My Beloved Has Risen from Death’s Embrace

Chapter 29

Samuel frowned as he looked at Xanthea, swaddled in layers despite the scorching summer heat. “Xan, why on earth are you wrapped up like it’s winter? And that scarf, really?”

Bombarded with questions, Xanthea felt her head spin.

I

“Well, can I just go upstairs and drop off my stuff first?”

Without waiting for an answer, she dashed upstairs, yanked off her scarf, and grimaced at the twin ‘love bites’ Orion had left on her neck. Were they from a dog? What would parents think if they saw?

a her

She grabbed her concealer and worked diligently until the marks were barely visible, then slipped on a turtleneck just to be sure. Satisfied that no one could see the marks, she opened her door.

Matthew, who had been waiting right outside, nearly stumbled in.

“Matt?”

“I was just about to knock. Where were

glanced at him, a trace of hurt in her eyes. “After the awards, I wanted to tell you first, Matt. But I saw you leaving with Miranda, and when I tried to catch up, I got mobbed by fans. My dress almost got ripped, and it was only when my uncle showed up that I managed

don’t get me wrong. I didn’t leave with Miranda on purpose. She was upset, and I thought

that’s why she hadn’t seen

Matt. It’s just sad I

He cursed himself for

previous

“I’m

Xan. I really wanted to celebrate with you today. I even bought flowers. And you, you were so stunning on stage tonight, so charming, totally different

inwardly; he really could have been an Oscar winner, not just a charming face

sing just for

“Please do!”

1/2

hand, Xanthea, light as a bird, flitted downstairs. “Mom, did you make

retreat, Matthew let his hand fall, resigning himself to wait a little longer. Soon, he thought, they would be

when he considered engagements merely a formality,

Xanthea’s voice echo through the mansion, scolded gently,