?<strong>Chapter 929:</strong>


    Carrie instinctively tried to pull her hand back. “Daxton, this is too much… It’s not even a special asion.”


    She nced at the watch, feeling a weight far heavier than its carats. She knew how tirelessly Daxton worked, how he had built his sess from the ground up without the backing of his family—just like she had. She understood the struggle.


    Receiving such an extravagant gift from him didn’t fill her with delight—it filled her with guilt.


    “Do I need a special asion to give my girlfriend a gift?” Daxton held her wrist firmly, ensuring the sp was secure before finally meeting her gaze. “Do you like it?”


    Carrie hesitated, then finally nodded. “I love it. Thank you, Daxton.” A momentter, an idea struck her. She reached for a green diamond ne resting on her dressing table. Holding it up, she smiled. “It’s a perfect match.”


    Daxton took the ne from her hands and stepped closer. “Let me.” He leaned in, the warmth of his presence wrapping around her as he fastened the delicate chain at the nape of her neck. His hands lingered on her shoulders for a brief moment before he murmured, “You look beautiful.”


    His voice was low and close to her ear. “You don’t have to thank me in the future. It’s part of being your boyfriend.”


    His breath ghosted over her skin, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine. The proximity was unfamiliar, unsettling. “O-Okay,” she managed, her voice slightly awkward.


    Thankfully, Daxton didn’t push any further. After a brief pause, he stepped back, maintaining a polite distance.


    Carrie let out a small breath of relief. If this were Kristopher… Her thoughts drifted, unbidden. Kristopher would never stop at such subtle gestures. He wouldn’t hesitate. If he wanted something, he would take it—without concern for what she wanted.


    She sighed inwardly. Love was truly irrational. Daxton was thoughtful, patient, and kind—yet she still struggled to let him in.


    Even now, despite being in this trial phase of their rtionship, she still saw him as a friend, a confidant… but not quite a boyfriend. Beside her, Daxton took in her stiff posture and distant expression. He didn’t react outwardly, but inside, frustration burned.


    No matter how hard he tried, no matter how much time passed, it felt as if an invisible wall surrounded Carrie’s heart—one she refused to let him breach.


    No. That wasn’t entirely true. She wouldn’t let anyone in. Except Kristopher.


    He didn’t understand how Kristopher could hurt her repeatedly, yet still hold a special ce in her heart.


    His fists clenched inside his sleeves before he slowly forced himself to rx. It’s okay, he told himself. Even if he never won her heartpletely, he would stay by her side. As long as she remained close, Kristopher—or any other man—would never have a ce in her life again. He had time. He had a lifetime to wait for Carrie to fall in love with him.


    After Carrie finished getting ready, she and Daxton descended to the garage.


    As they rounded a corner, a nearby car trembled visibly.


    Before Daxton could understand what was happening, Carrie’s face flushed crimson. She ducked her head, hastened her stride, and practically bolted forward.


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