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.

let out a startled gasp,

hesitation, Lyman's long arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her into

light cast a soft glow, dim but enough

seen.

face flushed a furious red, so

far, far too

Thump!

pounded, wild and unsteady, her

chest, she could feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat and breathe in

her, his eyes

firm at her waist, the heat of his fingers seeping

alright?" His voice was deep, soft, and full of genuine

of her daze, squirming away from his arms and bowing her head so she wouldn't have to

smile at her reaction, amusement flickering in

driver was clearly shaken, glancing back to apologize. "Sorry, sir, ma'am. That car cut us off and

tone calm. "It's alright. Just

The driver breathed out, relieved, and carefully merged back into the stream of

next day, Effie arrived at the