Chapter 409
After a while, the rain gradually stopped. Droplets of water slid along the veins of the leaves and fell into the puddles softly, sending ripples spreading outward.
The morning sunlight broke through the clouds and streamed into the guest room, casting its light onto the bed.
Gregory had already changed out of his soaked clothes. His eyes were closed, and his breathing was steady. He had his arm wrapped around Anathea’s waist, holding her in his embrace, his chin resting on the back of her head.
It was as if only the faint scent on Anathea’s body could lull Gregory into peaceful sleep.
Anathea had already opened her eyes. She’d woken up earlier than he did and had originally planned to start her day. But Gregory held her tightly, refusing to let her go.
Anathea was helpless, but the scene from last night replayed in her mind.
She had never seen the usually domineering man on his knees before her, clutching her and sobbing uncontrollably. He kept mumbling for her not to go, and he even said she was all he had left.
Anathea couldn’t understand. From her point of view, he had everything.
He had a background and status that others could only dream of. He even looked like a masterpiece carved by God himself. He lacked nothing.
If he said something like that in front of other people, they would probably think he was just humblebragging.
Yet, the sorrow in his eyes was so vivid that she couldn’t ignore it, no matter how hard she tried.
What actly had happened?
Anathea turned to face him.
The asleep Gregory looked so much gentler, no longer carrying the overwhelming, suffocating presence he usually did. But the redness at the corners of his eyes and the dried tear stains on his face added a certain brokenness to him.
Even the way his brows were drawn together seemed to carry a hint of grief.
Anathea gazed at him, and as if guided by some force, she reached out and placed her finger between his brows.
She brushed against the furrow in his brow, as if trying to smooth away the sorrow that had trapped him in his nightmare.
The next second, Gregory slowly opened his eyes, still heavy with sleep.
Anathea froze for a moment, then quietly withdrew her hand. “You’re awake.”
Gregory nodded slightly, staring at her without blinking.
His intense gaze made Anathea a little uneasy, and she started to get up. “Let’s get out of bed, then.”
Just as she finished her sentence, Gregory leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead.
Anathea was slightly nervous; her fingers curled involuntarily.
But Gregory didn’t do anything else. He simply held her in his arms.
“Annie, thank you…” he uttered, his voice deep and magnetic. “Thank you for not leaving me.”
He looked as if a heavy weight had finally been lifted from his shoulders.
He had indeed reassigned the bodyguards last night. If Anathea had wanted to leave, she could have done so anytime.
But she’d still come upstairs. She’d still come over to him.
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Chapter 409
+25 BONUS
When she’d knelt down to dry his head, his heart, which practically stopped beating after Victor’s death, started to beat again.
Could he be selfish and believe that he still had a place in Anathea’s heart?
Even if she didn’t love him anymore, could she still care about him a little?
If she did, he might explode in happiness.
Gregory reached out and gently stroked her cheek. His touch was soft and delicate, as if he were caressing a precious treasure.
Anathea’s skin was fair and tender. She was glowing under the sunlight.
He felt as though he could never get enough of her. Grabbing her chin, he lifted it gently, making her look at him.
A trace of unknown emotion flickered in Anathea’s eyes. Her lips twitched, as if she wanted to say something but didn’t.
Gregory’s lips curved into a small smile. He looked at her lips, his eyes flickering for a moment before he leaned in.
The warmth of his breath fell across her face.
Just as he was about to kiss her, Louie pushed the guest room door open.
“Greg! Are you okay?”
Anathea immediately pulled away from Gregory, burying her face in the blanket, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
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