Counterback of the Despised Luna by Diana West

Chapter 358 Heidi’s Soup

+B Pearls

“You should get up, don’t you think?” I forced a change in topic, feeling the weight of Caden’s presence pressing down on me. It was suffocating, and my breath caught in

y chest.

“No.” His eyes narrowed, dark and unreadable, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “If it’s not time for that… then this will do.”

He leaned in closer, his lips warm and fine. I instinctively tried to pull away, bur

against my hands. were trapped, his grip unyielding. There was no escaping him now.

His teeth grazed my lip, gentle but teasing, almost punishing in its intent. “Rosaline, he murmured, his voice low and rough. “you grow more beautiful each time I see you,”

Heat flooded through me. His words sent a shiver down my spine, my breath quickening in response to the intensity of his touch.

I lifted my chin, trying to regain composure. “I’ve always been beautiful. Did you really need to say it?”

“Yes, even the magic mirror would say you’re the fairest of them all. He chuckled, his laughter soft, almost tender.

Before me, the ice around him seemed to melt away, revealing a side of him I hadn’t seen–gentle, almost vulnerable.

He lowered his head again, his intentions clear.

I met his gaze–those burning eyes–and my heart race. Unable to resist, I closed my eyes, waiting for him to close the distance.

But just as his lips neared mine, a sharp knock shattered the moment, pulling me back to reality.

Caden froze, his eyes turning to ice as he looked toward the door.

in the doorway, was Heidi.

of calm–her long black hair flowing smoothly over her shoulders, her white dress almost glowing against the dim light.

in just as Caden was hovering above me, our positions

went wide with shock. “I–I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean

pulled away, his movements deliberate as he shifted

truly as injured as he claimed?

when he climbed

a brief glance before his expression hardened. His gaze, sharp and predatory, locked onto Heidi, an

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Tue, Mar 25

Heidi’s

you doing here?” he asked,

+B Pearls

hands. “I heard you and Ms. Sinclair were hurt,” she said, her tone soft and apologetic. I just

what I did before was wrong. I

You

hands trembled slightly as she placed the thermos on the bedside table. “I made chicken and Ms. Sinclair can share it. If you don’t want me

sorrow, her eyes casting a pitiful glance at us. The sight nearly broke my resolve, bur something felt off–too rehearsed, too

my chest. This all seemed too convenient. The timing was almost too perfect.

I broke the silence. “Well, you went out of your way to see us, so

turned to face me, her voice faltering. “Ms. Sinclair, you… you hate me, don’t you? I should leave. My

flower, playing the part of the wounded angel. The act

didn’t match her actions. Why come here if she had no ulterior motive?

Chicken soup?

suspected something more

feigned indifference, glancing at Caden. His gaze met mine, then turned to Heidi, his voice as sharp as steel. “Since Rosaline says you can stay, you might as well stay for

you, Caden!” she chirped, her steps light