?Chapter 236:


    “I can’t take this! What if I’m next? I swear, I can’t do it. I’m all about the face. I’d rather drop dead than marry someone unattractive!”


    Manley was spiraling. Soon, both Cole and Merlin had reached their limit.


    Two notifications popped up in quick session, suggesting Cole and Merlin had left the group chat.


    Manley stared at his screen in disbelief. “One hideous selfie just tore our group chat apart.”


    Meanwhile, Cole emerged from the study and returned to the bedroom. Elliana was sitting on the couch, deep in thought, her chin propped in her hands. She was…


    Elliana slowly rolled one of the mango candies he’d left for her around in her mouth. The juice left a glossy sheen on her lips, making them look like soft peach petals kissed by morning dew.


    Cole’s entire demeanor softened the moment he saw her. He walked over, scooped her up into his arms, and kissed her gently. He murmured, “What’s on your mind, honey?”


    Elliana didn’t flinch or push him away. She had long grown used to his habit of sneaking in kisses. Truth be told, she had made her peace with it. Rtionships without kissing? That didn’t seem very realistic. Comining about it felt pointless. And honestly? He was good at it. She didn’t mind at all.


    She shifted the candy with her tongue and then looked up into his face. “Something’s been bugging me, and I need to ask you about it. But you’ve got to promise me you’ll tell the truth.”


    Cole met her gaze, his voice filled with warmth. “Ask whatever you want. I’ll give you nothing but the truth.”


    That was all she needed to hear. She took a breath and then asked the question that had been weighing on her mind. “I want to know why you acted that wayst night.”


    “Acted like what?” Cole was momentarily puzzled by Elliana’s question and cast her a questioning nce.


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    “Last night, you asked if I was the one who secretly arranged our marriage registration. I told you it wasn’t me. So why did you get so upset?” Elliana asked.


    Cole’s expression shifted slightly. A flicker of awkwardness crossed his face, mixed with a hint of wounded pride. “At that time, I was injured, and I felt terrible. Would it have killed you to say something sweet to lift my spirits?”


    Elliana blinked, trying to understand. What exactly was he trying to say with that? This time, it was her turn to be baffled.


    Cole continued, his voice softer this time. “If you had nned it all just to marry me, I would’ve been thrilled. It would’ve meant you’d fallen for me first, and that you’d gone out of your way to make me yours.”


    That made Ellianaugh. Cole could be so childish sometimes. Just to feed his pride, he would’ve preferred a lie.


    Letting the matter drop, Cole moved on to the question that had been on his mind. “Honey, do you know Milena? Or do you know something about her?”


    Elliana hesitated. “Why are you asking?”


    Cole met her eyes. “I just can’t believe you’d warn Trinity so many times just out of the goodness of your heart.”


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