The Contract

Chapter 134-The Committee

PEARL'S P.O.V

I groaned, letting out a frustrated sigh as I turned to the other side, trying to will the headache away. My hair clung to my face, and I brushed it aside, forcing my eyes open. The dim light in the room didn't help my disorientation.

And then I saw them-those unmistakable silver eyes staring back at me.

I blinked multiple times, my heart skipping a beat. Was this real, or just another one of my weird, vivid dreams? I focused harder. No, he was there. Right there. Laying beside me.

I stared, dumbfounded. "Please don't tell me I slept until noon again," I muttered groggily, my voice hoarse.

A smile spread across his lips, soft and warm, lighting up his face in a way that made my headache feel less intense. "You're an hour behind," he teased.

"Shit!" I groaned, bolting upright, panic surging through me. But before I could fully get away, his hand reached out, gently pulling me back down.

"Not so fast," he murmured, drawing me closer. His arms looped firmly around my waist, anchoring me to his chest.

"What are you doing?" I mumbled into his shirt, my voice muffled. Even though I tried to sound annoyed, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat was too soothing. Against all logic, I relaxed, letting the tension ebb away.

He sighed, the sound rumbling through his chest. His heartbeat was loud, steady, and calming-so much so that the pounding in my head began to dull. I surrendered completely, letting myself nestle deeper into his warmth.

For a moment, silence enveloped us. My eyelids grew heavier, and I felt myself slipping back into sleep.

"You're more than likeable," he said softly, his voice breaking through the quiet.

I stirred, his words registering faintly. His chest vibrated against me as he continued, "You're very much... loveable."

I froze, caught off guard by the weight of his words. Slowly, I moved away, lifting my head to look at him. "Of course, I'm loveable. What are you even talking about?" I asked, letting out a soft laugh to cover the sudden flutter in my chest.

His smile widened, disarming and maddening all at once. "I just wanted you to know," he said simply.

I squinted at him, suspicious of his tone. "Well, thanks, I guess. Now shut up. I need to get ready-I'm heading out with Rosa, and I cannot be late," I said, shaking off the moment as I climbed off the bed and headed for the bathroom.

Still, his words lingered in my mind, uninvited and persistent.

Moments later.

My memories after getting drunk were always a tangled mess, hazy and unreliable. Last night was no exception. I remembered bits and pieces: trying out different wines with Travis, laughing at something I couldn't recall, and then... nothing. The rest was a blur.

He'd warned me about how strong the wine was, and clearly, he'd been right. My tolerance wasn't as high as I thought it was.

"Pearl?" Rosa's voice snapped me back to the present. I blinked, realizing I'd been zoning out.

"What?" I asked quickly, hoping to cover up my distraction.

"You totally blanked on me just now," she said, raising a brow. "What were you thinking about?"

"Oh, nothing," I lied, fumbling for an excuse.

Rosa wasn't buying it. "How was the date with Travis?" she asked, cutting straight to the point.