Noah stirred in his sleep when he felt a hand fall on his waist. He blinked his eyes and looked at the girl in his embrace. Aria was deep asleep, and after what had transpired last night, Noah was sure that she would not be getting up anytime soon. It was only four in the morning. 

Noah twisted his body so that he was now facing the girl, and the moment he did so, the blanket slid down Aria's body, baring the contours of her b_r_e_a_s_ts for his eyes. The scene before him was so enticing that Noah gulped, and all his blood rushed to his member, ready for some action again. Before he could lose control and wake up Aria to start exercising again, he pulled the blanket up and covered her. The girl needed to sleep so that they could continue from where they had stopped later.​​

He slowly and gently pushed the girl away from him and made her lie on the bed before he got up. Fortunately for him, he had some of his clothes stacked at Aria's place and had forgotten to take them back with him when Aria had moved in with him. He pulled out a pair of boxers from the closet and wore them before he picked up his phone.

Although Noah knew Aria would not be waking up anytime soon, he did not want to disturb her. So, she stepped out of the room and called Ian, who at that time was taking a nap in his office.

"Hello," He slurred without taking a look at the person who had called him. He was annoyed at being called at the wee hours of dawn and disturbing his sleep.

"It's me."

"Who?"

"Ian?"

"Noah? Is that you?" Ian still had his eyes shut as he continued to speak. "Why are you calling me at this time of the day? Are you that free?"

"I called you to ask something." This caught Ian's attention, and his eyes flew open.

"What do you want to ask?"

"Are there better contraceptive methods other than using a c_o_n_d_o_m?" Noah did not shy away from asking what he wanted to ask.

However, that was not the case with Ian. His eyes widened, and he sat up straight on his chair. "What?" He almost shouted over the phone. "Why are you asking about contraceptive methods? Did you and Aria...." Oh my God!! What the heck is happening? Why are my friends hellbent on making my single life torturous?" Ian started with his drama again, and this time, Noah was his victim. "Do you have any idea how tormenting it is to see Ivy and Joshua acting all lovey-dovey and now you asking about contraceptive measures? What should a single soul like me do?"

Noah pressed his forehead as he listened to Ian's complaints. The man had truly taken over Joshua's character since the time Joshua was shot, and his jokes were as pathetic as his other friend's. "You can always find yourself someone. Job done, deal over."

Noah remarked, and Ian wanted to cry at his friend's heartless words. Joshua had said the same words to him earlier, and Ian wondered if the two men were ganging up against him in secret. 'Do these two have a grudge against me? Did I do something to them? Why are they torturing this innocent soul?'

"Are you done or is there more to this?" Noah asked calmly, not fazed by his words. "Will you answer my question now?"

"Fine. What was your question again?"

"What are better contraceptive methods than a c_o_n_d_o_m? It is very inconvenient to change c_o_n_d_o_m after every round."

Noah's words made Ian's ears bleed, and he almost spat a mouthful of blood. "How many rounds did you do that you are asking me this? Is Aria alright? Could she bear with your stamina and go along as long as you wanted? Is she not dead yet?" Ian now was genuinely worried for the girl who had to bear with a monster for life.

"Ian?" Noah's voice was low, and Ian stopped himself from continuing.

"If you are unwilling to use a c_o_n_d_o_m, Aria can always use pills. In fact, a female researcher in my company has produced a pill that had little to no side effects. They are better than the ones available in the market." Ian suggested.

"Is the pill certified?"

"Noah, do you think I would suggest the pill if it was not certified and approved?

"Yeah right. Sorry."

"They are really good, and we are receiving positive responses. Aria must take it within forty-eight hours and you are good to go."

"It will not affect Aria's body, right?" Noah was still skeptical even though Ian had assured him. He did not want Aria to suffer and if using a c_o_n_d_o_m was the only option, then he was willing to bear with it.

"Don't worry, Noah. I assure you that Aria will not face any problems. You can trust me on it."

"Great. When can I get the pills?"

"I ask someone to deliver them to your mansion. Aria has to take them within forty-eight hours." Ian warned him, and Noah made it a note to remind her once they reached home.

"Thanks, Ian. How's Joshua?"

"Irritating."

"Then he is fine." 

"Yes, he will be discharged in an hour." Ian pinched his forehead and sighed lightly.

"This soon? Why? Is everything is fine?"

"Joshua will be fine once he rests well, and he can do it even at home. He just needs to be checked regularly, and with Aria and me around, he can be treated even if he is not at the hospital."

"Why can't he stay at the hospital? He can recover faster." Noah could still not comprehend why Joshua was being discharged even before he had recuperated well.

"Yeah, but you know who he will be facing every day if he were to stay at the hospital."

Noah now realized what Ian was talking about. "Amber."

"Yes. Joshua does not want that annoying woman to disturb him and Ivy. Though we can stop her from entering the ward, we cannot stop her from the hospital. So, they should stay away from her lest she should create more troubles for the couple." Ian shook his head, wondering how troublesome Joshua's ex was. That girl was like a leech who was stuck to their lives, slowly s_u_c_k_i_n_g their blood until she was satisfied.

"I agree. Her presence will make everyone angry and frustrated. Joshua took a great decision this time."

"Yes, anything else I can help you with?" 

"That's all for now. Thank you."

"Then I am going to end this call. I need to prepare Joshua's discharge papers."

Noah sighed lightly and returned to the room. He climbed on the bed and laid down beside Aria as he watched her sleeping peacefully. He pushed back the few strands of hair that had fallen over her face. His eyes were filled with happiness and love for the girl, and he pulled her back into his embrace. "Rest well, sweetheart. Once you wake up, you will not be having a moment to sleep, and this time, it will be more exciting and thrilling."