Coco pov
I was taken aback by the fact that it was just the two of us in the luxurious limo, and my surprise was clearly evident on my face.
"Don't be so shocked, Coco," Whis reassured me. "It's only fitting that you have your own limo. After all, you are the judge who stands between rebirth and eternal damnation, and you're also the only one among your friends who is a true Queen."
Whis was right. I remembered the moment when the Grand Priestess revealed to me that I was related to the last ruler of Turvixin. She had cautioned me not to mention it until she could find concrete proof. It took her quite a while to comb through the Rune Palace, but eventually, she discovered a hidden library. In that library, she uncovered two thick books brimming with information about the biology of my people and a detailed family tree of the royal lineage. I had assisted her in the search and even started making plans for the revival of the palace.
As I sat there, trying to relax before facing the public eye, my mind began to wander. And inevitably, it drifted towards Whis. He looked exceptionally handsome tonight, especially with his hair down. There was something about his hair that tied his whole appearance together. Without even realizing it, my finger found itself twirling a strand of his hair.
"Having fun with that?" Whis inquired, observing Coco twirling a strand of his hair.
I nodded and planted a soft kiss on his lips. It was meant to be a simple peck, but it quickly escalated into a passionate lip lock. When we finally parted, I couldn't resist checking my lipstick.
"I specifically requested the maids to provide a no-smudge lipstick, considering kissing seems to be your favorite hobby," Whis remarked. I responded with a seductive smile.
"We'll put the smudge resistance to the test later," I teased.
Whis cautioned me, his tone laced with warning, "You're being dangerously tempting in this confined space, Coco."
As we arrived at the building, it was evident that it exuded opulence and wealth. From the outside, it screamed luxury, and I could only imagine that the interior would be even more elegant.
"Whis, please understand my change in demeanor tonight. As the judge, I have to appear colder and more unfeeling," I explained.
Whis responded gently, "In that case, let me be the source of warmth for you this evening."
I nodded, appreciating his understanding, and we shared one final kiss before the limo door was opened.
The walk from the limo to the main hall served as a warm-up before mingling with the important individuals present. Whis had forewarned me that some people might be impatient and eager to catch a glimpse of the judge as soon as I entered the building. He was right. A few individuals lined the walls of the hall, their eyes fixed on our every move. I could hear their whispered conversations clearly.
"Who's that accompanying the youngest prince?" a faceless woman whispered.
"That's the judge," replied another faceless woman standing beside her. "No way! She looks so young."
"They allowed a woman to be a judge?" murmured a pudgy faceless man. "I bet her rulings are influenced by her emotions," he continued, his voice filled with skepticism.
"Why is she with the prince?" questioned a voice from the crowd.
"You didn't know? She's a faithful, just like Queen Hachimitsu," someone else responded.
"She's stunning," a deep voice whispered, only to be followed by the sound of a smack.
I steeled myself, focusing solely on what lay ahead. My curiosity tempted me to take in the grandeur of the surroundings and engage with the people present, but the judging side of me silenced those urges. It firmly instructed that side to quiet down and take a backseat. As we came to a halt in front of a massive door, I could feel Whis's hand on my hip, giving it a gentle squeeze. I glanced up at him, and in return, he rewarded me with a warm smile. Blushing, I offered a small smile in return before allowing my resting bitch face to return. The whispers behind us grew louder, but I paid them no mind.
The grand doors of the ballroom swung open, and we stepped forward, pausing at the top step. Years of formal training kicked in, and I felt a surge of confidence. Countless pairs of eyes were fixed upon Whis and me. If I were still Coco in this moment, nerves would likely have overwhelmed me, causing fainting or even vomiting, but I was not Coco—I was the judge.
"Now announcing Queen Jasmine, the third of the Turvixin family, and Prince Whis of the Higher Haven family," the announcement boomed through the ballroom.
Lesson 289: Queens don't bow unless faced with another queen. I observed as the room gracefully bowed before me, with the exception of a select few higher-ups. The grand priest and priestess, instead of bowing, raised their champagne glasses in a toast towards us. Lesson 250: Higher-ups don't have to do anything—they are the higher-ups. If a higher-up approves of you, they will raise their glass high as a sign of respect once you are announced. Whis and I made our way halfway down the steps when I finally recognized some familiar faces.
