?Chapter 835:


    Looking into his eyes, she found no veil or disguise, only raw sincerity. The walls she had built around her heart seemed to melt away faster than she could stop them.


    And it wasn’t the first time she had felt that stirring.


    After losing her adoptive parents, Ste had been forced to grow strong on her own, wrapping herself in a cold exterior and learning to shoulder every burden without help.


    Her broken marriage with Marc had left scars that made her wary of opening her heart again. Yet William had entered her world differently—standing in front of her when storms came, even if it meant defying his own blood. He was overbearing at times, and…


    He had hidden things from her, but his actions spoke louder than excuses, proving again and again where his loyaltyy.


    In that moment, she could no longer deny the truth echoing inside her. Ste cared for William. And perhaps it went beyond simple care. It was affection. It was love.


    The thought sent a rush of heat to her cheeks. She quickly lowered her gaze, unable to withstand the weight of his eyes, and in a trembling whisper, she said, “I need some time.”


    William caught the faint flush creeping up Ste’s ears, and joy stirred quietly in his chest.<fne4ee> Newest update provided by find(?)ovel</fne4ee>


    Her walls were beginning to lower—she was giving him a chance.


    But he didn’t push. Instead, he withdrew his hand and softened his tone.


    “Alright,” he said. “Take all the time you need. No matter how long it takes, I’ll wait for you.”


    His words lingered in the air. After a pause, he added, his gaze warm,


    “Alonzo may be in custody, but there are still people moving in the shadows. You should stay at my ce tonight.”


    Ste blinked, a little startled. Weren’t their apartments in the same building anyway?


    But she gave a faint nod, her voice barely above a whisper. “Okay.”


    The ride back was quiet, yet far from awkward. Silence wrapped them in a subtle intimacy, the kind that said more than words.


    Ste leaned her head against the window, watching city lights streak by, her thoughts tangled. She could no longer deny it—her heart, frozen for so long, was starting to thaw for William. She just needed more time before she could decide what came next.


    When they arrived at his home, the familiar sandalwood scent immediately washed over her, easing the tension in her chest.


    She inhaled softly, then asked, “What kind of candles do you use here?” The fragrance felt… like part of him.


    William paused. “My mother bought them years ago. After she passed, I just kept ordering the same ones. Never even checked the brand.”


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