?Chapter 162:


    The room descended into a profound silence, with the earlier tension and romance now evaporated. Connor’s voice was slow and deliberate as he spoke. “Marissa, even if you have ten thousand reasons to reject me, I view each one as a step between us. I am determined to close that gap, so just wait.”


    Marissa felt an unfamiliar stir within her as she listened. She had always seen Connor as distant and somewhat arrogant, yet here he was, speaking with unexpected warmth. She realized she might not know him as well as she thought. He shared that he only pursued those he genuinely loved and vowed to remain loyal to his wife. He was proving to be a man of good character


    Silently, Marissa admired him. Then Connor continued, “Once I’ve bridged those ten thousand steps, I’ll keep drawing nearer until we are entangled with each other.”


    Marissa was taken aback by his words. What did he mean by “entangled with each other”? Was he suggesting something? Not only did he use every opportunity to touch her, but he also teased her. What a jerk! She spun around, her gaze sharp with indignation as she confronted him


    Expecting to see a smirk on his face, Marissa was surprised to find Connor looking sincerely bewildered and concerned. “What’s wrong? Did I say something to upset you?”


    gα?ησν????s, where the best stories live


    Marissa was momentarily speechless. Had she misunderstood his intentions?


    “Nothing,” she managed to say, turning away quickly, her cheeks ame with embarrassment. As she struggled with her feelings, the man behind her inquired sharply, “Miss Nash, why has your face turned so red?”


    “It’s none of your business!” Marissa snapped back, rising abruptly, albeit with a flush of bashfulness. As she stood, she stumbled over the table’s corner, nearly losing her bnce. This little stumble was not a big deal for her. Just as she was steadying herself, Connor’s hand was already at her waist, lifting her effortlessly off the floor. Hanging in mid-air, Marissa squirmed, feeling ufortable. “Put me down!” she said, her face warm with embarrassment


    Ignoring her protest, Connor carried her out of the room. “Mrs. Daniels, it appears your legs are failing you. Allow me to assist you downstairs. We wouldn’t want an injury to rob the world of its most stunning woman.”


    “I said, put me down, Connor!” Marissa demanded, her irritation with his presumptuous behavior increasing. But Connor did not heed her plea, continuing to carry her down the stairs. “Stop being difficult. It’ste,” he gently chided. Taking a deep breath, Marissa raised her hand, poised to p him. However, before she could strike, Connor leaned in and whispered, “Grandma’s watching.”


    Marissa’s hand froze in midair. She nced downstairs and saw Arabe in the living room, observing them with an amused expression. Next to Arabe sat Glenn, settled in a wheelchair. Reluctantly, Marissa lowered her hand


    Covering her mouth, Arabe whispered to Glenn, “Look at them, Glenn. They’re so deeply in love, always showing affection, regardless of the time. It’s quite touching.”


    Arabe believed she was speaking softly, but her voice echoed through the room, drawing stifled chuckles from Cade and the maids. Glenn’s smile widened as he responded, “It must warm your heart to see them like this, Grandma.”


    “It does indeed!” Arabe eximed with a bright smile. “Connor even mentioned they’re nning on having twins.”


    By then, Connor had reached the bottom of the stairs. Marissa managed a strained smile and said, “Darling, my legs are fine now. You can put me down.”


    With a hint of reluctance, Connor ced her gently on her feet. Unexpectedly, Glenn turned to Marissa and asked, “Is it amusing to pretend to be someone else?”


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