The day''s events including the people L encountered and the situations that unfolded—were listed down with pictures. When magnified, Pierre''s eyes, hidden in the dim light, showed clear desire.


    Years ago, when Kieran heard from Noah that Pierre had be obsessed with L, he immediately had someone investigate. Without revealing anything, he quietly dealt with the trouble for L. She had never mentioned it all these years, so he assumed the matter was long over.


    He hadn''t expected it to have caused her such deep trauma. In the end, it was his ownck of consideration.


    There were two ways to ovee trauma. One was to rely on time to dilute the pain. The other was through desensitization-watching the person who hurt you get punished and slowly losing the fear.


    Kieran didn''t know how L would choose but hoped it would be the second. He had carefully raised her; the Morgans were not weak.


    He had helped L drink water twice during the night. Once her fever subsided, she gradually rxed, allowing him to pull away and leave.


    It was already 2:00 am, but he wasn''t feeling very sleepy.


    The next day, L surprisingly overslept. When she looked at her phone, it was already 10:18 am, and she was momentarily stunned.


    Was it morning? She would usually wake up at 8:00 am. She scratched her head, only remembering lying dejectedly on the couch, but she had no recollection of how she had returned to her room.


    Rubbing her aching head, L felt a little ashamed. How could she let someone like Pierre affect her so much?


    She slowly got up, washed up, and went downstairs to find Kieran still at home. L was a bit surprised, so she rubbed her temples before asking, "Uncle Kieran, aren''t you busy today?"


    "Mm." He nodded. "Are you free this Saturday?"


    Today was Wednesday, and L quickly calcted the days. She nodded.


    "I''m free. I should still be at the Morgan residence, spending time with Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt Nicole. Is there something you need?" she asked, btedly realizing.


    "Martin from the Locke family is having a birthday party. Will youe with me?" L, who had just sat across from him, stiffened at once.


    The Locke family? This family name was rare; it had to be the same Locke family she knew. The only person in the entire Northridge who could invite Kieran was...


    However, she still asked, "Which Locke family?"


    "The Locke family from Monolith Securities. Don''t you remember?Mr. Locke Senior has a grandson around your age who''s also in the


    over


    entertainment industry. His name should be..."


    "I... I know," L said, instinctively not wanting to hear that name.


    "Will you apany me?" Kieran asked again.


    Her gaze flickered for a moment. She quickly rejected it, though more subtly. "I


    don''t think it''s appropriate. I''d rather not go."


    "Why isn''t it appropriate?" He didn''t


    seem to notice her hesitation. "Everyone knows you''re my fiancée. It''s only right for you to attend as mypanion at the banquet


    She fell silent. Then, she lowered her head and slowly took a spoonful of oatmeal, which was usually


    delicious but had no taste today


    She took another bite of the


    perfectly cooked egg-that was also tasteless.  s?novel


    "I don''t-"


    "L." Kieran''s voice was gentle, soft, and soothing. "Don''t worry. I''ll stay by your side the whole time."


    L looked up in realization. The depths of his eyes, which were usually unreadable, now clearly showed tenderness, like the soft streetlights guiding ater home.


    "L, will you apany me?"