?Chapter 1133:


    We shared a fleeting moment of calm, a rare pause in the storm of our lives.


    As I lowered my head to sip my coffee, Dominic, seated beside me, broke the silence.


    “Makenna, was Alden here with youst night?”


    Makenna’s POV:


    Dominic’s question hit me like a jolt, and my grip on the coffee cup faltered, sending a few dark droplets sttering onto the table. His piercing, unrelenting stare bored into me, cold and searching. Uneasy, I ducked my head, avoiding those sharp eyes. My fingers fidgeted along the cup’s edge as my thoughts spun in disarray.


    “Alden was just herest night, keeping mepany, chatting…” My voice came out low and brittle, sounding flimsy even to my own ears.


    Dominic stayed silent, his gaze unwavering, heavy with a tangle of emotions—disappointment, maybe, or quiet surrender.


    The air in the room grew thick as if it had frozen, pressing down on us.


    “Howe the sandwiches you all love haven’t been served yet… I’ll… I’ll check the kitchen,” I stammered, desperate for an escape. Scrambling to my feet, I turned to flee.


    But before I could take a step, Dominic’s hand shot out, catching my wrist.


    His touch was warm, his hold steady but gentle, anchoring me in ce. I nced back, meeting his deep, soul-searching eyes as if he were trying to unravel my very heart.


    I stood there, unsure what to do. Then Dominic let out a long, weary sigh. “Never mind. As long as your heart’s still with me, that’s all I need.”


    With that, he released my wrist.


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    Bryan and yton exhaled softly, their silence heavy with unvoiced feelings, their heads bowed in quiet eptance.


    The weight of the moment pressed on me, guilt swelling in my chest. They had done nothing wrong, yet here they were, carrying this burden because of me.


    Suddenly, a sharp knock at the door shattered the stifling quiet.


    Relief washed over me as I hurried to answer it.


    Jett stood in the doorway, d in a dark trench coat, his expression stern but his eyes glinting with a trace of jealousy.


    “Quite the gathering in your room, Makenna,” he said, his voice cool as his gaze flicked over the three princes inside.


    I cleared my throat, trying to lighten the mood. “What brings you here, Jett?”


    He arched a brow, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “What, I’m not wee?”


    “Jett, stop messing around,” I said with a tired sigh.


    At that, he softened slightly, though he gave a sharp huff before stepping inside, his eyes still wary and antagonistic.


    Bryan set down his fork, his face hardening. “What do you want here?” he demanded, his voice low and edged.


    Jett met his re with an icy one of his own. “If you’re allowed here, why not me?”


    Sensing the rising tension, I jumped in. “Enough, all of you. Let’s not fight. Since everyone’s here, why don’t we just sit and eat together?”


    Grudgingly, they quieted, though the air still crackled with unspoken hostility.


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