Chapter 168
+25 BONUS
Soren had a powerful presence that made it impossible for others to deny him, and it was that very intensity that caused me to reveal the hand I had been hiding under the table.
“It’s nothing, really. I just injured myself when I was closing the door last night,” I muttered, still trying to cover up the truth.
Without a word, Soren stood up, walked past the table, and sat down next to me, stunning me.
I quickly scooted over to give him space.
He didn’t say anything further. Instead, he reached for my hand and tugged my sleeve up. His gaze darkened, a frown forming on his face.
“What about your other hand?” he asked.
I hesitated for a moment before extending my other hand.
When he took it, the warmth of his skin against mine sent my heart racing.
“How did you manage to injure both hands while closing the door?” Soren asked, his voice curious, unaware of the thoughts racing through my head.
I figured there was no point in hiding anymore, so I decided to tell him the truth. “Edward had been drinking a lot last night before he came to look for me. There was a scuffle, and we ended up being taken to the police station…”
“Did he lay his hands on you?” Soren’s anger flared, and there was a dangerous edge to his voice.
I nodded. Even now, I couldn’t fully understand what had been going through my mind at that moment.
If I had to guess, I was probably acting like a little girl trying to stay strong while being bullied. But now that her knight in shining armor had arrived, she could finally let go of the pain and fear she’d been holding inside.
I looked at him earnestly. Part of me didn’t want to burden him, but another part of me wished he could rescue me from my suffering.
As expected, his expression grew more serious after I nodded. He pulled out his phone and began scrolling.
“What’s the date of your court hearing?” he asked, his eyes still fixed on the screen.
“Thursday.” As the words left my mouth, I suddenly grasped Soren’s plan, and a shiver ran down my spine.
“Soren!” I grabbed his hand, shaking my head with a frown. “I don’t want you involved in this. Edward already suspects something between us. If you intervene now, it’ll only fuel his suspicions and tarnish your reputation.”
Soren turned to me, his gaze distant and contemplative.
After a long pause, he asked, “Are you afraid of people finding out we’re together?”
“I…” My mind was in turmoil, and I couldn’t bring myself to meet his eyes.
What did he mean by that? Was he about to do what I thought he was going to do?
My face burned bright red, overwhelmed by all the thoughts flooding my mind. I needed a moment to calm down.
Finally, I managed to steady myself. “You come from a very prominent family. You shouldn’t get involved in this kind of scandal. It would ruin not just your reputation, but your family’s too.”
I couldn’t bear the thought of burdening him with such a weight, nor could I disappoint Madame Kenway by
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Chapter 168
dragging him into this mess.
Soren’s expression softened slightly, and his tone lightened as he said, “You’re overthinking this. Something like this won’t affect me in the slightest.”
“No, I still think we should be careful.” I pulled my hand away and turned my attention to the food on the table.
With a smile, I said, “Come on, let’s eat before it gets cold.
Soren stared at me, not moving from his seat.
After a long pause, he spoke again. “Taylor, I—”
“Wow! This steak is cooked perfectly!” I quickly interrupted, eager to distract him. “It’s got a nice char on the outside, but the inside is still so tender. Hurry up and try some!”
Soren gave me a strange look, falling silent.
He was sharp, so I was sure he understood why I had interrupted him. After all, some things were better left unsaid.
Let the fairy tale continue…
Chapter 169.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 169