Once we descended the stairs, the ball resumed in full swing. Dozens of people surrounded us, their faces blending together in a sea of nameless individuals. They bombarded me with countless questions, and I spent an hour attentively listening and providing replies. Unfortunately, Whis and I were separated at some point, but Clover and Lime quickly came to my side. I noticed Lime's irritated expression directed towards a man who was standing too close to Marcarita, invading her personal space.
Marcarita appeared extremely uncomfortable, her body language indicating she was ready to leave. Sensing the tension, I decided to break the awkwardness by suggesting we grab something to drink. "Let's get something to sip on," I said loudly, ensuring my friends would hear me. Lime looked at me and followed my gaze towards the bar, where Marcarita happened to be standing. Lime caught on and eagerly agreed, understanding my intention. Together, we maneuvered through the crowd, effortlessly making our way towards the bar as people quickly cleared a path for us.
Clover, fanning herself lazily with her fan, asked, "Do you think angel wine is sweet?"
"I have no clue. Maybe we can ask someone who's tried it before," I responded. As we approached the bar, I could sense Lime growing more impatient. Stepping forward, I intervened in the one-sided conversation taking place.
"Excuse me," I said, trying to get their attention.
"Whoa, you're that gorgeous babe I saw in the hall! Are you happy to meet me, babe?" the young man exclaimed, extending his hand for me to shake. Clover, Lime, Marcarita, and a few curious onlookers appeared taken aback by his forwardness.
"Lady Marcarita, I was wondering if you would like to join us at the bar?" I asked, gripping the golden gavel tightly in both hands. The personal maid behind Lord Pin-Chi quickly whispered, "Lord Pin-Chi, you can't shake her hand."
"Hah! Why the hell not? Is she going to melt or something!? Shake my hand, babe." It suddenly clicked in my mind - the young lord was arrogant and spoiled, never taking no for an answer. No wonder people felt uncomfortable around him.
Ignoring his outstretched hand, I turned to Lady Marcarita. "It would be my pleasure," she swiftly replied, latching herself onto Lime's arm. As Clover and I watched them walk away, a sense of relief washed over us.
Just as I started to walk away with Clover by my side, I froze, feeling a sharp smack on my backside. "L-Lord Pin-Chi!"
The faces in the crowd blurred into a sea of anonymity as my focus zeroed in on the offensive individual. "What compelled you to commit such a vulgar act?" I asked, my tone even and composed.
"Don't act like you didn't like it. I've heard that the Royals of Turevixin were like bunnies. That was just a love tap. Come with me, and I'll show you something you'll really enjoy," he taunted, clearly trying to provoke a reaction from me. Clover couldn't help but giggle softly from behind her fan before speaking loud enough for those around her to hear.
"How grotesque. Is this how his people behave on his planet? I would never want to visit; I might end up getting groped," she remarked, fueling the gossip that quickly spread through the faceless crowd. The young lord seemed visibly embarrassed and backed down. "This isn't over," he hissed, casting a resentful gaze at Clover and me, then rudely pushing past his personal maid.
"Now that he's retreated with his tail between his legs, let's finally get that drink," Clover suggested. I chuckled briefly. "Clover, your group gossip technique is remarkably effective. You must teach me how you do it," I said.
"It'll be my pleasure," Clover replied with a mischievous smile.
"They seem to handle things quite well on their own," the grand priest remarked, maintaining his composure in the chair.
"You're right. Maybe I can finally relax a little bit," Honey replied, easing back into her seat.
"Queen Hachimitsu," a voice suddenly called out.
"I spoke too soon," Honey growled.
"Oh, come on, don't be like that. It's been ages since we last spoke or saw each other. Are you still sore about what happened?" the green-eyed Lord said, amusement evident in his voice.
"You tried to object at my wedding, and your wife attempted to force herself on my husband," Honey stated calmly.
"You two seem to be doing remarkably well. It's a shame I'll never have the chance to be with you," the green-eyed lord commented.
"Lord Yoshito, leave our presence before I feel compelled to intervene," the grand priest interjected, giving Yoshito a menacing side-eye.
Yoshito threw up his hands, releasing a playful laugh. "Hahaha, I don't need to be told twice," he said.
As the couple watched him depart, Honey groaned, recalling the first encounter she had with the man.
"He's been lurking in the shadows ever since your mother announced our marriage at that ball," Honey recalled.
