Billionaire's match novel

---- Chapter 819 Khloe listened to Nick's words, and the calmer he spoke, the more violently the storm inside her heart raged. This time, he hid nothing. From Naraida to Goldmont, every detail, every experience, he told her everything. His words were light, almost casual, yet in just a few sentences, he laid bare his hardships, his thoughts, and the turmoil in his heart. And Khloe's chest ached with every word. Tears streamed down uncontrollably, slipping onto his fingers. "Why didn't you tell me sooner..." Her voice trembled.

She reached out, wanting to touch him-his arms, his limbs-but the moment she lifted his sleeve and glimpsed the jagged, protruding scars, she recoiled. She couldn't bear to look further. She had imagined... that his condition might be due to his body. But she had never expected it would be like this. Nick had been proud since childhood. She knew him well: composed on the outside, exacting, always appearing perfect, yet living inside with constant fear and unease. A man like him might accept death, perhaps, but he could hardly ---- face his own fragility with ease.

Even if it were her in his place, she couldn't imagine being broken and still able to face the world. How could she demand him to be strong when even she sometimes doubted herself? When she despaired, she could still trust herself. But when he fell into despair, he lost hope even for himself. Emotion overtook her. She clung to him, closing her eyes, drowning in guilt and heartbreak. Nick's hand rested on her shoulder. His voice was deep, steady, yet heavy with emotion. "I understand. From now on... | really won't leave again. Khloe...

forgive me just this once..." 1 "Why are you so foolish?" Khloe's voice was hoarse, every word weak and pale. How had she ended up with such a fool? He could have defended himself, he could have tried to explain- but even battered and broken, on the verge of collapse, he only apologized, relentlessly, as if every step he took for her cost him agony. And yet... he bore it all with a childlike satisfaction, as if enduring it was pleasure itself. "I'm not foolish..." Nick whispered against her ear. "Because | know...

you would never not want me." Khloe knew he was teasing her, trying not to make her sad-but ---- the lighter his tone, the more her heart ached. She sniffled, hugging him tighter, pressing herself against him, trying to warm his body, to ease his pain After a long moment, she cupped his pale face in her hands, pressing kisses to his forehead, lips, and cheeks, lingering over each one. "You really think... just because you're Nick Hunt, and | love you, you can do whatever you want?" He looked at her gently. Her tear-streaked face was breathtaking, heart-stoppingly beautiful.

He smiled softly, shaking his head. "No... you can. You really can." 1 Khloe slid her fingers behind his ear, gently stroking. "I don't want to get hurt again, and I'm afraid of being let down, so | set strict rules for everyone... But now, there's an exception. That exception is you "With me... you can do as you please. Even if you hurt me, I'm giving you this chance. So don't be afraid. Don't tiptoe around anymore. Don't bear the pain alone, okay?" Nick hadn't expected her words. A warm surge rose in his throat.

No words could convey his gratitude, his relief-so he simply pressed a gentle kiss to her lips again.