CHAPTER 0007 Meadow's POV : Alaric's words hit harder than any hangover ever could . I blinked up at him , the panic in my chest escalating . " No , no . That's not - We didn't ... " I started to stutter , but the soft ding of the doorbell stopped me short . " That must be room service , " he muttered , throwing me one last smirk before he strode toward the door , shutting it behind him . Leaving me all alone in the room with the billion questions and wheels that were turning in my head . I raised my left hand up , unable to control the tremors as I stared at the diamond ring so hard , like I could make it disappear with my gaze . " That's not possible ... " I whispered to myself . There was no way I was married . No way I had agreed to a marriage with this man , but as I shut my eyes tight , the memories from last night played repeatedly in my head . They were only fragments , but were present nonetheless . ' Marry me . ' I groaned . ' I can make them pay ,' he'd said . ' Just say the word . ' " Oh no , " I whimpered , clutching the collar of Alaric's shirt . I said yes . I'd really said yes . But that ... that had to be illegal , right ? I was inebriated . Not in the right state of mind . Before I could get lost in my thoughts , the door opened and I raised my head to find Alaric leaning against the door post , his arms crossed in front of his chest . Those were some strong looking arms . Even I had to admit it . Memories of those hands lifting me up , carrying me as I buried my head into his chest ... Oh my God . I felt my cheeks start to heat up - if they weren't already freaking hot before . "Come , Meadow . " His voice was cold , deep . 1/4 CHAPTER 0007 +15 BONUS Something in his tone had me moving even before my brain could catch up . I got to the door , holding my breath as I walked past him in his t - shirt . It stopped halfway down to my knees , so I was covered , but the fire in his eyes had me fisting the edges of the shirt , like I was pinning it to my body . I walked to the dining table , my eyes widening at the richest breakfast tray I had ever seen . Avocado toast , golden scrambled eggs , fluffy pancakes that had been stacked high with whipped cream and berries , smoked salmon , tiny glass jars of honey and jam , and a pitcher of what seemed like freshly squeezed orange juice . And beside the tray was a glass of water and a tiny plate containing two painkiller pills . I spun around , letting out a gasp when I realized that Alaric had been right behind me . He towered over me , and his eyes ... Oh God , his eyes . I wasn't able to see them clearly last night but now I could . They were ink - blue . The kind of blue you would mistake for black under the wrong lighting . And right now , they were narrowed at me . " I can't eat this , " I said , catching myself before I did something crazy . " Why not ? " he asked , head tilted in curiosity . It took a good ten seconds before I was able to work up a reply . " Well , first of all , " my voice trembled . " I'm not hungry . " The lie tasted like bile on my tongue . " And second , " I said airily . " I may have your expensive - ass ring on my finger , but I don't remember saying yes to you . I was drunk , and I ... What are you doing ? " Alaric had sidestepped me , pulling out a chair directly in front of the food . He tapped his hand twice on the seat . " Sit , " he said " You can't be serious , " I scoffed . " I'm dead serious , Meadow , " he stated plainly . " And like I said , you must eat something first before we have anything resembling a conversation . " I swallowed , preparing a retort in my head , but when nothing came up , I just did as he said , sliding into the chair , while he walked over to the coffeemaker , his back to me as he poured some already brewed coffee into a cup . I picked up a fork and stabbed a piece of egg 2/4 CHAPTER 0007 +15 BONUS Anything to distract me from staring blatantly at the tattoos that swirled up his arms , or the casual way he walked up to the table , pulling out the seat across from me . He sat down , placing the mug on the table with a gentleness that made my eyelids flutter , and then his eyes met mine again . I quickly looked away , clearing my throat as I took a bite of the eggs . He didn't say much . He didn't say anything at all . Just sipped his black coffee slowly , watching me eat , like I was his responsibility . Or property . " So , " I muttered , not quite meeting his eyes . " Do you just ... keep spare diamond rings on you in case you randomly get married ? " His mouth twitched . " No. That one was custom - made . " I paused . " What ? " He raised his mug to his lips again , ignoring my question . I narrowed my eyes but shoved a forkful of pancake into my mouth anyway , chewing slowly . I hated how good it tasted , but I couldn't help but close my eyes in delight , an unintentional moan dropping from my lips . I caught myself instantly , opening my eyes to look at Alaric . But he was already looking at me with an expression I couldn't decipher . And then , his eyes dropped to my mouth . And I graciously proceeded to choke . A few coughs burst from my throat as I fisted my chest . Alaric was by my side in seconds . He grabbed the pitcher , pouring me a glass of orange juice . " Here , " he murmured , holding it out to me . Our hands grazed each other during the motion , and I felt him tense beside me . I gulped down some of the orange juice , freezing when another memory flashed through my mind . ' I can't feel anyone's touch , Meadow . But I felt yours . ' Alaric had said those words to me last night , and I didn't quite grasp what he'd meant . And now , as I watched his jaw clench and his shoulder tense , I couldn't help my curiosity . " What did you mean when you said that ? " I asked 3/4 CHAPTER 0007 +15 BONUS " Said what ? " he muttered as he returned to his seat . I shook my head , wondering if I sounded crazy . " That you can't feel touch . " " I'm surprised you remember that , " he said coolly , leaning back into his seat . " You don't seem to remember much else from last night . " My heart jumped . " I remember asking you to take my virginity . " I slapped my palm against my forehead . Why on earth did I say that ? Alaric's expression didn't change . " You did ." " And ... you didn't . " " You were drunk , " he said , voice rougher now . " I won't take what isn't given sober . " I tilted my head . " I was also drunk when I accepted to marry you . " His mouth twitched . " That's different . " " How so ? " Alaric raised his eyes to meet mine . " Marriage is just paperwork , Meadow . " His gaze dropped to my mouth , darkening as his grip tightened around the mug . " But you were already mine before I slipped the ring onto your finger . " Title: Cohabitating Lover by CrushReel In the romantic tale "Cohabitating Lover," Corinne, a runaway bride still donned in her wedding attire, and Andre find themselves mistakenly tangled in a leasing office mix-up. Despite initial reluctance, they become unexpected roommates after a series of arguments lead to an unconventional living arrangement. Exploring themes of love, transformation, and the magnetic pull of opposites, this modern romance unfolds against the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and a high-powered office setting. As Corinne and Andre navigate their differences and shared living space, their individual glow-ups and personal growth intertwine in a heartwarming display of vulnerability and resilience. This sweet romance novel stands out for its portrayal of characters grappling with unexpected circumstances while discovering the true meaning of companionship. With a blend of CEO dynamics, modern settings, and the allure of opposites attracting, "Cohabitating Lover" offers readers a refreshing take on love and self-discovery. Escape into this ongoing story available to read at CrushReel for a captivating journey through the complexities of relationships and personal evolution.