Chapter 47
“Miss Lane,” he whispered, his voice so soft I almost didn’t hear him. “If… if I don’t talk much, would you not want me anymore?
My heart clenched at his words.
So Mike’s cruel comment had affected him more deeply than I thought.
‘Noah,” I said, turning him gently to face me, “I want you to listen carefully. I like you exactly as you are. Whether you talk a lot, a little, or not at all–it
doesn’t change how I feel about you.”
His large eyes studied my face, searching for any sign of insincerity.
‘Really?” he asked, vulnerability evident in his voice.
“Really, I assured him, pulling him closer.
“Why don’t I tell you a story?” I suggested, and began a tale about a quiet forest creature who does not like to talk but has many good friends.
Halfway through the story, Noah’s breathing became deep and regular. He had fallen asleep in my arms, his face peaceful at last.
Just as I was carefully extracting myself, he mumbled something in his sleep.
‘I’ll talk more… I promise… don’t go…”
I froze, my heart breaking a little at his sleep–talking.
I gently stroked Noah’s hair, a painful tenderness welling up
I don’t know how much time passed before Noah woke up.
in my heart.
He suggested: “Let’s go swimming! Daddy’s estate has a huge indoor pool!”
Before I could respond, he was already pulling my hand toward Caspar’s study.
Caspar was focused on reading financial reports. Seeing us suddenly burst in, surprise flashed in his eyes.
“Daddy, can we go swimming together?” Noah asked excitedly.
A polite but subtle atmosphere hung between the three of us. Caspar glanced at me, and I awkwardly looked away.
“Of course,” Caspar set down his papers, “if Miss Lane is willing.”
“Actually, I’m not much of a swimmer,” I admitted.
Noah immediately suggested. “Daddy can teach you! He’s an amazing swimmer!”
I felt heat creeping up my cheeks and quickly declined: “Thank you, but I think I’d prefer to just watch you two from the poolside.”
Half an hour later, I sat in a luxurious lounge chair wearing casual summer clothes.
1/2
3:21 pm PPM M.
Chapter 47
Edward brought over an elegant fruit platter and fresh coconut water.
“Mr. Thornton maintains his daily workout routine religiously–the results speak for themselves, Edward commented casually, kis gaze meaningful.
I pretended not to catch his drift.
But when Caspar and Noah appeared poolside in their swim trunks, I couldn’t help but look up.
Caspar’s perfect physique took my breath away–broad shoulders, defined abs, long legs–every inch showcasing strength and elegance.
I realized I’d been staring too long and quickly looked down, but it was too late. Caspar had noticed my gaze, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
The embarrassment of being caught made me stand up frantically, but I slipped on the wet poolside.
In that instant, I felt myself falling into the water, childhood memories of nearly drowning suddenly flooding back.
Fear consumed my thoughts, preventing any normal reaction.
I heard Noah’s terrified scream and felt
water surrounding me from all sides.
Just when I thought I was going under, a pair of strong arms caught me.
Caspar had swum over quickly,
one hand
supporting my
waist, the other gripping the pool edge.
I instinctively clung to him tightly
my
body trembling with fear.
After choking on several mouthfuls of water, I coughed violently as my vision remained blurry.
When I finally opened my eyes, I realized I was clinging to Caspar like a damn koala bear.
My arms were wrapped tightly around his neck, my legs practically wrapped around his waist, our bodies pressed completely together.
I could feel the warmth of his skin and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