"We actually have a reason to thank him," the grand priest revealed.
"We do?" Honey asked, taken aback.
"If he hadn't eavesdropped on our argument, I might never have kissed you and realized I was in love with you. Perhaps all that arguing was simply building up our intense chemistry," the grand priest confessed.
"That argument certainly took a turn, resulting in torn clothes and lipstick marks," Honey said, a smirk playing on her lips.
"He attempted to convince everyone that we were in an abusive relationship," the grand priest added.
"Thankfully, your mother was there to save us with a quick outfit change," Honey replied, reflecting on their fortunate escape.
I almost took you on that balcony," the grand priest admitted.
"I almost let you take me on that balcony," Honey responded, a hint of playfulness in her tone.
The priest stood up from his chair and extended his hand. "You know, we could always recreate that moment." Honey took his hand and rose to her feet.
"Promise not to hold back on that slap?" Honey teased.
"As long as you don't hold back on that bite," the grand priest replied, matching her playful tone.
Coco pov
Note to self: Angel wine is incredibly potent. After taking a small sip from my wine glass, I gradually drifted away from my friends and the bustling bar. I meandered through the crowd, engaging in conversations with anyone who politely approached me. Having just finished a discussion with a stout woman, I stumbled upon an outdoor water fountain. Taking the opportunity, I sat down on the edge of the grand fountain, closed my eyes, and relished in the tranquility of the moment.
Unfortunately, my peace was short-lived, as I sensed the presence of someone's Ki lingering at the entrance. Their gaze fixated on me, silently observing my secluded sanctuary.
"Beautiful night, isn't it?" a deep voice asked. I opened my eyes and met a pair of bright green eyes. They had a vibrant shade of green that reminded me of artificially made grass. I didn't respond, and the man sat down next to me.
"I would like to apologize for my son's behavior," the stranger said. I studied his face and noticed the resemblance he had to the cocky lord who had smacked my ass.
"I accept your apology, but it doesn't mean anything if your son doesn't say it himself," I replied.
"You're right," the strange man acknowledged. I closed my eyes again, trying to maintain my composure despite his close proximity.
"My name is Lord Yoshito. I am the leader of a neighboring planet, located right next to Turvixin," he introduced himself. My interest was piqued, but I wasn't keen on engaging in conversation with this guy. Our planets had a history of trade, and your mother used to visit frequently to see your father.
"Lord Yoshito, leave my student alone," a familiar voice intervened. Thank goodness, I thought to myself. My tension eased as I saw the Grand Priestess walking towards us.
"My student?" the man inquired with a playful curiosity in his voice. "I was aware that this is the new Queen Jasmine of Turvixin, my brother's daughter," he stated. I felt a gasp caught in my throat.
"Ohohoho~ Now you know that's not true," the priestess laughed.
"Don't ignore the possibility that it might be true. We both know she wasn't limited to one lover," the older lord practically growled.
"And you should know that your brother was a one-time thing before she found her permanent sperm donor. Stop dwelling on 'what if.' She didn't choose you or your twin brother. Now, leave. Her. Daughter. Alone," the grand priestess retorted. She was defending me like a mother would protect her child. I knew I would have many questions the next day, but for now, I was grateful to have a motherly figure by my side.
"You should tell her the truth about her potential fathers," the lord pressed.
"And you should tell your son and daughter that their aunt is their mother," she fired back, the sharpness in her words cutting through the tension.
"Leave her alone," the grand priestess growled at the Lord, her voice laced with authority and a hint of anger. The Lord swiftly rose from his seat, determined not to let the matter rest. "This conversation isn't over," he declared firmly. "If you want more information, you can visit me on my planet." With those words, he turned to leave.
"I have never lied to you, except for that one time, and I deeply regret it. If you have any questions about anything, I am willing to answer them," the grand priestess said, her voice filled with sincerity.
In that moment, my cold demeanor melted away, and my true self, Coco, emerged. "I want to hug you, but I don't have gloves," I said softly, revealing my vulnerability. The grand priestess, touched by my words, gave a genuine smile and blinked back her tears. I offered her the seat next to me, and she gracefully accepted, taking her place beside me. Together, we embraced the silence, finding solace in each other's presence.
