?Chapter 1465:


    “Back when you were still chasing Alexander. One night at a bar, you went to get him a drink. Someone near the counter had blood on their mouth. You saw it, hesitated for a second, and left as quickly as you could.”


    Dani blinked in surprise. “Then you found out?”


    The memory was vague—just a sh of red at someone’s lips, hardly enough to notice, and she’d hidden any reaction beneath a calm exterior.


    Only Carol and a handful of trusted friends even knew about her phobia. She’d always been careful, always kept her guard up.


    “That’s right. After that, I made sure to steer clear of any red dishes when I cooked.”


    Understanding dawned on Dani.


    “So that’s why Carol kept begging you to make spicy food, and you always refused.”


    Cedric chuckled, tightening his arms around her.


    “Don’t worry. Your fear of blood isn’t a w. With me here, no one will ever use it against you.”


    The reassurance eased her, and she smiled, chatting with him quietly until sleepiness pulled at her eyelids again.


    Cedric gently coaxed her to rest, tucking her snugly beneath the nket. He gathered the half-finished meal, ready to take it downstairs, when a small hand slipped from beneath the nket and caught his sleeve.


    “Where are you going?” Dani’s voice was barely above a whisper, her features softened by the warm glow of the bedsidemp.


    Cedric paused, his expression gentle.


    “I’m just clearing these up. I’ll be right back.”


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    Her fingers loosened, and she nodded. After a moment, she murmured, “Don’t me Niks and Damon.”


    His eyes darkened, but he didn’t argue. He simply brushed a loose strand of hair from her forehead and said, “Alright. Rest now.”


    The night dragged on, quiet and slow.


    Wrapped in Cedric’s arms, Dani slept more soundly than she had in a long time, soothed by the warmth of his steady heartbeat.


    By the time she stirred, pale daylight was already spilling through the curtains. Cedric was across the room, moving his things upstairs with an efficiency that made it look effortless.


    She watched him, her voice a bit hoarse when she spoke.


    “What are you doing?”


    Cedric paused and nced over his shoulder, a faint smile ying at his lips. He doubted Dani realized it herself, but every time she spoke in that soft, sleepy tone, it made her sound impossibly sweet.


    He hung his shirts in the wardrobe beside hers, arranging his jackets and setting their shoes side by side.


    “We’re married, aren’t we? It only makes sense that our things go together.”


    Dani studied him, amused. “So you’re moving in for good? Sharing my bed every night?”


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