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.”

hands wide. “No gift this time, but don’t worry—I’ll

excitement lit up Daxton’s face as he placed his hand lightly over hers. For a moment, Carrie froze, caught off guard by

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

com brings magic

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

gift?” she murmured, her wide, almost

on her face only enhanced her beauty, making her look even more

and warm. “The promise to make it up to me? That’s already the best

overly flashy, but its

to the passenger side, holding the door open with one hand and gesturing toward the seat with a gentlemanly sweep of

a little lost, Carrie ducked her

her and

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

Comments ()

0/255