‘Gregory!” Before Anathea could even struggle, Gregory had already laid her down on the hospital bed. He dimmed the lights to a soft yellow, creating a perfect setting for sleep.
“Get some rest,” he said, pulling the blanket over her.
Anathea frowned, wary as she looked at him.
“Don’t worry. I won’t do anything. I’m just here to keep you company.”
Anathea said nothing. She was still recovering from her miscarriage. If he had any other ideas, he would be worse than a beast. Yet his gaze, soft and gentle, showed no hint of ulterior motives. Imade her feel like she might have misjudged him.
Still, his reputation wasn’t much better than a scoundrel’s in her eyes.
Not wanting to engage, Anathea lay down. She needed solid rest to face tomorrow.
Gregory carefully tucked in the blanket, then sat on the nearby couch. Under the warm glow of the desk lamp, he quietly flipped through some documents.
True to his word, he stayed by her side without crossing any boundaries. He even turned his pages carefully so as not to disturb her.
Anathea lowered her eyelids and slowly drifted off. Her breathing eventually turned steady.
But soon, faint rustling came from beside the bed. The blanket behind her lifted slightly, and a warm body pressed close. Light sleeper as she was, Anathea woke immediately with a frown.
Just as she thought. Gregory was never going to stay still.
She raised an elbow to strike back, though he would easily be able to dodge it, given his reflexes. She just needed to vent her frustration.
Yet from behind came a muffled grunt of pain. He hadn’t dodged.
Anathea froze.
The next moment, he wrapped her completely in his arms. His broad, solid chest pressed against her back.
Feeling uncomfortable, Anathea bit her lip. Her tone was laced with irritation as she said, “Mr. Sinclair, sneaking into my bed in the middle of the night is very off–putting.”
“Sorry, Annie.” Gregory’s voice was low and husky. “I’m sorry. I never meant to hide your dad’s true condition from you. I was just afraid you wouldn’t be able to handle it. The doctor said you showed signs of a threatened miscarriage, and you couldn’t be upset.
“The things I said to Harvey weren’t my real feelings either. I was just trying to deflect their anger onto myself. You’re not some irrelevant person. You’re the most important person in my life. You matter more than my own life.
“I know my methods were wrong, but I’ve always wanted to protect you. Annie, when I said I wanted to start over with you, I meant it.”
In the quiet darkness, his voice was soft but clear.
If Louie knew Gregory had spoken so much at once, he might just give him a thumbs–up, impressed that Gregory’s mouth wasn’t just for show.
“I know I was a jerk before. I hurt you a lot. But since I realized I love you, I never wanted to hurt you again. I truly want to keep you safe.”
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Chapter 462
+25 BONUS
His tone was sincere, as if making a solemn vow.
But have you ever thought that…” Anathea’s throat tightened before she could continue. “Even if it was never your intention, I still ended up hurt because of you?”
This time, Gregory was silent.
Everything around them fell into a deep stillness.
Anathea said nothing more. No matter how much Gregory explained, no matter how genuine his love was, the damage was done. It wasn’t something easily brushed off with empty words.
She wouldn’t waver this time. Her silence was her resolve.
Though they lay on the same bed, his arms holding her tightly, it felt like there was a vast distance between them.
