?Chapter 1355:


    He wasn’t a fan of staying over at other people’s houses, especially not in the middle of this strange situation.


    Between William’s unresolved feelings and Ste’s guarded silence, it felt like walking into someone else’s unfinished argument.


    After Jewell left, William went upstairs and quietly opened the bedroom door.


    Ste was fast asleep under the covers, her breathing light and steady. Hershes trembled with every breath and cast faint shadows on her cheeks.


    He didn’t say a word as he walked over and sat by the bed. His eyes flicked up to the IV drip still running above her. At this rate, it would take at least another hour to finish.


    He stayed quiet, just watching her.


    Lately, everything between them felt like fire and smoke. Every time she begged him to let her go, it only made his temper re.


    But now, with her asleep and silent, she looked fragile and distant—like porcin.


    His thoughts were tangled.


    Arlo’s voice echoed in his mind, dredging up every bitter memory, every usation of betrayal.


    Yet somehow, even with those reminders, he didn’t feel as angry as he used to.


    Ste shifted slightly in her sleep. Her brows furrowed like she was having a bad dream.


    Her lips moved softly, like she was mumbling a plea in her dream.


    William reached out and gently took her hand, which had slipped out from under the covers. His fingers curled around hers and gave a light squeeze.


    Almost immediately, her expression softened. Her brow rxed, her breathing steadied again.


    The sound of birds chirping outside made everything seem peaceful.


    L?t??st chαpt?rs in g??lnovels.c??m


    William didn’t move until the drip finally reached itsst drop.


    He stood up quietly and turned it off.


    But the motion must’ve stirred her, because Ste’s eyes fluttered open.


    Still dazed, she blinked up at the blurry figure beside her bed.


    “Ste. Don’t look at me like that,” William said.


    His cold tone jolted her awake, and her entire body tensed on instinct.


    Just moments ago, she had looked so peaceful, fragile even. But now, with her eyes open and guarded again, her walls were right back up.


    The brief softness William had felt began to slip away.


    “You’re really staring at me like that after I just saved you?” he said, his voice hard. “A little gratitude wouldn’t kill you. A thank-you, maybe. Not that look.”


    Ste pressed her lips together, convinced he was twisting the truth.


    “I wouldn’t be in this mess if it weren’t for you.”


    Ste’s throat was so raw that her voice came out scratchy and hoarse.


    William stood at her bedside, looking down at her in silence for a few seconds before letting out a shortugh.


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