Chapter 285

"L-Let go of me..." Winona's voice carried a teasing edge. "Wasn't it you who hooked your arm around my neck?" Nicholas couldn't help but laugh. As he casually observed her earlier, he hadn't realized that her arm had subconsciously looped around his neck, and her body had settled on his lap. The distance between them had gotten much closer. And now, he was still holding the strawberry-flavored lollipop in his mouth. When he spoke and moved closer to her, the sweet scent of strawberries immediately filled her senses. "I-I'm sorry." Winona quickly pulled her hand away and instinctively leaned back. But in doing so, she lost her balance and fell backward. A startled cry echoed in the lounge. Nicholas' reflexes were quick. He easily caught her slender waist with his right hand before lowering his head to look directly at Winona, who was now both flustered and pale. Their eyes met once again. Their heartbeats quickened—steady, rhythmic, and intense, echoing through the room. "Win