Chapter 3

It was getting late, so I quickly pushed the absurd dream from my mind and got up to go to work.

While waiting for the elevator, Julian walked up.

“Good morning.” I greeted him awkwardly.

He nodded, his expression cool.

The elevator arrived, and we both stepped inside.

In the confined space, he stood in front of me. My eyes fixed on his broad shoulders, and my mind couldn’t help but replay last night’s dream.

It had felt so real, especially the sensation of skin against skin…

“Oh, by the way, Mr. Julian, did I drink too much last night? I don’t remember anything. I didn’t cause any trouble, did I?” I asked softly.

Julian turned his head, his dark eyes fixed on me.

“It was quite troublesome, actually.”

My heart immediately sank.

“You drank too much last night and fell asleep on the table. I called a female colleague from the company to send you back to your dorm.”

“However, I didn’t expect you to be so… articulate when drunk. Mr. Caldwell really enjoyed chatting with you. The contract was signed smoothly last night, and he even specifically invited us to his hot spring resort tonight. You should pack a swimsuit.”

*Ding-dong.*

Just as Julian finished speaking, the elevator doors opened.

Before I could even process Julian’s words, my gaze met Marcus’s eyes outside the elevator.

“Rose, come with me for a bit.” Marcus said, stepping into the elevator and pressing the first-floor button.

Julian, who had just stepped out of the elevator, turned his head, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

My heart was doing acrobatics.

I was articulate when drunk?

“I heard you drank too much last night. Are you alright?” Marcus looked at me, a hint of tenderness in his eyes.

“I’m fine, totally fine.” I quickly shook my head and replied.

“Good then.” Marcus said, looking down at his phone. I didn’t say another word.

I spent the whole day running around with Marcus, and I didn’t have time to buy a swimsuit. When we arrived at the hot spring resort in the evening, I had to pick one from the small shop at the front desk.

But all the conservative styles were sold out, leaving only very revealing ones.

Thinking that tonight would just be a casual hang-out, and I probably wouldn’t even run into the bosses, I casually chose a dark red swimsuit.

After changing, I walked to the innermost pool. The lighting here was dim, and it was my favorite rose petal pool. Soaking in it felt incredibly comfortable.

As I was closing my eyes to relax, I heard footsteps approaching.

“Ma’am, remember to drink water to stay hydrated.” It was a server, bringing tea and fruit.

I was thirsty, so I drank more than half a cup of water immediately. The cool, refreshing grapes also seemed especially sweet.

This business trip was truly a treat.

I had looked up the prices for this hot spring resort online; a single visit would probably cost me a month’s salary.

After eating and drinking my fill, I leaned against the pool again, closing my eyes. The fragrance of roses in the pool filled my nose, and soon I dozed off.

In a daze, it seemed someone entered my pool.

I heard the sound of water rippling.

Then, a large hand scooped my body out of the water.

“Don’t move. Let’s try it in the water.” It was Marcus’s voice.

“Alright, I haven’t tried that in the water yet.” Julian’s voice chimed in.

Then my body was gently lowered back into the water.

And the water in the hot spring pool swayed more and more violently. Beneath the surface, two hands seemed to press down on my legs.