Xavier's POV
I filled the bathtub with warm water before carrying Ashlyn to the bathroom. As I reached to unbutton her clothing, she grabbed my wrist.
Sensing her hesitation, I gently said, “Go ahead!” and turned away to give her privacy.
As I kept my head lowered, I noticed her clothes falling to the floor. Shortly after, the sound of water splashing reached my ears, indicating she had likely stepped into the tub.
As I prepared to leave, I said to her, “I’ll go and let them know to clean up the mess.” But before I could turn away, she grabbed my wrist.
“Wait!” she exclaimed, her voice hurried. “I need to tell you something!”
“There’s no rush,” I reassured her gently. “I’m not going anywhere far from you. Don’t push yourself. Just tell me when you feel ready.”
“No,” she insisted,
