?Chapter 534:


    “Nate…” Her voice was barely a whisper, breathless, trembling.


    “I… My stomach hurts…”


    The shift was instant. Nate pulled back immediately, his expression darkening with concern as he searched her face.


    Corrine blinked, a blush creeping up her neck as her eyes met his. Her voice barely rose above a whisper.


    “I think… it’s…”


    “What?” Nate’s brow furrowed in confusion.


    His gaze was like a storm—dark and unyielding, the intensity almost tangible. His breath hitched, his temple pulsing with the effort to keep hisposure.


    Corrine bit her lip, her thoughts tangled, trying to find the right words to exin.


    “It’s… that… you know…”


    Seeing the confusion swirling in his eyes, she exhaled sharply, a hint of frustration leaking through. She leaned in, her breath a soft murmur by his ear.


    “It’s… my period…”


    In that instant, the weight of embarrassment crashed down on her. She wanted to vanish into thin air, to sink through the floor and disappear. She couldn’t bring herself to face him. With her head down, her words came out in a barely audible breath.


    “I don’t think there are any pads here… Could you… get me some?”


    Nate finally understood the situation. He exhaled, the sound low and strained, his eyes unreadable, his voice thick with restrained emotion.


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    “You’re really going to drive me crazy.”


    Without another word, he stood, his form cutting through the air, and left without a nce back.


    As she watched him walk away, a sharp wave of frustration bubbled up from within her. This wasn’t how she’d imagined things going. Why now, of all times? The situation had caught herpletely off guard. She could hardly believe it was happening.


    After finally gathering the courage to take the first step, this awkwardness had to rear its head.


    Frustrated, she ran her fingers through her hair, the tension gnawing at her as she headed quickly to the bathroom.


    A knock echoed against the bathroom door.


    “Miss Hond, here’s what you need.”


    It seemed Nate had given the maid specific instructions to avoid disturbing her, but a hand slipped through the door, passing her what she needed.


    “Thank you,” Corrine muttered as she epted the items. She quickly took care of herself and stepped out of the bathroom.


    Tanya entered, holding a porcin cup in her hands, and offered it to Corrine.


    “Miss Hond, drink a cup of warm milk. It should help ease the difort.”


    Corrine epted the cup with a faint smile.


    “Where is he?”


    “He left,” Tanya replied softly.


    “He asked me to tell you not to wait for him, and to get some rest.”


    Corrine nodded, the weight of the situation pressing on her chest. After finishing the milk, she changed into something morefortable and settled into bed. Her body ached, and her mind was restless. Sleep eluded her, as the dull ache in her back and the cramping in her abdomen twisted and tugged at her with every movement.


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