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.

standing in the doorway,

her white dress almost glowing against the

walked in just as Caden was hovering

sorry! I didn’t mean to interrupt… I’ll just

as he pulled away,

truly as injured as

when he

his expression hardened. His gaze, sharp and predatory, locked onto

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Tue, Mar 25

358 Heidi’s Soup

here?” he asked, his voice laced with

+B Pearls

Ms. Sinclair were hurt,” she said,

large eyes glistening with unshed tears, the rims tinged red. “I know what I did before was

You

the thermos on the bedside table. “I made chicken and Ms. Sinclair can share it. If you don’t want me here, I’ll leave. I’ll keep reflecting on

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

This all seemed too convenient. The timing was almost too perfect. Almost.

thinking. I broke the silence. “Well, you went out of your way to see us, so why don’t you stay for

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

wounded angel. The act was flawless, but I

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

Chicken soup?

weren’t here, I might’ve suspected

as sharp as steel. “Since Rosaline says you can

“Thank you, Caden!” she chirped, her steps light as she returned to the