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We both froze, glancing over. It was Lily.
I snapped awake and cursed myself. How could I lose control with my girlfriend's sister?
Lily said she'd be downstairs in ten minutes and needed help with the bags.
I agreed and practically tumbled out of the room. The living room's fresh air cleared my head.
Without Lily's call, I'd have betrayed her.
Recalling the guest room's faint incense, I froze. It wasn't normal—Claire's room had aphrodisiac incense.
In therapy, we use herbs like mugwort. I know scents well. That was not a mistake—it was meant to arouse. That's why I lost control.
A chill hit me. Was Claire intentional?
I didn't know her that well. I always thought she was shy and reserved. But a model like her, quiet? Maybe it was an act.
Was this a trap? Did she leave the bathroom unlocked, knowing I was back and playing coy?
To break me and Lily up?
I shook my head, resolving to confess to Lily to avoid more trouble.
Claire came out of the room.
"Is Lily back?"
"Almost downstairs."I glanced at her and asked," Why didn't you lock the bathroom this morning?"
She blinked, caught off-guard."I didn't know you were back."
"I opened the door—you didn't notice?"
She flushed and got defensive." I was washing my face, eyes were closed and the shower was on. How would I know? Why are you making it sound like I planned it?"
I cut in." Why use that incense?"
"What incense?" She looked confused.
"The one in the corner."
"The room was musty. Lily said it would help. What's wrong?"
I stared at her." It's an aphrodisiac. Don't use it again."
She lowered her head, blushing, and her eyes looked nervous."Really? No wonder I felt dizzy and weak...so embarrassing."
I studied her, not sure if she was lying.
Downstairs, Lily was waiting by the car with sleepwear, blankets, and pillows for Claire's stay.
I hesitated if I should tell her about Claire.
She noticed my expression."What's wrong?"
I tested," Don't you think Claire's been acting a bit strange?"
Lily paused." She has been weird—going out a lot, and is really vague about it, saying it's for shoots. Sometimes she's distracted and ignores me. She dodges calls, too."
Gritting my teeth, I confessed everything—the bathroom mistake, the massage.
Relieved, I braced for her reaction.
Lily didn't believe me." Claire's a model, gorgeous, with tons of suitors. Why you? She's always put me first and shared everything. At worst, she used the wrong incense."
She told me to self-reflect for paranoia.
Seeing her anger, I couldn't argue, helping her carry the bags silently.
Lily stayed mad all night and ignored me.