After a while, the grand priestess broke the silence, her voice gentle yet filled with profound knowledge. "Your grandmother was a remarkable woman, beautiful and intelligent. The previous omni-king was infatuated with her, dedicating a significant portion of his time to writing her love letters. Sadly, their love couldn't be realized in this timeline, and your grandmother had to settle with your grandfather. But their connection was undeniable. The omni-king blessed your mother with beauty, intelligence, and divine powers when she was born. As she grew older, suitors flocked from every corner, sparking wars and igniting the envy of old gods. In ancient human tales, your mother was often referred to as Helen, symbolizing her allure and the chaos she inadvertently incited," the grand priestess revealed.
Curiosity piqued within me, and I couldn't help but ask about my father. "And what about my father?" I inquired, longing to learn more about the man who played a pivotal role in my existence.
The grand priestess took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. "Your father, Almericus, served as a royal knight and was promised to the princess of the court he dutifully served. However, when your mother came into his life, everything changed. Though some would claim that your mother stole him away from the princess, the truth is that your father had already made up his mind. He abandoned his post to be with your mother, defying societal expectations and following his heart," she explained, painting a picture of love against all odds.
I contemplated the remarkable lives of my parents and couldn't help but express my admiration. "She sounds like she had an incredibly interesting life,"
Whis pov
Now I remember why I despise these social events. They never seem to be exciting enough, so my siblings and I attempt to inject some life into them. But where is Coco? I haven't caught sight of her since I glanced across the room and noticed her engaged in conversation with the stout cougar, Miss Noctus.
Coco looked absolutely stunning in the dress I had chosen for her. Her serious resting expression and intense gaze were transformed, adding an alluring charm that intrigued me. It was as if she had taken on the persona of a dominant figure, ready to engage in a playful game.
"Whis~" a voice cooed, attempting to sound alluring but falling flat.
Ah, yes, Ai is here. She embodies the typical cliché of a pretty, yet mean-spirited girl who believes the word "no" is merely a suggestion.
Sweet does a much better job at playing the mean girl, without being annoying, I thought to myself.
"Good evening, Ai," I greeted reluctantly as she latched herself onto my arm, cuddling it possessively. "Have you missed me?" she asked in her fake high-pitched, cute voice. To me, there was nothing remotely cute about that voice—it grated on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard, sounding more like whining than anything else. My brothers watched the scene unfold, doing nothing to help me. Assholes.
"Lady Ai, it is unbecoming for a lady to snuggle up to a man in public," her personal maid chimed in sternly, attempting to correct her behavior. "I saw you on another planet while I was shopping. Who was that girl next to you?" Ai asked, completely disregarding her maid's reprimand.
"That was Lady Coco," Cognac responded quickly. I prepared myself to correct him, but my other brothers and Coco's friends immediately chimed in. "I think you and Lady Coco would get along just fine. She has a great love for nature. Isn't your planet known for its lush vegetation?" Campari chimed in, pretending not to know that.
"Yes! We have the most exquisite gardens. Perhaps you and Lady Coco can come for tea sometime, Whis," Ai proposed eagerly.
"I'll ask her when I see her," I mumbled, not wanting to entertain the idea of going to Ai's home planet.
"Why wait? Look, I see her coming over right now," Korn exclaimed excitedly, pointing out Coco and waving her down. I watched as she gracefully made her way towards us, our eyes locking in a gaze filled with desire. She was playing a dangerous game, and she knew it. People instinctively moved out of her way, captivated by her undeniable beauty as she passed.
"Good evening," Coco greeted, her voice flowing like smooth, melted chocolate, and all I could think of was how much I wanted to devour her.
"You must be Lady Coco?" Ai said, eyeing Coco up and down. "My lady, that's Queen Jasmine," her maid panicked, attempting to correct her mistake. "Can you please remove yourself from Whis?" Coco asked, her gaze fixed on Ai.
"Why should I? We have been in love since the moment we met, and we're going to get married," Ai proclaimed, her delusion apparent to everyone except herself.
"Oh, shit," Mochi mumbled, swiftly downing the rest of his wine. Coco burst into laughter. "Ah-ha-ha~ Oh, you poor thing. You're utterly delusional," Coco retorted, amusement dancing in her eyes.
"I'm not delusional! We've been dating for a long time, and you're just jealous because you can't compete with all of this," Ai retorted, waving her arms dramatically. Her dress screamed for help, and Coco was about to tear into it.
