?Chapter 802:


    With a resigned sigh, Dani entered.


    She slipped off her shoes, donned her slippers, and while walking to the living room, she shed a cheerful smile. “I grabbed your favorite cupcakes from the shop. Care for some?”


    Cedric, though typically easygoing, had an imposing presence when angered. His features were set in a stern expression, his eyes cold, fixating on something below in silence.


    “Cedric…” Dani set the box of cupcakes on the table. “I was just out managing a situation, nothing dangerous. I stayed within your boundaries.”


    The dim lighting in the room cast dramatic shadows, slicing Cedric’s face between light and darkness.


    “Are you upset? I’m sorry, Cedric. You have the final say here, alright?” Dani reached out to touch his hand, her fingertips lightly scratching to indicate her willingness to yield. “I really am sorry. Please, let’s not fight, okay?”


    Cedric’s gaze slowly rose, his hand pulling away from Dani’s.


    A knot formed in Dani’s stomach as she braced herself.


    Before she could say more, Cedric said, “I saw the news coverage.”


    Dani looked at him.


    “It was quite a spectacle. Elyse aimed for you and Linden, but instead, Natalie and Linden were caught. The police got involved, and it all ended in a public scandal for the Dury family. After the journalists left, you faced Elyse, didn’t you? She must have been scared.”


    Cedric then turned his face away, shrouding it in shadow, his eyes gleaming with a stark, resentful cold. “You emerged without a scratch. Quite remarkable.”


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    Dani bit her lip, sensing that her efforts to calm him were likely in vain.


    “I just can’t take it anymore,” Cedric murmured wearily.


    Dani stared at him, her shock evident.


    “Why am I always thest to find out? What have you done to make Elyse believe there’s something between you and Linden?”


    Dani opened her mouth to respond.


    Cedric lifted his hand, signaling her to stop. “There’s no need to exin.” He knew she always had her reasons. “It seems like you never really put me first.”


    Dani’s fists tightened.


    Cedric continued without allowing her to interject. “Dani, I’m not invincible. I feel fear, and I overthink things. Each time you leave, I’m struck with worry about your safety. If anything were to happen to you, who would even tell me? It feels like I’m always an afterthought to you. You know me so well, yet you don’t seem to grasp what I truly need. What I desire is all of you, Dani. I crave the fiery passion we share in our private moments and the fierce determination you disy against your adversaries. Whether you’re calm,posed, detached, elegant, courteous, or employing any tactic necessary, I want every part of you.”


    “What is it that scares you so much? Why is it that you can share everything with the world, yet when ites to me, you always ask me to wait?” Cedric pressed, his voice full of frustration.


    The smile on Dani’s face slowly faded, and eventually, her expression became nk.


    Cedric stared at her and let out a mockingugh. “What are you nning now? Are you going to tell me to forget about it when I reach the point where I can’t take it anymore?”


    He fought back a smile, seeing Dani’s expression confirm his guess. A wave of sadness hit him. He nodded and said, “Alright then. Do it your way.”


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