Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 35

Lyman turned his head, his gaze settling on Effie's slightly pale face. His brow furrowed with concern.

He could tell something was off. His voice was low and gentle. "What's wrong?"

Effie shook her head. "It's nothing. I'm just a bit tired."

He didn't press further. Instead, he reached out and took her hand, his palm warm against hers, making her flinch ever so slightly.

"If anything's bothering you, promise you'll tell me," he said, his voice steady and reassuring, wrapping her in an unexpected sense of safety.

She looked at him and nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine. All that mess is behind me now."

Lyman knew she'd just seen her family-the Bagnolds again. He could guess who she meant by "mess."

"If it's behind you, don't dwell on it. Let's go get something to eat," he coaxed, steering the conversation away.

"Alright."

Suddenly, a car ahead swerved into their lane. The driver slammed on the brakes, tires screeching.

Effie lurched forward from the momentum, tumbling straight into Lyman's side.

a startled

long arms wrapped around her waist,

a soft glow, dim but enough for every

seen.

furious red, so hot she felt she might

far, far

Thump!

heart pounded, wild and

the steady thrum of his heartbeat and breathe in his

at her, his eyes deep

at her waist, the heat of his

was deep, soft, and

wouldn't have to meet his gaze. "I-I'm fine... thank you," she stammered, her

smile at her reaction, amusement flickering in

glancing back to apologize. "Sorry, sir, ma'am. That car cut us

him off, his tone calm. "It's

Mr. Etheridge." The driver breathed out, relieved, and carefully

day, Effie arrived