Charlie woke up in the middle of the night, feeling the cramped confines of the single bed they shared. As she glanced down at the girl sleeping peacefully on her chest, she couldn't help but smile at Serena's serene expression, the moonlight casting a soft glow on her delicate features.

Chuckling softly to herself, Charlie recalled the intimacy they shared in the small bed, their bodies fitting perfectly together despite the lack of space.

Gently kissing Serena's forehead, Charlie carefully tucked her in before slipping on her clothes and making her way to the small study area in the living room.

Her mind was preoccupied with worries lately...

The reason she hadn't wanted to move in with Serena wasn't just about maintaining her independence; it was also because Cornelius was still out there, a looming threat. Being too close to Serena could put her in danger.

So Charlie had chosen to move into the dorms and investigate the situation herself.

Taking her notebook where she had jotted down the story from the manhua, Charlie couldn't shake the nagging feeling of unease. 

"This is driving me crazy... A lot of things from the manhua have changed... In the manhua, Cornelius didn't kill Serena's parents... and he was already caught by the police right after the shareholder's meeting... Was this my doing?" Charlie mused, her thoughts racing.

"Anyway, it's here already... I just have to find Cornelius before he comes after me... I need to see that man locked up behind bars..." she resolved, determination flashing in her eyes.

"Also... I never died in Serena's hands... Does this mean I'm safe now? Did my fate already change along with the rest of the plot? Ugh... this is driving me crazy..." Charlie sighed, frustration evident in her tone.

Hating how she continually obsessed over the possibility of her own demise, Charlie pushed the thoughts aside. She refused to entertain the idea of leaving Serena behind. She wanted to grow old with her, build a future together, and create a family of their own.

Serena's heart skipped a beat when she realized the warm presence she had been cuddling with was no longer beside her. Her eyes darted around the small bed, but Charlie was nowhere to be found.

With a furrowed brow, Serena quickly dressed and quietly made her way out of the bedroom, searching for Charlie. She found her in the living room, hunched over her notebook with an anxious expression.

"Are you still studying?" Serena asked gently, wrapping her arms around Charlie from behind.

Charlie jumped in surprise, quickly hiding the notebook from Serena's view.

"..." Charlie cursed inwardly.

Serena's brows furrowed as she observed Charlie's behavior, her eyes lingering on the yellow notebook labeled 'The Plot' that she had seen before.

"It's that notebook again... What could she be hiding from me?" Serena wondered silently.

"Yeah... I mean, I thought you were sound asleep when I left..." Charlie stammered nervously, attempting to deflect Serena's attention.

"Well, I realized you weren't beside me anymore... maybe that's why I woke up," Serena replied, her concern evident in her voice.

“Why don’t you head back first, I’ll just finish up and follow you... okay?” Charlie suggested gently, feeling a pang of guilt for keeping secrets from Serena.

Serena pouted slightly at the idea of leaving Charlie alone, but she nodded reluctantly.

Chuckling, Charlie turned to face Serena, wrapping her arms around her and burying her face in Serena's tummy.

“Don’t pout… I promise I won’t take long…” Charlie reassured Serena softly.

Serena Charlie's hair affectionately, replying with a gentle "Um," silently conveying her understanding.

Once they were back in bed, Serena immediately wrapped her arms around Charlie, using her chest as her pillow. Charlie's scent enveloped Serena, filling her with comfort and warmth.

“Can I ask you something?” Serena's voice was soft against Charlie's ear.

“Hmmm?” Charlie replied, turning to face Serena.

“Are you keeping something from me?” Serena's question hung in the air, gentle but probing.

Charlie was taken aback by Serena’s question. It wasn't that she wanted to keep secrets, but she felt trapped by circumstances beyond her control.

“Serena… would you believe me if I told you that besides this universe we currently live in, there are other universes out there?” Charlie's voice was hesitant, unsure of how Serena would react.

Serena's brows furrowed, her head lifting from Charlie's chest to meet her girlfriend's gaze, silently questioning the seriousness of Charlie's inquiry.

After a moment of contemplation, Serena responded, “Well, I think it could be possible... There are a lot of things that not even science can explain after all.”

Charlie felt a weight lift off her shoulders, sensing Serena's acceptance of her unconventional question.

“Why did you suddenly ask? Were you trying to change the topic?” Serena chuckled lightly.

“Hmmm… of course not... You see, there are things that I wish I could tell you... But, I can’t, but if I could... I would tell you... I really wish I could…” Charlie sighed, her voice tinged with regret.

Serena trusted Charlie implicitly. She knew that if Charlie wanted to share something with her, she would in her own time.

“Okay, then… I’ll just wait for you to tell me…” Serena replied softly, drifting off to sleep in Charlie’s embrace.

Charlie woke up to find Serena already gone, but there was a note waiting for her on the bedside table.

Charlie,

I have an early meeting today, so I had to leave early. I didn't wake you up because you looked so cute sleeping. I'll see you later after work.

PS. I'll stay here again tonight!

With love,

Serena

Charlie couldn't help but smile at Serena's adorable gesture. Despite being together for a long time, Serena's sweetness still caught her off guard sometimes.

As Charlie was lost in thought, a knock on the door interrupted her reverie.

"Why are you banging on my door so early?!" Charlie exclaimed, momentarily startled.

"Sorry, Miss Charlie, was my knocking too loud?" A familiar voice responded, and Charlie realized it was Aunt Carol.

Charlie's expression changed from annoyance to delight. "Aunt Carol!!!"

Charlie from: >.< to ^.^

Aunt Carol chuckled as she stepped inside. "I've been worried, Miss Charlie... You haven't been coming to the Sutherland Mansion lately, and I got a call from Miss Serena saying you weren't eating well!"

Charlie chuckled sheepishly. "Well, Aunt Carol, I've been busy... Eating ramen is a normal thing for college students..."

Aunt C