"What am I jealous of? The tissue stuffed into your training bra? The mismatched fake hair? The artificial garden growing on your tacky dress and hairpiece? Or perhaps your annoying voice and personality?" Coco fired back, her words sharp and filled with amusement.
"Oh, shit," Sweet and Mojito muttered, observing the argument like referees in a boxing match.
"You can't talk about fake hair! Nobody has hair that color!" Ai shouted, pointing a finger at Coco's vibrant locks.
"Do you want to step into the bathroom, and I can prove it to you?" Coco confidently challenged.
"You could just ask Whis," Vados interjected, her voice carrying through the conversation as she downed her glass of wine.
"Oh, yeah! Whis, does the carpet match the drapes?" Cus chimed in, feigning innocence.
"I... I don't think I should answer that," I stammered, feeling trapped in an uncomfortable situation.
I could hear my siblings sucking their teeth in frustration. "Ah, boo!" one of them exclaimed. Ai's grip tightened on my arm, and she growled at me, demanding an answer. "Is that her real hair color?" Ai pressed on.
"Don't keep us in suspense. Tell us," Vados yelled, a mischievous grin spreading across her face as she clutched the bottle of wine.
"I already told you," I replied to Vados, watching in awe as she downed the entire bottle. Her tolerance for alcohol never ceased to amaze me. "Yes, you did, but I seem to draw a blank," she teased, sporting a shit-eating grin.
"Yes! Are you happy!? That's her real hair color! And the carpet matches the drapes!" I blurted out, unable to handle the mounting pressure. My siblings erupted into cheers, celebrating the revelation as if we were at a raucous bar.
Lost in embarrassment, I failed to notice what was happening around us.
"Lady Ai, no!" her maid exclaimed, trying to intervene.
Before the maid could reach us, Coco's golden gavel contacted Ai's head, producing a solid thud. Ai fell to the ground hard. We watched as she blinked a few times before bursting into tears and throwing a tantrum. "H-how dare you!" she sobbed; her words muffled by tears. The party crowd began to gather around us, murmuring in surprise and curiosity. Suddenly, we heard our mother making her way through the crowd.
"Oh, shit!" We all mumbled simultaneously. "What happened?" Our mother exclaimed, her voice filled with anger and concern as she eyed all of us down. "She threw her gavel at me for no reason!" Ai shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Coco.
Coco, unfazed, responded smoothly, "She raised her hand to slap Whis. Her behavior has been appalling since I walked up. What woman snuggles up to another woman's man?"
Before the tension could escalate further, Ai's father Yoshito intervened, forcefully parting the group standing in his way. "Ai!" he yelled, his voice commanding attention.
"F-father! This girl hit me!" Ai cried, seeking support.
Yoshito's expression turned to one of disappointment. "Get off the floor this instant and apologize to the Queen," he commanded, his tone filled with disgust. Ai stared at her father in disbelief, unable to comprehend his reaction. Reluctantly, she got off the floor and begrudgingly offered her apology before storming away, hurt and confused.
After the debacle had finally subsided, Coco found herself surrounded by a swarm of men and women, all vying for her attention. Growing tired of the relentless crowd, Whis decided to whisk Coco away towards the dance floor, seeking some respite from the curious gazes.
As they made their way through the onlookers, the couple attracted the admiration and awe of everyone they passed. "I'm so jealous," whispered a random woman, unable to hide her admiration. "Of who?" inquired a random man, intrigued. "I don't know. I'm jealous of both of them," the woman replied, captivated by the sight of the couple.
Whis guided Coco onto the dance floor, their movements becoming a seamless waltz that left the spectators in awe. As they swayed and twirled, reveling in each other's company, Coco's gaze couldn't help but wander to the grand priest and priestess engaged in a conversation nearby.
"Your parents are perfect together," Coco murmured quietly to Whis, her voice filled with a hint of longing. "Do you think we will ever be in sync like them?" she wondered aloud, hoping for a future where their connection mirrored that of Whis parents.
"Hmm, it will take some time, but I think it's possible," Whis replied, stealing a glance at his parents, who served as a shining example of a harmonious relationship. Coco let out a soft giggle in response. "Well, we do have a long time to develop our relationship," she said optimistically.
