Chapter 49

Genevieve leaned against the car window, feeling exhaustion wash over her in waves. The lights in front of her eyes rapidly faded, blurring into a haze of colors. Soon, she fell asleep. She no longer looked as aloof as she did during the day. Her features softened as she slept, and her long lashes cast a slight shadow under her lids. Tristan couldn't help but look at her side profile. The traffic light in front of them turned red, and the car slowed to a stop. It was as if someone had put the world on pause for a moment. It was so quiet inside the car that Tristan could hear his own heartbeat. He leaned toward Genevieve, almost as if he were in a trance. He could smell a clean, woody scent coming from the ends of her hair, and a mild floral note that smelled exactly like the irises he had given her. He left a warm, gentle kiss on her cheek, as faint as a whisper. Genevieve's eyelashes quivered slightly. Her heartbeat thundered in her chest. She didn't dare to open her eyes. S