?Chapter 1028:


    William’s tone stayed calm, almost too measured. “That boy doesn’t see you as just his senior.”


    Ste opened her mouth to argue but caught herself. What was the point? He wouldn’t believe her anyway. “We’re no longer together. So whatever he feels or doesn’t feel has nothing to do with you.”


    “I never agreed that we were over.” William’s voice hardened, his eyes locking onto hers. “As long as your safety is in my hands, I have every right to know who’s close to you.”


    A short, incredulousugh escaped Ste. “Do all your justificationse wrapped in logic, or do you rehearse them beforehand?”


    She stared at him in disbelief, astonished that he could say such a thing without even flinching.


    William’s lips pressed into a thin line as he looked at her, a trace of helplessness softening his gaze. “Stel, must you challenge every word thates out of my mouth?”


    Ste opened her mouth to snap back but froze when she caught the bewilderment and sorrow clouding his eyes. Something inside her eased, though she tried not to show it.


    Letting out a weary sigh, Ste’s tone lost its edge. “William, I just need some space—not only distance, but room to breathe inside, too.”


    William paused, his expression unreadable before he finally gave a slow nod. “I get it, but I need you to see my side too. I can’t stop worrying about you.”


    Before she could respond, he had already opened the car door. “Get in. I’ll take you home.”


    Ste refused with a firm shake of her head. “I already brought my own car.”


    Without missing a beat, William countered, “Then I’ll just drive behind you.”


    He eventually relented, and Ste, realizing further debate was useless, turned away and headed for her car.


    When she nced into the rearview mirror, William’s car was right there—close enough to see, yet far enough to keep its distance, shadowing her every turn.


    The sensation wrapped around her like a heavy mist. Was she being watched? Was she being guarded? Ste couldn’t tell.


    gα?ησν????s makes every story special


    Ste pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine, her mind racing. She hurried out of the car and into the apartment building, hoping she could get into the elevator before William caught up.


    But when the doors opened, she froze. William was stepping out of the next elevator.


    He must have entered just a few seconds after her.


    She turned toward her door, pretending not to notice him, when his voice came softly from behind. “Stel, can we talk?”


    She stopped mid-step but didn’t look back. “If this is about today, don’t bother.”


    “It’s not just about today,” he said quietly, his voice deep and steady. “It’s about us.”


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