Whis's tone shifted slightly as he added, "Which is perfect. Who knows how long I'll lay dormant when Lord Beerus dies." Coco's confusion was evident as she questioned, "Dormant?"
"Yes," Whis explained, "when angels no longer have a destroyer to mentor, we lay dormant, going to sleep until we are assigned a new destroyer." Coco struggled to maintain her composure, feeling a wave of unease wash over her. "Whis, that doesn't sound…. good," she murmured, shaking her head in disbelief. She couldn't help but ask, "Who came up with that decision?"
Whis met Coco's gaze, devoid of emotion, and replied matter-of-factly, "Our grandmother, Eve. Coco, my duty comes first." Coco was taken aback by Whis's stoic response, feeling a surge of anger she hadn't experienced before. She tried to process her emotions, attempting to pinpoint what exactly upset her—was it the emotionless look or the implications of his duty overshadowing their relationship? Swallowing her confused anger, she mustered a fake smile. "Yes, Whis, your duty comes first," she said, masking her true feelings as she and Whis finished their dance.
As Coco released herself from Whis's hold, she caught a glimpse of Clover, who looked at her with concern etched across her face. The bond between Coco and Clover ran deep, forged through countless moments spent as friends, which allowed Clover to understand Coco on a profound level. But something about the smile plastered on Coco's face troubled Clover. There was a noticeable absence of the usual sparkle in Coco's eyes, replaced by an unfamiliar emotion that tugged at Clover's heart.
Coco gave a small wave to Clover, a gesture that usually invited closeness and support. Sensing her friend's distress, Clover prepared to rush over to Coco's side, ready to offer a comforting presence. However, before she could make her move, Vados gently grasped Clover's arm, halting her in her tracks. "Clover, don't interrupt," Vados whispered softly.
Clover pov
I hadn't noticed before, but now it became apparent that the dance floor was empty except for Whis and Coco. Everyone else had slowly cleared away, creating a private space for the two of them. Perhaps Coco hadn't realized it either. Earlier, I had been excited when Vados accidentally let slip that Coco was going to be proposed to, but now uncertainty gnawed at me.
Vados had confided in me about the angelic bond, how an angel must swiftly respond when they hear their partner's soul calling out to them. Only the angel can perceive this soulful connection, and once they establish it, the partners can hear each other's souls. Vados described it as a unique sound, reminiscent of music box melodies.
I couldn't stop this from happening, I thought to myself, helplessly watching as Whis knelt on one knee.
None of us could stop this moment from unfolding, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from Coco's reaction.
She had always been skilled at wearing a facade to keep everyone around her happy. She donned that picture-perfect fake smile, a masterful pretense that sometimes-sent shivers down my spine.
"Whis, I promise I will destroy you if you hurt my best friend," I whispered to myself, my words filled with a mix of protectiveness and concern.
Coco pov
Whis had just proposed to me, and although panic surged inside me, I struggled with conflicting emotions. Can I really say no? I wondered, feeling the weight of anger and confusion. In that moment, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I could see a flicker of panic in Whis's eyes, perhaps realizing that I was taking a moment to gather myself.
I knew I was being watched by everyone, under the scrutinizing eyes of the public. The pressure to keep up appearances was immense. I couldn't let my anger overshadow everything, even though it burned within me. "Yes, I'm sorry. You caught me by surprise," I managed to say, forcing a bright fake smile. I reminded myself to remain composed. Just because I was upset didn't mean I had to tarnish the family's reputation. The grand priest and priestess had been nothing but kind to me, and I couldn't disrespect them by causing a scene.
I accepted the ring from Whis, the cool metal settling on my finger. However, as the night wore on, the overwhelming amalgamation of sights, sounds, and emotions only intensified. The once enchanting ball now felt suffocating, and my discontentment grew more pronounced with each passing moment.
Exhaustion began to consume me, both physically and emotionally. The weight of maintaining a facade, pretending that everything was fine, became unbearable. I longed for the solace and respite of my own space, away from prying eyes and the expectations of others.
As we finally returned to the manor, my weariness was palpable. I had no interest in how Whis's room looked or any other trivial details. All I yearned for was the comfort of sleep. Collapsing onto the bed, the softness of the mattress provided a much-needed release. With a sense of relief, I allowed myself to surrender to the embrace of sleep, hoping it would bring me the peace and restoration I desperately craved.
