Love Unspoken

Quinn's gaze was drawn upward, locking onto the bear's eyes. They were meant to be lifeless, fixed black beads, yet they shifted suddenly, jolting her awake with a surge of fear.

As her eyes fluttered open, she was met with a wash of brightness. Turning her head to peer out the window, she found that dawn had already broken, yet the space beside her in the bed was conspicuously empty.

Rising into a sitting position, a sharp twinge of pain shot through her calves. She lifted the blanket to inspect them, finding the swelling to be as severe as before, albeit slightly less painful. Tentatively, she pinched the swollen area, a gasp escaping her lips as the pain flared anew.

Abruptly, the bedroom door swung open, revealing Alexander with a tray in his hands. He crossed the room to sit beside her, drawing her attention. Dressed in a black shirt and a silver vest, his waist appeared even more slender than usual. In his formal attire, he exuded an air of stoicism that had fooled many. From the tray, Alexander picked up a bowl and scooped some polenta, bringing it to her lips.

"Open your mouth," he instructed.

Obediently, Quinn opened her mouth, but her gaze remained fixed on his face. He fed her a Sebastianful of polenta, then another, until she had finished the entire bowl. Her hunger was ravenous, as if she hadn't eaten in days, and she swallowed each mouthful without hesitation.

Alexander cast a sidelong glance at her, asking, "Why are you staring at me?"

the now-empty bowl of polenta. His sigh echoed in

want

nodded in response.Alexander studied her for a moment before a laugh escaped him, the sound grating against the quiet of the room. By the time

consumed the second serving, finally satiating her hunger. She shook her head when he offered more,

tray, never to return. Left alone, Quinn remained obediently in bed.

the doorbell rang from downstairs. The memory of Soren from

grip on the handle, she pulled it open. The

as usual,

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faint sound of barking from within the house finally drew Getty's attention away from Quinn. Without waiting for an invitation,

her, but Getty brushed past her with ease. Quinn stumbled,

situation clear at a glance. She turned back to Quinn,