Chapter 563

Chapter 563:

“You wouldn’t know true love if it stared you in the face,” he said, his voice steady but cutting as he met Salome’s stunned gaze. “Even if Kelsey once loved Wyatt, it doesn’t change what I feel for her p>

With that, he took Kelsey’s hand, his grip firm, and led her out of the room.

Salome’s composure shattered as she watched them leave. In a fit of rage, she seized the glass of water from her bedside table and sent it crashing to the floor, the shards scattering.

Unbeknownst to her, the moment they stepped into the hallway, Shepard released Kelsey’s hand. He wasn’t naive—Salome’s ploy to sow discord between them was transparent. Yet, the truth of Kelsey’s past feelings for Wyatt still pierced him.

He strode ahead, his steps quick and resolute, deaf to Kelsey’s calls—until a sharp cry of pain from her stopped him cold. Turning, Shepard saw Kelsey crumpled on the floor, her eyes brimming with tears as she clutched her sprained ankle.

Without a word, Shepard rushed to her side, scooping her up with care and carrying her to the car. He settled her gently in the passenger seat and set off toward the Finch estate, the silence between them heavy as stone.

𝘗𝗈pula𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿і𝗲ѕ o𝘯 𝘨𝖺ln𝘰𝗏е𝗅ѕ.𝖼o𝘮

Kelsey repeatedly glanced at Shepard’s tense jawline. Finally, she broke the quiet. “Shepard, please, let me explain p>

Shepard didn’t respond, his eyes fixed on the road.

“I won’t lie,” Kelsey continued softly. “I used to have feelings for Wyatt. I even dreamed of a future with him p>

Her words hung in the air, and the car surged forward as Shepard’s foot pressed harder on the accelerator. His knuckles gleamed white against the steering wheel.

“But that chapter is closed,” Kelsey added, her voice tinged with sincerity. “The moment I chose you, I moved on from Wyatt for good. Shepard, you’re the one I love now p>

Her words were swallowed by the sharp squeal of tires as Shepard jerked the car to a stop on the roadside. Before Kelsey could say more, Shepard grasped her wrist, pulling her into his embrace with a force that stole her breath. His lips crashed against hers—fierce, unrelenting, a storm of passion she hadn’t seen coming.

Kelsey had known Shepard for years, but this commanding, almost possessive fire in him was new, a side of him that set her heart racing. Their breaths mingled, ragged and heavy, filling the space of the car. Shepard’s warm breath grazed Kelsey’s ear, his voice a low, gravelly rumble.

“You just said you love me p>

Rather than replying, Kelsey looped her arms around his neck and drew him into a kiss, taking the lead this time.

“Honk, honk, honk p>