The night had taken a chaotic turn as Mia, giggling and stumbling, clung to Evander. “Evan!” she yelled, drawing out his name like it was the most delightful thing in the world.

Evander glanced nervously around, trying to hush her. “Shh... Mia, keep it down.”

Eva walked over, struggling to manage the situation as well. “Do you need help with her?” Evander asked, his hands already ready to steady Mia again.

Eva shook her head, exhaling. “No, I’ve got Andrew. Can you handle Mia?”

Evander turned back to Mia just as she threw her arms wide open, pouting dramatically. “Evan, baby, pick me up!”

He chuckled softly, amused by her antics, and leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Alright, alright. Come here.” He scooped her into his arms, holding her effortlessly as she hummed happily and snuggled into his neck.

With Mia secure, Evander carried her to the guest room. “You’re trouble, you know that?” he whispered to her as she giggled sleepily.

Meanwhile, Eva sighed, glancing down at Andrew, who sat on the edge of the couch, muttering something incoherent. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and a frown tugged at his lips as if lost in a dream—or nightmare.

“Come on, Andrew, let’s get you to bed,” Eva murmured as she pulled him to his feet. He leaned heavily on her, stumbling slightly, but together they managed to make their way to his room.

Just as Eva was about to slip away quietly, Andrew suddenly pushed off the wall, and before she could react, he had her pinned against it, his warm body dangerously close to hers.

“Andrew—what are you doing? You’re too drunk,” Eva whispered, her heart racing in both panic and something she couldn’t quite name.

He caressed her lips gently with his fingertips, his hazy eyes locking onto hers. “Eva...” he murmured, voice low and full of longing. “Please... let me kiss you.”

Her breath hitched as she stared into his deep, stormy eyes. “I...” she began, but her words faltered.

Before she could say anything else, his lips crashed against hers, silencing her thoughts. The kiss was hot, urgent, and electric—so unlike anything she had ever imagined from him. Her head spun as every sense seemed to ignite.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily, their foreheads resting against each other. “Beast,” Eva mumbled under her breath, her cheeks flushed and heart pounding.

Andrew’s lips curled into a lazy, satisfied smile. “Eva...” he whispered, pulling her by the waist as they tumbled onto the bed together.

“Andrew, get off!” she cried, trying to wiggle out from under him. But his weight pressed her down, and to her utter frustration, he had fallen fast asleep—just like that.

“This beast!” she grumbled, trying and failing to push him off her. Exhausted, she gave up the struggle and let her body relax beneath him. Before long, sleep began to creep over her too.

Just as she drifted off, Andrew cracked one eye open, peeking down at her with a mischievous smile. He leaned in, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

“I’ll never let you go,” he whispered against her skin. Snuggling closer, he nuzzled into the curve of her neck, inhaling her scent as he allowed sleep to take him once more.

In another part of the mansion, Irene sat huddled under a table, cursing everyone under her breath for abandoning her in the dark.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching, and her breath hitched. “Who’s there?” she called nervously, her voice trembling.

Tristan’s cool, amused voice echoed in the darkness. “Come out.”

Irene let out a shaky breath of relief at the familiar voice. Crawling out from under the table, she clung to Tristan without hesitation, wrapping her arms around him.

Tristan froze, shocked by the unexpected hug. “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

“Please...” Irene whispered against him. “I’m scared.”

Tristan let out a sigh, his cold demeanor softening ever so slightly. “Alright,” he muttered, giving in. He wrapped a protective arm around her and led her toward her room.

When they reached the door, Irene tugged on his sleeve. “Stay with me... just until I fall asleep?” she asked quietly, her voice barely audible.

Tristan hesitated for a moment but finally nodded. He sat beside her bed, watching over her as her breathing slowed, and soon, soft snores filled the room. A rare, genuine smile crossed his lips as he gazed down at her peaceful face.

She’s not so bad when she’s quiet, he thought to himself before slipping out of the room silently.

Meanwhile, over in the guest room, Evander struggled to keep Mia in bed. She squirmed in his arms, giggling uncontrollably.

“No touching,” she slurred, kicking her feet as she twisted on the bed like an unruly child.

Evander sighed, rubbing his temples. “Mia, please. Just go to sleep.”

Mia ignored him and suddenly sat up. “Let’s play hide and seek!” she announced with drunken excitement, bouncing on the bed.

Evander groaned. “How about this—I’ll give you chocolate in the morning if you lie down like a good girl and sleep.”

Mia tilted her head, considering his offer. “Nope!” she declared with a playful grin. “First, say I’m a cutie pie.”

Evander chuckled despite himself. “Alright, alright. You’re a cutie pie.”

Satisfied, Mia finally snuggled down into the bed, her giggles fading into soft hums. Evander lay beside her, wrapping an arm around her as he gently patted her back.

“Good night, cutie pie,” he whispered, his voice laced with amusement and affection.

Within minutes, Mia’s breathing evened out, and she drifted off to sleep. Evander let out a sigh of relief, closing his eyes as he held her close.

From the hallway, Tristan watched the scene unfold with a rare smile on his lips. He’s good for Mia, he thought quietly before turning away.

As the night stretched on, the mansion grew quiet, filled only with the soft hum of peaceful breaths. In every corner of the house—whether it was Andrew holding Eva close, Evander keeping Mia safe, or Tristan watching over Irene—a strange, fragile warmth had settled over them all.

And for the first time in a long while, they all slept soundly, wrapped in fleeting moments of peace, unaware of the tangled emotions and confessions that awaited them in the light of morning.