Chapter 429:

With a few more polite words exchanged, Carrie and Daxton left the police station. The night had settled in, cloaking the streets in shadows.

Carrie glanced at the sky and remarked, regret lacing her tone, “Hazelnut Time Coffee Shop is probably closed by now.”

Daxton pressed his lips together briefly before speaking. “I made a reservation at a restaurant. It’s my birthday today—so how about we let me pick where we go?”

Daxton’s eyes shone with clarity, and a soft smile rested on his lips.

There was something in his tone—a faint thread of hesitation—that caught Carrie’s attention, though she couldn’t quite tell if it was real or just a trick of her own overthinking.

Counting back the days in her head, Carrie grew frustrated with herself. She’d bought a gift only recently but had somehow forgotten it when it mattered. Explaining it now would feel awkward, so she decided to hold onto it and wait for a better moment to give it.

Carrie gave him a quick nod paired with a warm smile. “Happy birthday, Daxton.”

playful shrug, she spread her hands wide. “No gift this time, but don’t

lightly over hers. For a moment, Carrie froze,

he playfully pretended to hold her hand tighter before letting it go. “The best gift is already mine,” he said,

brings magic to

to her now-empty palm, the fleeting contact so brief

she murmured, her wide, almost dreamy

enhanced her beauty, making her look

make it up to me? That’s already the best gift I could hope

silver-grey car pulled up. It wasn’t overly flashy, but its understated design gave it a

one hand and gesturing toward the seat with a gentlemanly sweep of

feeling a little lost, Carrie ducked her head and

door behind her and strolled around to take the

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255