?Chapter 1040:


    “I said I’d bring you home, didn’t I? If I walk in there alone, my parents might just throw me out on the spot. You want to see that happen, don’t you?”


    Freya tried to exin. “It’s not like that—”


    “Thene in with me. Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet now?”


    “I just want to touch up my makeup.”


    “I’ll wait.”


    Freya went quiet.


    In that moment, she realized it didn’t matter what excuse she gave—he wasn’t going in without her.


    With a reluctant sigh, she cut the engine, stepped out of the car, and walked toward him.


    When he reached for her hand, she pulled away. “Wait, I need to grab something.”


    She hurried back to the trunk and retrieved the gifts she’d prepared. There were dietary supplements, along with a few pricier items. “I just figured since we’re going to see your parents, it’s only right to bring something,” she told him. “I hope they’ll like it.”


    She wanted to ask him about gift options. But she already knew what he’d say—that she didn’t need to bring anything at all. So, she’d trusted her memory and picked the gifts herself.


    “Silly girl,” Ellis said, giving her forehead a gentle flick.


    Freya blinked, confused by his reaction.


    He took the bags from her arms, carrying them himself. With his free hand, he reached for hers, offering the warmth she hadn’t realized she needed. “Didn’t I already tell you? Just having you there is more than enough.”


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    “You always spoil me so much. I just want to make sure you feel that love returned,” Freya said quietly.


    A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He gave her hand a small squeeze and led her toward the house.


    Just likest time, Ellis’s parents greeted them with open arms. And when they found out Freya had brought gifts, their joy became even more apparent. Theyvished her with praise.


    Freya had known her visit alone would bring them happiness. The gifts were just the cherry on top.


    “I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I just picked out a few things,” she said, far more rxed than on herst visit. She jumped right into conversation with them, no longer reserved.


    “Thank you, Freya,” Kendra beamed, her eyes curving like crescent moons. “This might be one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received.”


    Ellis said, “Mm?”


    Caldwell asked, “What?”


    Both men turned toward her at once.


    Ellis raised an eyebrow, his tone smooth and unhurried. “Didn’t you say the gift I gave youst time was your favorite?”


    “Nonsense! Her favorite is obviously mine,” Caldwell cut in, unwilling to let it go. “Look, she still wears it—”


    He stopped midsentence, his eyes locking on the new bracelet around her wrist. His expression shifted.


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