ever been—admiration. Fleeting. Insignificant.
It had to be the same now. Just admiration. Just a random thought.
Thinking of Silver Anderson's fiancé made me realize something—I hadn't come here alone.
Daniella.
I shot up from the tub, my heartbeat quickening. Grabbing a fresh towel from drawer and cleaned myself I wrapped it around myself before slipping into a bathrobe. I hadn't bothered to tie it properly.
Stepping out of the bathroom, I turned to close the door behind me.
Then, I froze.
Had I imagined it? Or had I seen someone sitting on my bed?
Slowly, I turned my head.
Arian.
My eyes widened in shock.
I fumbled with the bathrobe, hastily tying it as I stood stiffly, refusing to turn around again.
First day in someone's home, and I had already flashed my goodies to someone else's husband.
Someone help me.
Forcing composure, I finally turned to face him.
I forced a smile. "Hey," I said softly, pressing my back against the door.
That was awkward.
He grinned, but the amusement didn't linger. His expression shifted as he walked toward me.
"Your friend is here," he said.
He took another step, closing the space between us. "She said she has something to give you."
Now, he was just inches away.
I blinked rapidly, looking anywhere but at him. "I'll meet her now… I also wanted to see her," I said, stepping past him.
But then—
His arm curled around my waist, pulling me back.
I inhaled sharply, eyes darting up to his.
This man—
His lips hovered near my ear, his breath uneven, rough.
A shiver ran down my spine.
I swallowed, my thoughts spiraling.
This wasn't supposed to happen.
He bit my ear lightly, sending another shudder through my body. Should I run? Should I stay?
"Do… show me completely. You know I don't like sneak peeks," he murmured.
Then, his gaze darkened slightly. "I have abstained for fifteen days," he added, looking directly at me.
That's it—I'm running.
I bolted for the door, yanking it open before sprinting down the stairs.
Never trust the quiet ones—they're the dangerous ones!
I had assumed this man was the innocent type.
Well, innocent,man and married clearly don't rhyme.
And if I were the real Lynette of this dimension—just back from being kidnapped—did that mean he planned to sleep with her that very night?
"Lynette?"
I heard Daniella's voice just as I reached the lower floor.
She looked at me, eyes questioning as I reached down "Why are you running?"
I hugged myself, forcing a smile. "It's nothing."
Before she could say anything more, I rushed to speak.
"I didn't forget you at the other place. Everything just happened so fast—my mother, Arian…"
But Daniella looked entirely unfazed.
"I'm not worried," she said, holding out a phone.
I took it from her.
"Your mother gave us phones to use. And I heard the WiFi is free. You know what to do with it, don't you?"
I met her gaze.
"Of course… but this matter—let's talk about it somewhere else. Later," I muttered, keeping my eyes darting upward in case Arian appeared.
As I spoke, I noticed something.
She kept looking at the ground, like she was searching for something.
Then I remembered.
When we had spoken earlier, she had been staring at Arian.
Was she looking for him now?
I could only hope it was because she was still surprised that he looked like Silver's fiancé in this dimension.
"Lynette, I need a place to stay for now… since I don't know where I live," Daniella said, turning to me with an awkward smile.
I paused.
Did she mean this residence?
"Of course. I'll speak to my mother to—"
She cut me off before I could finish.
"We should stay together, don't you think? You understand why."
I narrowed my eyes slightly, studying her expression.
"Sure… I do understand. We should stay together," I said, though something about it felt off.
Then, suddenly—
"There are guest rooms, but none are available for you."