?Chapter 1564:


    There were mild calluses on Johnson’s hand, so when he brushed against the smooth skin of Catherine’s cheek, he instinctively softened his touch. He caressed her face as though she were the most precious jewel, terrified of breaking her. “Cathy…” Johnson muttered.


    His voice was low and husky—intoxicating. Catherine felt herself drawn deeper into the moment.


    Their faces were inches apart. Her breath caught in her throat, and her heartbeat thundered in her ears.


    Her gaze locked onto Johnson’s, unblinking.


    It felt as though the air around them had gone still, yet at the same time electric.


    Slowly, Johnson reminded himself that they were merely ying a game.


    “I’ve never been in love before,” he began tenderly. “I can’t quite figure out if my feelings for you are just fondness or something deeper. All I know is that whenever you pull away or even frown in my presence, my heart aches. I’ve tried everything to get you to notice me, to like me, to secure a ce in your heart.”


    His words were soft yet sure, captivating Catherine.


    In that moment, everything around them seemed to fade away. The only sound Catherine could hear was the erratic beating of her own heart.


    Johnson gently touched her cheek. “I don’t want to be your foster brother,” he said with quiet determination. “I want to be your lover. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to be by your side, always—your lifelong partner.


    Will you let me do that, Cathy?”


    Catherine felt her heart tremble at his deration.


    It didn’t hurt, but it sent ripples across the surface of her emotions, leaving her unable to calm down.


    She was caught in Johnson’s earnest gaze, and her throat went dry.


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    “Wow! Mr. Hoffman! Incredible acting! I almost got swept away!”


    Whatever Catherine was about to say was cut off by Faye’s words.


    Catherine blinked, and just like that, the moment shattered. She was jolted back to reality—they were only ying a game.


    For a second, she had almost said yes to Johnson.


    Feeling awkward and embarrassed, Catherine quickly turned her head away, putting some distance between them.


    Johnson’s hand hung in midair, his face flickering with disappointment.


    He lowered his eyes, and soon enough, his calm demeanor returned.


    Belinda and Bethany red at Faye in unison, utterly frustrated by her sudden interruption.


    Catherine had been about to answer. If Faye hadn’t interrupted, Johnson might have gotten a response by now, and they would all know how Catherine truly felt about him.


    Just then, Faye grinned and pped her hands. “All right, round passed! You really put on a good performance, Mr. Hoffman. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought you were genuinely in love with Miss Bates!”


    “All right, I think he passed.”


    “Me too.”


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