However, she didn’t notice the brief coldness that flickered in Sidney’s eyes….When Maria woke up, it was already midday.She struggled to sit up, her body sore and tired.Memories of the night before rushed back to her, leaving her momentarily dazed as she sat on the bed.Turning her head, she spotted her phone-and next to it, a bottle of water and a small packet of birth control pills.Maria stared at the packet for a moment before taking a pill and swallowing it. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ƒindNoᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.When she walked out of the bedroom, she was surprised to see Sidney still there, cooking in the kitchen.”You’re still here?” she asked, leaning against the doorframe.Sidney glanced at her briefly, then returned to the stove. “I’ll leave after you eat.”She watched his busy movements. “Last night…”Her words trailed off, and he didn’t seem inclined to pick up the conversation either. It was as if last night had been just a fleeting moment of indulgence, something acted on a whim with no strings attached. No need for explanations, no need for responsibility. Maria couldn’t quite read him anymore. He wasn’t supposed to be interested in her, so why did things keep happening between them? She wasn’t the type to play guessing games, so she decided to ask directly, “Sidney, what are you thinking?” Just then, Sidney finished plating the last dish.He glanced at her and said, “What about you?”He brushed past her, placing the plate on the table. Maria raised an eyebrow. “You were the one who made the first move last night.”Sidney replied calmly, “And you didn’t say no.”Maria paused. Well, that was true. She hadn’t rejected him. The truth was, she liked his kisses, his voice, and yes, even his technique.She slowly made her way to the table. “So, what are we now… friends with benefits?”Sidney’s brow furrowed slightly, clearly displeased by the term, but he didn’t deny it either.Suddenly, Maria’s fingers lifted his chin, and Sidney frowned as their eyes met.Her gaze held a playful glint.”So, does that mean whenever I want, I can call you over?” she asked.Sidney brushed her hand away, his tone calm. “You’re overthinking it. There won’t be a next time.”Maria let out a soft chuckle. “Oh, really? You get to decide when it happens and when it doesn’t? Don’t you think you’re being a little too controlling, Sidney?” “The food’s going to get cold,” Sidney replied, his tone still even.Maria’s smile faded, turning cold. “Do you really think I’m joking with you?”Sidney looked up, meeting her gaze with the same calm demeanor. “Then what do you want?”His composed attitude only fueled her frustration, especially after he claimed there wouldn’t be a next time. Her temper flared, and without warning, she flipped the table. “Get out.”Her voice was steady, but the sound of dishes crashing to the floor was sharp. Sidney’s brow furrowed tightly, but he said nothing. After a moment of silence, he turned and left without a word. FindNovelMaria called the cleaning service before retreating to her bedroom, feeling utterly drained.Why did things have to end up this way?It became clear to her-it wasbecause she liked him more than she thought. Liking someone without getting any real response in return yet still sharing moments of intimacy, had ignited her anger. BUMSIn that light, he really did seem to have the makings of a jerk.With a bitter laugh, Maria threw the covers over herself and tried to sleep.The housekeeper came later, cleaned up, and even left some food behind. When Maria woke up feeling a bit better, her phone began to ring.