No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric) novel Chapter 136

Noelle's heart skipped a beat at the thought of sleeping in Cedric's room.

"Isn't Alfred coming back?" she asked, knowing there were only two bedrooms and no spare room for guests.

"His room is a complete mess. Trust me. You don't want to risk it," Cedric said.

After a moment's thought, Noelle suggested, "Actually, I can just sleep on the couch. I won't be in any trouble."

"Just take my room," Cedric insisted. "I've got some work to finish tonight anyway, so I probably won't be sleeping." His tone was steady. Though there was something slightly off in his expression—he hid it well.

Eventually, Noelle went back to her place next door to grab a change of clothes while Cedric waited by the door. When she came out and saw him standing there, an unexpected wave of security washed over her. She entered Cedric's bedroom and found it simple and clean, much tidier than she'd expected.

Cedric brought in a fresh blanket. "Here, use this."

"Thank you," she replied.

After placing the blanket down, Cedric left the room without lingering. With just the two of them in the apartment, it didn't feel appropriate for him to stay.

Noelle glanced back and saw him standing in the doorway. The light from the living room cast his figure in a long, shadowy silhouette.

"Get some rest. If you need anything, just call me," he said, his gaze steady and unreadable. With that, he closed the door behind him.

Noelle stood there for a moment, taking in the room. Cedric's bedroom was sparsely furnished but immaculately clean—nothing like the stereotypical messy bachelor pad she'd heard about.

After a shower and a change into fresh clothes, she settled into the bed. That was when she noticed it—a faint scent on the blanket.

The scent was subtle but familiar, just like him. It gave her an odd, indescribable feeling, as if he were right there, wrapping her in his presence.

Her cheeks flushed at the thought.

Pulling her head out from under the blanket, she took a deep breath and tried to steady her thoughts. She had to stop overthinking before things got weird.

Though she had expected to spend the night wide awake, the sense of security she felt here surprised her. Before she realized it, she had fallen fast asleep.