?Chapter 973:


    “Nora, trust me.” His voice held an edge of protectiveness. “You just rest. I’ve arranged for the best scar removal specialist in the country. You’ll be back to your radiant self in no time.”


    His fingers brushed against her mask, a silent plea. “I want you to be able to walk freely, without hiding your beautiful face from the world.”


    The truth was, Nora didn’t care about the scars. It was his insistence that she wear a mask whenever she was in public.


    Of course, Nora followed his instructions. Each time she went out, a mask was necessary.


    “Alright,” she sighed, leaning into his broad shoulder. “Whatever you say.”


    Their dynamic was a curious one. He retreated into anonymity when surrounded by others, only revealing his face when alone with her.


    Nora never questioned it, trusting him implicitly. But this time, after returning from her journey to Bellfolk, a flicker of curiosity sparked within her.


    They arrived at their heavily guarded vi. Amy upied the first floor, while Nora and her fiancé imed the second.


    Back in familiar territory, Nora shed the mask and slipped into something morefortable.


    Pausing at the door next door, she knocked gently. “Darling, can Ie in?”


    Every story starts at galn   ovels ;


    “Just a moment,” came a deep, masculine reply. After a brief wait, the door swung open, revealing a tall figure. His shadow engulfed her, a familiar sense of security washing over her.


    He was her anchor, the first face she remembered after the memory wipe. He was a gravitational pull, drawing her in, fostering a dependence she couldn’t quite exin. Yet, despite their engagement, an odd feeling of detachment persisted between them.


    Nora was puzzled by her fiancé’s aloof behavior, as if they were merely roommates rather than lovers. He avoided close contact, settling for a simple hug at most.


    During thunderous nights, when Nora shivered under a nket, he would only sit by her, watching until she fell asleep before leaving.


    At times, Nora doubted if their engagement was real.


    He had shared his reasons before. He mentioned that Nora was still healing and feared that their intimate moments would hinder her recovery.


    Nora didn’t trust his exnations, believing that some intimacy would not do any harm to her.


    She kept her thoughts to herself, followed him into the room, and sat at the edge of the bed, where the grey sheety crumpled.


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