Chapter 36 Fake Tears
#Finished
The man’s expression remained unchanged, his voice lm yet bold. “Since you seem so earnest, I’ll give you this one opportunity.” “Since you seem so earnest, I give you this one opportunity.”
Charmaine froze, her thoughts racing.
Seriously? You haven’t even glanced at me!
She grumbled under her breath, her irritation evident, but she crouched down and started undoing his buttons anyway.
Emyr sat still, allowing her to work. His eyes finally flickered toward her, studying her for the first time.
Her lashes framed her downcast eyes, long and curled, concealing whatever emotions might have been there. A small red mark on her cheek drew his attention.
As she puffed her cheeks in frustration, the mark moved with her subtle motions, adding an unexpected liveliness to her face.
It amused him to see her so annoyed.
But his amusement was fleeting.
ས་མོ་ང་བའ་ད་ར་ན་རང་ད་ང་འ་ན་
Emyr was not the type to enjoy physical contact, least of all from others–and even less so from women.
Her fingertips grazed his skin, so light it felt almost unreal, yet it stirred a sensation he couldn’t shake.
It sent an unwelcome jolt through him, bringing memories he had buried long ago.
Someone else had once been this close to him, but he refused to linger on the thought.
When Charmaine finally slid the shirt off his shoulders, her movements slowed. Her gaze locked on the tattoo sprawled across his chest–a fierce depiction of a mythical figure.
The figure looked almost alive, its intense presence meant to intimidate anyone who dared stare for too long.
But her attention didn’t stop there. She noticed the pendant hanging just below his collarbone, its simple design stark against the bold ink.
For a moment, Charmaine stared, captivated.
Emyr caught her lingering gaze and let out a low, sardonic laugh. “What? Does it scare you?”
“Scare me?” she retorted, snapping out of her trance. “Why would it scare me?”
Her tone shifted, curiosity replacing her initial surprise. “I’m just wondering why someone like you–you know, practically a supervillain–wears a pendant. It doesn’t really match your whole tough–guy vibe.”
She leaned in closer, her curiosity undeterred. “Let me guess. Someone important gave it to you? It doesn’t even fit with your tattoo, but you wear it anyway.”
Her sharp, playful eyes met his for a split second, and he froze.
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Chapter 36 Fake Tears.
His breath caught as if her words had struck something sleeper.
Then, breaking the spell, he pushed her back.
Finished
“Charmaine,” he said firmly, his voice as cold as steel, “this is not something you should concern yourself with, Don’t let your imagination run wild.”
She shrugged, stepping toward the door.
“Got it. I won’t pry. Once your leg’s better, I’ll vanish like the obedient little assistant you want.”
Her tone carried just enough defiance to make him clench his jaw.
There was something about her final words that grated on him. He couldn’t quite pinpoint why, but it left him unsettled.
The hospital room was quiet, save for the rhythmic hum of machines and the faint sound of Leah’s breathing.
After two long hours in the emergency ward, she had finally been transferred. The room, luxurious and spacious, offered no comfort to its occupants.
The Nelsons stood near the bed, their expressions a mix of worry and restrained frustration. On the other side of the room, the Read family lingered, guilt hanging over them like a storm cloud.
Bennett and Sophie had nearly collapsed when the news broke. The shock of it had been unbearable.
Leah had everything—an enviable life as the cherished daughter of the Nelson family, a life most could only dream of.
Yet she had thrown it all into chaos with one impulsive act.
Now, her name wasn’t just gossip; it was a scandal. She had become a national joke, dragging the Nelson name through the mud with her.
Had the Quinns not intervened, the damage might have been irreparable.
“Mom … Dad … ” Leah’s voice broke the tense silence, barely above a whisper. “I’m so sorry. Please don’t leave me.”
Her words were fragile, carried on trembling sobs.
The four parents–Willard and Olympia, Bennett and Sophie–moved closer to her bed. But when their eyes met, Bennett and Sophie hesitated, stepping back as if unsure of their place.
Olympia didn’t pause. She reached out, taking Leah’s hand in hers. It felt icy, and the chill pierced her heart.
No matter what Leah had done, she was still the girl Olympia had raised for 18 years.
“Leah, I’m here,” Olympia said, her voice steady, though her heart ached.
She held Leah’s hand, her touch gentle, as though trying to erase the pain of the past hours.
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Chapter 36 Fake Tears.
It took a moment, but Leah’s eyes fluttered open.
When her gaze fell on Willard and Olympia, tears spilled freely down her face.
Finished
“Mom, Dad,” she cried, her voice trembling. “I had a nightmare. You left me, and I kept running after you. I couldn’t catch up. I was so scared…”
“Dreams are never real, sweetheart,” Olympia replied, her thumb brushing away Leah’s tears. “Your father and I would never leave you.”
Leah sniffled, her hands trembling as she looked down avoiding Willard’s eyes. “I messed up so badly. I hurt the Nelson Group.
…
Willard’s face, once hardened by anger, had softened. Yet at her words, his brows knitted once more.
His voice was calm but firm. “Leah, I’m not angry, but what you
did it crossed a line.”
…
Olympia turned to him, her eyes piercing. “She’s been through enough. She’s here now, and she’s safe. Isn’t that what matters most?”
Leah shook her head. “No, Mom. Dad’s right,” she said, her voice small but resolute. “I thought I could save the Nelson Group. I acted without thinking. I was wrong. Let him scold me. I deserve it.”
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