Chapter 493
Chapter 493:
These words stirred unexpected pleasure within Fiona’s chest, though she maintained her composed facade. “Why do you feel compelled to explain this to me p>
Brenden ignored her question. “The air carries a chill, and wet clothing will invite illness. I possess brand-new garments that have never been worn. Change into those, and I’ll ensure your wet clothes are properly dried p>
His insistence proved impossible to resist, so Fiona accepted the pristine robe he located for her with reluctant grace.
“Rest assured, you can reclaim your original clothing once it’s completely dry p>
After changing, Fiona settled onto the sofa and absorbed herself in her phone while Brenden moved slowly toward the laundry room, his injuries hampering each step as he carried her damp clothes.
She watched his retreating form and felt something unfamiliar stir within her heart, though she remained silent, continuing to play with her phone on the sofa.
𝘙𝖾𝖼𝗈𝘮mе𝘯𝖽 tо 𝗒о𝗎𝗋 𝗳𝘳i𝖾𝘯𝘥𝗌
Approaching footsteps echoed through the space.
Without lifting her gaze, Fiona called out, “Wow, you’re done already p>
“Done with what p>
The voice carried the weight of years and spoke in gravelly tones.
Loretta had arrived.
Shock propelled Fiona to her feet, and awareness of Brenden’s robe draped around her body prompted an instinctive explanation. “Loretta, please don’t misinterpret this situation p>
Her words had barely faded when Brenden emerged from the laundry room.
Loretta rotated slowly and fixed him with a penetrating stare.
The intensity of her scrutiny made Brenden shift uncomfortably. “Loretta, why are you examining me in such a manner p>
“Both of you, come here immediately and sit down p>
Loretta’s command brooked no argument. The two young people arranged themselves on opposite sofas, too intimidated to produce even the slightest sound.
Observing their obvious nervousness, Loretta released a weary sigh. “I don’t know exactly what’s going on between you and Fiona, Brenden. However, if genuine affection exists between you two, concentrate on nurturing that connection and cease this involvement with Rebecca. Fiona possesses rare goodness. You must treasure her properly p>
Fiona chimed in, “Loretta, you’ve completely misunderstood our circumstances. I accidentally shattered the fish tank and soaked my clothes, which necessitated this change of attire p>
Loretta nodded with apparent satisfaction. “A young woman must maintain proper boundaries before marriage to protect herself from potential harm p>
Recognizing that Loretta had woven herself deeper into misunderstanding, Fiona chose silence over explanation, knowing that further words would only tangle the situation beyond repair.
After delivering an extended sermon, Loretta observed their contrite demeanor and concluded her moral instruction.
Her voice mellowed into genuine concern. “Brenden, tell me truthfully — how severe are your injuries p>
News of the whipping had reached her ears. Though no blood relation bound them, she had witnessed his transformation from boy to man and carried profound worry in her heart.
“Nothing that time won’t heal,” Brenden replied, forcing his spine straight in a display of reassurance. “Give me a few days, and I’ll be restored to perfect condition p>
“Your recklessness this time defied all reason! Fortune smiled upon you that Wesley and Rebecca possessed generous hearts and chose to let you off the hook. Now let me check your injuries p>