?Chapter 953:


    Freya gave a small hum of acknowledgment, then added softly, “Next time, you don’t have to knock. Juste in… we’re close enough now.”


    Ellis smiled. “Got it.”


    He’d knocked out of courtesy—her sister had been around. It didn’t feel right barging in with two young women in the apartment. Freya gently slipped from his arms, wished him goodnight, and disappeared into the bathroom to wash up and sleep.


    Ellis stayed still for a while, steadying himself, before heading back to his apartment. Only one thought circled in his mind now: He had to marry Freya—as soon as possible.


    In stark contrast to the quiet warmth between Freya and Ellis, Kristian’s world felt cold, wet, and hollow.


    After walking away, Kristian immediately texted Gerard, saying, “If Freya asks about me, just say I’m waiting for you. I told her you’re running a business nearby.” He didn’t want to give Freya any more reasons to worry about him.


    Gerard didn’t say much, simply yed along as instructed.


    A light rain had started to fall.


    Kristian leaned against his car, gaze fixed on the floor of Freya’s building—as if he could will her to appear.


    He didn’t move. He didn’t drive off. He didn’t look away. He just wanted to be close to her… even if she didn’t know.


    The drizzle became steady rain.


    Within ten minutes, his hair was soaked through, water slipping past his cor, making him damp and cold.


    g?lnσν????s, the heart of storytelling


    But it was nothing—nothingpared to the sharp ache twisting in his chest when he’d seen Freya with someone else.


    The rain kept falling, slicing into him like ss, but he didn’t flinch.


    Maybe the cold would dull the pain inside.


    Then—suddenly—a ck umbre opened above his head.


    He turned to see Gerard standing beside him, shielding them both from the rain.


    His voice was hoarse, drained of all energy. “I’m fine.”


    Gerard frowned. He’d never seen Kristian like this—so lost, like a child without a ce to go. “You just recovered. Your body’s still weak,” he said quietly. “If you get sick again…”


    Kristian didn’t answer. He just turned his face away.


    Gerard didn’t argue further. He took the keys from Kristian’s hand and opened the back seat. “Come on. Let’s go home.”


    Kristian gave onest look at the building—a long, aching, reluctant look—then got into the car.


    Gerard folded the umbre and slipped into the driver’s seat, starting the engine.


    The drive was quiet on the way back.


    Kristian stared out the window, his reflection blurred by the streaking rain, his mind spiraling through memories of Freya.


    Gerard turned up the heater. The warm air filled the cabin, but the cold inside Kristian didn’t fade.


    After a long silence, he finally spoke. “Why are you here?”


    “I was worried,” Gerard replied, eyes on the road. “Didn’t want you alone in this state, so I followed.”


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