Ronald rolled over, pinning her beneath him. "So, Star, is this what''s got you all worried?"


    Ste shrank back a little, feeling timid under his weight.


    Seeing her curled up like a frightened little bird, Ronald chuckled softly and pecked her lips.


    "Star, do you really think anyone can drown us with mere words?"


    Ste remained silent, her eyes wide.


    Ronald ruffled her hair affectionately before rolling over to pull her into his arms. "Silly girl," he murmured, a mix of fondness and exasperation coloring his tone.


    Ste snuggled closer, finding afortable spot against him. She knew there was no way to get Ronald to leave now. Whatever he said went, just like always. Since they were kids, Ronald''s word had beenw in her world.


    He pressed a kiss to her forehead, an insatiable need to be closer to her rising within him.


    Ste, sensing his intent, stiffened.


    "Ronald, I''m still hurt," she said, her voice trembling.


    The way she said his name,ced with apprehension, only made his smile deepen. He hadn''t realized until now how much he loved hearing her call him by his name.


    "I know," he replied, his voice rich and soothing.


    "Then why are you still..."


    Still here, still so close that it might lead to something they couldn''t control. Especially afterst night''s incident, which had left things awkward and intense between them. Ronald''s touch had been unfamiliar andmanding, and it seemed as though he had discovered a new side of himself in that moment.


    "It hurt when you applied the ointment," Ste whispered, hoping her words would encourage him to leave.


    "So what should we do about it?" Ronald''s voice took on a teasing edge, his self-control clearly slipping. "Huh?"


    What did he mean by that? Of course, it meant he should leave. She was still injured, after all.


    Ste''s eyes were pleading as she met Ronald''s gaze. "I''m scared."


    Her tearful eyes only fueled the fire in Ronald.


    "You really are a delicate little thing."


    Ste''s voice wavered with emotion. "And that''s because you spoil me."


    She was genuinely afraid that Ronald might force things, and if he did, she wouldn''t be able to escape.


    He kissed her forehead once more. "Yes, I spoil you. All of this is because of me."


    Even her bratty little ways were something he''d indulged in since they were kids. Ste pushed against his chest. "Then go back to your own room."


    They definitely couldn''t sleep


    together like this. If they continued, things would get out of hand. She didn''t want to end up injured it wasn''t worth it.


    Still, Ronald showed no intention of leaving.


    Just when Ste was about to insist he go, Ronald caught her soft hand in his.


    Ste was left speechless, her mind racing with confusion.


    ...


    Meanwhile, across town at the Larkin family home, Urs spoke to her brother Jaxon.


    "The Lugar family is deeply entrenched in both legal and illegal dealings. Star faces all sorts of threats with them. She''s your sister, Jaxon. You should find a way to get her out of there."


    Jaxon sighed. "Urs, you..."


    "I''ll be fine," Urs interrupted.


    No matter what, Urs couldn''t let Ste stay with the Lugar family. If she did, Urs''s future would be as good as gone.


    Jaxon frowned. "That ungrateful girl wouldn''t want toe back to the Larkin family. You know that."


    "Then find a way to bring her back. In our world, anything can happen. No one knows what tomorrow might bring."


    If Ste returned to the Larkin family, Urs could y the role of the good sister, and maybe things would finally settle down.


    Even though they talked about going


    abroad, she couldn''t shake off the


    uneasy feeling creeping over her. Would everything really go smoothly?


    Jaxon finally spoke up. "Alright, enough about her. I need to focus on getting you out of the country."


    For Jaxon, after everything that had happened recently, he had no goodwill left for Ste.


    Her life or death? He didn''t care in the slightest.


    As Jaxon left Urs''s room, Cloudia kept talking about how difficult Ste was making things for Urs.


    Jaxon could only promise, "I''ll get Urs out of here soon."


    The arrangements were already in motion, and if everything went smoothly, Urs would leave Portis City the next day. Sending her abroad seemed like the only viable solution.


    At the very beginning, they had never imagined that Ste was the beloved little princess raised by the Lugar family.