Page 67 of Johan.

“Astrid, you don't look well at all,” I say, seizing the opportunity. “Let me get you some water.”

She nods weakly, her complexion growing paler. “Yes... water... I need…”

I rush out of the bedroom, my heart pounding in my chest. I find a housekeeper and quickly explain, “Astrid is feeling quite nauseous after all the vodka and tequila she drank. Could you get me a glass of water, a hangover pill, and something to help her sleep?”

By the time I return to her room, Astrid is in the en-suite bathroom, on her knees by the toilet, throwing up. I wait patiently for her to finish. A few minutes pass before she stands up, flushes the toilet, and goes to wash her face and brush her teeth. “Oh, my head. I'm so tired.”

“You're dehydrated, mostly. Here, drink some water and take this,” I say, handing her the water and pills.

She complies, looking utterly exhausted, which makes me ask, “What did you take besides the shots?”

“Eh, a few glasses of champagne, wine at dinner, a gin tonic when Conrad and Olivia arrived, and then three shots with you guys,” she mumbles.

I thank the gods for her early start on drinking. “Now go and get some sleep.”

I help her out of her gown and tuck her into bed. “We can still have some fun,” she pleads, her eyes heavy-lidded.

“Not when you are that drunk,” I insist, kissing her forehead gently. “Now go get some sleep.”

"You're so caring. I love you so much,” she murmurs, her voice trailing off.

“Sleep well, Astrid.” I close the door behind me, sighing in relief. I descend the stairs, thinking about how close that was. The night isn’t over, but for now, I’ve managed to escape her clutches. I check my watch; it's only 12:30. The party is still in full swing in the foyer and grand hall, the sounds of laughter and music echoing through the corridors. I cross the foyer, weaving through the guests, and make my way outside to a quiet spot on the terrace where no one can hear me.

Pulling out my phone, I dial Hannah’s number, my thumb hovering for a second before I press the call button. The line rings once, twice, and then I hear her voice—a sound that immediately makes everything feel lighter

“Hey, you,” she says, her tone warm and inviting.

“Happy New Year, beautiful.” Keeping my voice low and intimate, I let a hint of playfulness seep through.

Hannah giggles softly, and the sound sends a wave of warmth through me. “Happy New Year, handsome. How’s your night going?”

“Pretty well,” I reply, a grin tugging at the corner of my lips. “Got Astrid so drunk she passed out. She’s sleeping in bed now.”

Hannah laughs again, her tone teasing. “Really? Did you two…?”

“She tried,” I admit with a sigh. “Twice. But I stopped her before anything could happen.”

There’s a pause on the other end, the weight of the unspoken hanging between us. Then, Hannah’s voice breaks through, softer now. “And… are you coming back to the Netherlands?”

I hear the hope in her question, and it tugs at something inside me. “I hope so,” I answer honestly. “But I have a request first.”

“Go on,” she says, her curiosity piqued.

I take a deep breath, my tone shifting to something more serious. “Would you… spend the last night before I leave for Oman with me? In Cambridge?”

There’s a brief silence, and I feel my pulse quicken as I wait for her reply. The seconds stretch on, and then finally, she speaks, her voice gentle. “I think so.”

I exhale, relief washing over me. “Thank you,” I say softly, the weight of the moment slipping away. “I’m so happy just hearing your voice.”

“Let me know when you’re back home,” she replies, her voice like a soft embrace.

“Will do. Good night, princess.”

“Good night,” she echoes, and I can hear the smile in her words.

I end the call and sit back, feeling lighter than I have in a while. There’s still so much to navigate, but for now, knowing she’ll be there with me makes everything seem a little easier.

After taking a moment to compose myself, I head back inside to rejoin the party. The ambient noise hits me immediately: laughter, clinking glasses, and the distant hum of conversations. The chandeliers cast a warm glow over the grand hall, where the guests are still mingling.

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