Chapter 294
I bought an engagement ring for Max, and when Max was showing it off, I found out that my previous miscarriage had left me with complications, and I might not be able to have children.
After Claude got out of the car, I didn’t continue the conversation we’d been having. Instead, I leaned back and said, “I’m a bit tired p>
Max didn’t say anything, just sat quietly, letting me lean on him.
But I couldn’t help myself from speaking again, “Those people today were targeting me. They thought since we haven’t announced our relationship, you wouldn’t stand up for me. They were testing to see if you’d come to my rescue p>
He gently squeezed my fingers, “I know. You’ve handled it really well p>
I lowered my eyes slightly. I had made my point pretty clear.
I was hinting at when we would officially announce our engagement.
But it seemed like, despite being together for so long, he never brought up such things.
Perhaps it’s because he still has the responsibility of being the heir to the Serythia family, and maybe a fiancée? But didn’t he already have Garrett take over those heir duties?
I didn’t press further, just let the scent of his cologne lull me into a nap.
When I woke up, we were back at the Hilton family estate, and Max was in the study, leaving me alone in the room.
As I got up to find him, I realized the study door wasn’t fully closed.
I raised my hand to knock but paused when I heard Helen inside, making muffled, pained sounds.
It seemed like she didn’t dare to cry out loud, but she was clearly in pain.
Then I heard Claude’s voice nearby, “Uncle, that’s enough. Helen didn’t mean to take Claire to the club p>
“You go to the chapel and kneel p>
I recognized Max’s voice-cold and unfamiliar.
When did he start punishing others like this? To me, he was always gentle and composed, occasionally losing his temper, but this kind of punishment was something¶d never seen from him.
“Uncle, keeping secrets from her won’t help. Claire will figure it out eventually.
Why not tell her now? I believe she’ll understand p>
“Shut up and get out,” Max snapped.
Hearing Claude’s footsteps, I quickly retreated to my room.
My heart was pounding. What was Max hiding from me?
He had always promised to share his plans with me.
I leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath. What was going on?
I heard Max’s footsteps outside and quickly ran back to bed, pretending to be asleep.
The door handle turned gently, and Max quietly approached my bedside, brushing his fingers through my hair. He carefully slipped something onto my right ring finger-a cool
sensation spread across my hand.
Then he tucked my hand back under the covers. “Claire, in this
let
relationship, I’m the vulnerable one. I’m scared that you might let go of me without a second thought. You’ll stay with me, right p>
In response, he only got the sound of my steady breathing.
He stood up and left the room.
Once the door clicked shut, I opened my eyes slightly and lifted my hand to see a simple band with a tiny diamond, understated yet sophisticated.
Hiding, concealing, and holding back wasn’t my style. I got up, ready to confront
Max, when suddenly the room light flicked on.
Max stood by the door switch, having never left.
“Max, you did this on purpose p>
I glared at him, but he just scooped me up, “Your footsteps were so loud running
back to bed. Have you gained weight recently? You feel heavier p>