I couldn't let him finish; in a panic, I covered his mouth with my hand, shaking my head violently in denial.

And then, I watched in horror as his ears turned a bright shade of red.

Hurriedly, I climbed back to my feet and called out to Megan, "Megan! Take my wedding gifts to Mr. Gabriel Fleming; he'll be the one to keep them from now on."

The wedding gifts I had sacrificed were still fresh in my mind as I lay in bed next to Gabriel, unable to sleep. My thoughts were consumed by the loss as I tossed and turned restlessly.

Beside me, Gabriel must have grown tired of my fidgeting, for he pulled me into his embrace. "If you keep squirming, we might have to find something else to do," he teased.

I immediately shut my eyes and lay still, not wanting to provoke him further. I was exhausted from the day's events, and soon enough, sleep began to pull me under.

I faintly heard Gabriel chuckle and murmur something, but my dreams were wild, in which I had unleashed a dog to chase him through the night. By morning, I woke up feeling refreshed.

Gabriel had already left for court by the time I got up. I decided to visit his mother. She took my hands in hers and said warmly, "Gabriel may seem cold on the outside, but his heart is warm. You and my eldest son aren't destined for each other, so take good care of him, and let's hope you fill this house with children to liven it up."

I thought about our innocent sleeping arrangement under the covers and nodded, feeling a bit guilty.

Once I left his mother's room, I realized I needed to take some action. Ashley's advice echoed in my mind.

"Megan, go grab the money my mom gave me," I instructed.

I sent someone to fetch a group of beautiful women to bring to the house.

Then, Megan and I stepped outside. As I stood on the street, gazing at the grand buildings around me, I couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed.

"Wow, it's huge!" I exclaimed.

Megan nodded in agreement.

"Go knock on the door," I said.

Megan obediently approached and knocked. A man, yawning widely, stumbled out.

"Get lost! Who do you think you are, coming here?" he barked.

I cleared my throat and adjusted my hood. "Could you please ask your master to come out? I have a business proposal for her."

I was invited inside, and to my surprise, it was easier than I had anticipated. The madam greeted me with a beaming smile.