?Chapter 859:


    “He doesn’t show any concern for you. He’s been distant for so long, even leaving you alone in the hospital when you were ill. After everything, you still have feelings for him?”


    Marlin clenched his teeth, frustration evident in his voice. “I must confess, I’ve been in love with you since the moment you rescued me. Those feelings only grew stronger when we met again. I really like you, Norah. I know you’re involved with someone else, and I tried to keep my feelings hidden, but I can’t stand by and watch him mistreat you. You deserve better.”


    Marlin poured out his emotions in one breath, each word weighted with sincerity.


    Norah could sense the genuine feelings behind his words. Once he realized who she truly was, his earnestness became impossible to ignore.


    That was the reason she had turned him down when things could still have remained tonic.


    “Marlin, I understand where you’reing from. However, a romantic rtionship requires love from both sides, and unrequited love leads nowhere.”


    Norah rejected Marlin coldly, refusing to even look at him. “We can remain friends, but nothing more. If that’s not okay with you, then it might be best if we don’t see each other again.”


    Norah rejected Marlin with unwavering firmness, leaving no room for false hope.


    Marlin took a deep breath, trying to control the sorrow welling up inside him. He forced himself to appear calm. “I knew you wouldn’t agree to be with me,” he said. “I just needed to express my feelings. Even if you reject me, I won’t bother you. Let’s stay good friends.” In his heart, Marlin silently admitted that, even if it wasn’t romantic, being her ndestine protector would be enough for him.


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    Norah had no idea how deeply the kidnapping had scarred Marlin. The trauma had left him afraid of the dark, and he shied away from any physical contact with women.


    Marlin had once thought Dolores was the one for him. When they were together, he could only ever hold her hand or give her a hug. After every touch with Dolores, he would retreat to the bathroom, trying to cleanse himself of the lingering sensation.


    Dolores had wanted to take things further, but Marlin always pushed her away, unable to bear the idea of intimacy.


    However, with Norah, he felt a sense offort and peace that he had never experienced before. She was like a guiding light in the darkness, and he hoped they could be together. But if it wasn’t meant to be, he wouldn’t force it.


    “If you ever need help in Silverdale, don’t hesitate toe to me,” Marlin said, his voice sincere. “My family has a lot of influence in the city. You saved me once, and we owe you. If you ever need anything, you have my word.”


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