?Chapter 994:


    Sensing Marissa’s difort, Paul smoothly shifted gears.


    “Everett, it’s been so long since west met, and I only recently got my memory back. There’s so much to catch up on—shall we?”


    Everett smiled warmly.


    “I’d be d to. Please, lead the way.”


    As Paul began walking, Everett fell into step behind him, effortlessly taking Marissa’s hand in his, guiding her along with him.


    Marissa was fully aware of how much Everett had helped her family, and she knew they were engaged, but she still felt like he was a stranger. After all, today marked their first face-to-face meeting.


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    Yet, in such a public setting, Everett sped her hand tightly. This made her ufortable, prompting an instinctive desire to pull away.


    Everett seemed to have predicted her reaction. Just as she started to retract her hand, he tightened his grip, preventing her escape.


    Looking up at him, she caught his gaze just as he turned toward her. There was an awkward tension on her part, while he offered a gentle smile.


    With warmth in his voice, he said, “Marissa, in your eyes, this is our first meeting. Yet, you have always been a significant part of my life. I have observed you from afar since you were still a child. You could say I watched you grow up.”


    Thisment caught Marissa off guard, causing her to almost choke.


    It sounded as if he were much older than her, making her feel somewhat overshadowed by him.


    Everett continued, “I found you when you were just twelve, still navigating middle school, while I was eighteen and already an adult. From that moment, I have silently guarded you, remaining unseen.”


    Silence enveloped Marissa.


    Everett’s words confirmed he had been a constant presence in her life. Yet, she had been unaware of his vignce, which now made her feel suffocated.


    Meanwhile, in Everett’s eyes, his role had been more protective than merely observational.


    He smiled once more, saying, “So, please don’t reject me. Try to ept me. I’ve waited ten years to hold your hand, enduring much for this.”


    His statements ced an enormous burden on Marissa.


    She had been caught off guard by the engagement and was unprepared to ept it. She had thought about proposing an alternative to repay the Brock family’s favor and dissolving the engagement.


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