Chapter 540
Chapter 540:
Strength held Candice upright, yet a faint tremor still passed through her. Color drained from her cheeks. She set the bowl on the bedside table with stiff movements. “I’ll leave it here. Drink it whenever you want p>
A soft scoff of disdain slipped from Kyson’s lips.
Humiliation hung heavy in the room, even though his voice had never risen. “You not only lack dignity and restraint, but also seem incapable of understanding simple speech. Candice, my patience is thin. Don’t drain what little friendship remains between us p>
Back then, she had gone to great lengths to study in the same school as him. Romance had never existed between them, yet familiarity grew through constant proximity. Candice had worked her way into Kyson’s circle of friends, and that effort had guaranteed she stayed near him. Back then, he hadn’t bothered arguing with her.
But now — his deep gaze landed on her, filled with something complex and final.
𝖬𝘰𝗿𝖾 𝘯𝗈v𝖾𝘭𝘀 o𝗻
Stillness locked Candice in place while seconds stretched painfully long. When she finally looked up, her eyes were faintly red.
“Kyson, after all this time, is that truly everything you feel toward me p>
“You should understand your place.” A hard weight filled his reply, and the sound of it landed against her heart like stone. “That so-called friendship was never because of you.” The truth sat plainly between them — her connection to him had always run through other people’s ties.
“And what does that change?” Defiance lifted Candice’s chin. “You may not like me, but right now, you’re at my mercy p>
A mischievous smile spread across her lips. Confidence carried her forward as her knee met the edge of the mattress and her fingers closed around his chin. Intensity burned in her stare as she shaped each syllable with deliberate care. “Kyson, I will claim you no matter the cost. Keep watching p>
His hand shot up and tore her grip away.
Ice traveled through his hold, and power radiated from him. His breath rolled out low and heated, like a storm about to break.
“You are living in a fantasy p>
A shiver ran down her spine — but thrill brightened her expression. Danger had always pulled her closer instead of pushing her back.
Unsteady laughter slipped free, excitement trembling in her voice. “Maybe it is a fantasy. But every fantasy I’ve chased has turned real so far. Pulling you away from Kailey proves it perfectly. Would you call that chance or destiny? There’s no need to rush. Time belongs to us p>
He wouldn’t dare hurt her — not when doing so would hurt Kailey too.
Victory flashed through Candice’s thoughts, and the smile on her lips only deepened as she stepped out.
Silence rushed in once the door shut. Kyson fell back against the bed with his eyes clenched tight, fury tightening his throat until breathing felt rough.
The dry air of Aslesall had become familiar to Kailey, so Jucridge’s damp heat wrapped around her like a heavy blanket. She had forgotten to close the window the night before, and when the morning breeze hit her face, it felt like a cold burst of steam.