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Chapter 16
Deborah suddenly remembered–that night, their wedding night. The wild, frenzied chaos of it.
The man had been behind her, turning her face to his for a deep, forceful kiss.
She’d tried to see him–just once–but he wouldn’t allow it. Every time she turned her head, he’d overwhelm her with frightening strength, pushing her to the edge until she lost control and screamed.
No matter how hard she tried, his face remained a blur. She could never see his eyes clearly–never see what was hidden in them.
Now, as she looked at Damian, Deborah’s slender body began to tremble.
Without warning, he picked her up.
Startled, she shoved him instinctively. “Don’t touch me!”
He hadn’t been expecting it. Her palm hit his chest squarely, and a thin line of blood slid from the corner of his mouth.
Deborah snapped back to reality. That was when she remembered–he’d already been injured earlier that night, straining his internal energy to suppress the effects of the drug.
She didn’t even know how she’d managed to summon any strength, but in that panicked moment, she’d somehow mustered a burst of energy.
“You…” Damian tossed her onto the bed. Not gently, but not violently either–it was just enough to make her wince.
She scrambled upright, only to see him walk over to the chaise he’d been sitting on earlier and lie down.
So…. he’d picked her up just to move her to the bed–because he was planning to sleep on the chaise tonight. All this time, she’d thought….
Deborah bit her lip, staring at his back, her heart still uneasy. What he’d said earlier had truly shaken her.
Thankfully, once he lay down, his breathing soon evened out–he seemed to fall asleep.
Deborah kept her eyes on his stiff, unyielding figure, still on edge. She thought she’d be awake all night.
But what she didn’t realize was–before even the time it took to finish a cup of coffee–she had already fallen asleep.
That night, she dreamed. A long, vivid dream–of the day she first met Simon.
A year ago, she’d come from the 21st century and been thrown into the body of Deborah of the general’s estate in ancient times.
Not long after, Henry Sandford took the whole household back to their hometown. On the way, they were attacked by bandits and scattered. Deborah was captured.
Just when her life was hanging by a thread, someone charged in alone–cutting down bandits left and right, soaked in blood as he fought his way to her and carried her out.
She’d been injured, barely conscious. All she could see was his bloodstained armor and the massive blade in his hand, dripping red.
Then she passed out. When she woke, a man in flowing white robes–Simon–was quietly watching over her, caring for her day and night.
A year later, Simon proposed marriage. Henry happily agreed. And so came that wedding night.
But tonight, something was different. In her dream, Simon’s face was always obscured, hidden in a thick, swirling mist. His figure flickered in and out, never fully clear.
She chased after him, finally catching up just as he began to fade.
“Simon…” she called softly.
The white–robed man turned and smiled. “Were you calling for me?”
Deborah’s heart skipped a beat.
No beauty mark. That smile–cold, aloof, and impossible to read. It wasn’t Simon. It was Damian.
“Simon!” Deborah gasped, sitting upright.
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Chapter 16
Morning light had already filled the room.
A palace maid stood by her side. “Princess Deborah, the Queen Mother asks that you join her for breakfast now that you’re awake. Later, you’ll need to offer prayers at the Harmony Court.”
Deborah wiped her forehead–it was drenched in sweat. She looked around the room. Damian was gone.
She let out a long breath. With the maid’s help, she got out of bed, her body still weak and aching.
After freshening up and changing into clean clothes, she made her way slowly toward the Blossom Lake.
By the water, palace attendants had already set out crystal tables and chairs. From a distance, she spotted a striking figure in white, seated with his back to her. The breeze ruffled his robes, lending him an effortless grace and elegance.
Deborah’s eyes lit up. Her heart, restless all night, finally calmed. She thought, ‘He has come back.‘
Emotion surged in her chest. She quickened her pace.
“Simon!” she shouted.
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