Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After Novel

Chapter 1382: Pressed to him, she could hear his strong, steady heartbeat. Her mind went blank. "W-what are you doing?" she stammered, trying instinctively to push him away. But with Collin right there, Gorman had no intention of letting her go. He wanted Collin to see-wanted him to know exactly who Linsey belonged to. Of course, he would never tell her the truth. "Don't move," he murmured, one hand cupping the back of her head. Then he lied smoothly, "There's a stray dog behind us, baring its teeth and ready to pounce." "What?" Linsey's eyes widened, her voice trembling.

"What should we do?" Gorman's gaze never left Collin, though his tone stayed calm. "We can't run. Stay still, or it might attack." Linsey had always feared dogs. Back at the orphanage, strays sometimes wandered in through the broken fences. One had bitten her once, leaving her terrified of them ever since. As he felt her tremble in his arms, Gorman's lips curved in quiet satisfaction. He stroked her hair, his voice low and gentle. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. I'll protect you." When she finally relaxed a little, he glanced up to throw Collin a smug look-only to see that he had vanished.

"That's strange. Where did he go?" he muttered. "Who?" Linsey asked, still held close. Then she froze, suspicion creeping into her voice. "Wait... didn't you say there was a dog?" Gorman caught himself, pausing before replying smoothly, "I meant a dog." Not wanting to spark more questions, he loosened his hold and stepped back. "It's gone now. Don't worry." Linsey glanced around. No dog. She let out a relieved breath. Chapters live now at ɢⱯσ.cоm She stepped away, her cheeks flushed. "Thank you." "No need to thank me. It's what I should do.

Come on, let's go eat." Gorman tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his voice soft. The unexpected gesture made her heartbeat quicken, her cheeks burning even hotter. "Alright." Later, they sat across from each other in an upscale restaurant, enjoying their meal. Linsey was about to tell him about her interview when he cut in gently, "Linsey, can you promise me something?" She blinked. "What is it?" He set down his utensils, his tone serious. "Don't join CR Corporation." "Why?" Surprise flickered across Linsey's features. She clearly hadn't expected such a request from Gorman.

Silence stretched between them. The truth weighed heavily on his tongue, but he couldn't bring himself to speak it aloud. Events seemed to be spiraling beyond his grasp. Linsey had only just returned to the country and would soon begin her position at CR Corporation. . . .