The Queen They Buried

Chapter 38

After taking Aubree to the Turner family’s private hospital for a check up, Bowen brought her back to Ellis Heights.

Squirming on Bower’s back, Aubree protested, “Bowen, put me down. I can walk by myself”

It was already late when the competition ended, and after another trip to the hospital, it was now deep into the right. Carol had taken the day off, and Hugh had gone to bed early, leaving the house unusually quiet.

Fortunately, Daston’s blow hadn’t caused any serious damage, just a few minor injuries,

Bowen remained silent, his entire body radiating a chilling pressure. Even the usually oblivious Aubree sensed the impending storm and instantly froze on his back, not daring to move another inch

She swallowed hard. ‘Did I do anything wrong? Aubree mentally replayed everything she’d done that day

Feeling her go still on his back, Bowen snorted coldly. “Done complaning!”

At the hospital, when Bowen saw Aubree’s back covered in dark bruises, he was consumed with regret. He wished he’d done more than just throw a few punches at Daxton.

Bowen thought, “I always believed I could watch Aubree stumble through life’s challenges and grow, just as I did with Alvin, keeping my distance. But today, I realized I simply can’t.’

In that split second when something happened to Aubree, his mind went completely blank, nothing else mattered.

Bowen finally realized just how much he cared about Aubree, maybe even more than he should.

His brows frosted with a heavy chill, his gaze sharp as a freshly forged blade. Explosive rage surged within him, threatening to break free, yet when he carefully laid her on the bed and faced her, he forced it back, burying it deep within his eyes.

Aubree glanced at him cautiously and asked in a small voice, “Are you… angry? Is it because I caused you trouble today?”

That was the only reason Aubree could think of for Bowen’s anger.

Tve dragged Alvin into danger, she thought, guilt weighing heavily on her.

“I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.” Aubree apologized meekly. She’d already made up her mind, once the prize money came through, she would move out of Ellis Heights immediately.

Before Aubree could finish, she felt that familiar touch on her head, Bowen ruffled her hair, just as he’d done so many times before. “What nonsense are you thinking?” he said gently, “You could never be any trouble to me. Just don’t let yourself get hurt again. If you can’t win, run away. There’s no need to stand your ground stubbornly.”

Bowen’s words left Aubree stunned. She replayed his words in her mind, Was Bowen telling me that his heart ached seeing me hurt? Bowen Turner

This realization made Aubree want to smile, but her lips refused to cooperate.

For the first time, someone told her she wasn’t trouble, that her own safety mattered above all else.

“Bowen… do you… have feelings for me?‘ she wondered, her thoughts tangled with hesitation.

She thought, ‘Just like the Wilson family couldn’t understand why Bowen was helping me, I didn’t get it either. Honestly, their suspicion that I might have traded myself for his help wasn’t unfounded. I weren’t the one involved, I’d probably think the same!

asked, “Why are you helping

her chest, she sat up in bed and watched with confusion as Bowen rummaged

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Chapter 38

feeling emotion flashing through his eyes, one she

refined self. “You’ve ved this before, and my

his identity hidden since the sponsorship started, partly to avoid unnecessary complications, and partly because he worried Aubree might develop improper expectations if

was

feared she might use his identity. After spending time together, he knew the wasn’t that kind of person, though she appeared aloof and independent, she treasured

any burden because of him, he just wanted to help her, without making her

words made her blush instantly. “Pull up your shirt and Le on your

pullup what?” Aubree stammered, her voice tinged

your shirt!” Bowen

still didn’t move, Bowen closed the distance with the ointment in hand. “Changed

‘That’s

have to bare her upper body for treatment. Exposing her back wasn’t really the in,

Aubree said, reaching for the ointment. But Bowen swiftly pulled his hand away, keeping it out

reach.

contortionist? Bowen shot her a disapproving look. “How exactly are you going to apply medicine

internally, “But there’s no way I can let

my back and let a grown man like Bowen apply

hesitating, and Bowen lost patience. He pinned her face–down onto the bed. She stiffened as a sudden chill hit her lower back, he

was only natural. But given the circumstances wasn’t him, the only alternatives were the family doctor or Hugh, and

he didn’t want any

other options.

to think of it, I’ve watched Bree grow up, I’m almost like a father to her. Applying some medicine isn’t really crossing a

Alvin. Putting myself in that position, I don’t think

Bowen being so insistent, she realized with a sinking heart there was no way

turned to face hiry with shy eyes, her voice softening noticeably as she pleaded, “Please turn

her down with one hand, Bowen felt his heart skip a beat, an embarrassing realization of his own desire burning through him. He jerked his hand back as if scorched, turned away stiffly, and muttered, “Do

he irritably fidgeted with his cufflinks. Damn, am really becoming

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U/TU Mon, /

Chapter 38

reproach washing over him

星 99%

see her back, smooth

bruises stood out starkly against her skin, paradoxically adding a strange

perverse fascination in the sight, not that he’d feel guilty about it. He’d never claimed to be a good man