“Put me down. I can walk by myself!"

Matthew was already carrying her across the room.

“You are unwilling to go upstairs. I have to carry you."

“Later, maybe! I was still watching that movie, you know..."

When they reached the stairway, Matthew stopped and asked, "Do you still want me to put you down?"

Erica hesitated. Her shoes were still back in the living room. She wasn't wearing socks either. The floor was made of customized marble, so it would be cold if she stepped on it.

Didn't he care if she would get a cold? If he didn't...

"Put me down.

I'll go upstairs by myself and wash my feet later," she said.

“Why don't you put on the new nightgown for me first?" he suggested.

‘The nightgown...' At the mention of this, Erica's face flushed crimson. She struggled for a second, then jumped out of his arms.

Barefoot, she ignored the freezing floor and ran upstairs.

“Stop!" cried Matthew, giving chase. There was no carpet on the steps, so they would also be rather chilly at this time of night. He was worried that she might catch a cold.

But his protest only made Erica go even faster and, soon she reached the third floor. She sighed with relief when she felt the warmth of the hallway's carpet.

Catching up with her, Matthew took her in his arms again and strode with her to the bedroom.

They went straight through it and into the bathroom.

Gingerly he set her down on a stool. Taking out a brand-new basin, he filled it with 4@-degree water and placed it in front of her.

“Wash your feet," he ordered coldly.

‘What? Did the powerful Mr. Matthew just run me a basin of water to help me wash my feet?’ she wondered.

Erica couldn't help but chuckle. She was starting to enjoy this and couldn't hide her emotions.

“Am I dreaming?’ she thought.

She pinched her face, too hard, and winced. She was awake, all right.

Matthew noticed her goofy expression. With a deep look of disgust, he reached out and pushed her feet into the basin rudely.

Pretending not to notice, Erica closed her eyes.

"It's so comfortable," she remarked with satisfaction.