?Chapter 354:


    It felt as though she was just asking casually.


    Cedric pressed his lips together, struggling to concoct a believable excuse.


    Before he could speak, Dani’s voice interrupted his thoughts.


    “Forget it, it’s nothing. I’ve already transferred it back to you. Go get some rest.”


    Even as Cedric turned to close the door, Dani remained on the floor, her focus on the intricate puzzle pieces spread before her.


    The door, which should have clicked shut, stayed slightly ajar.


    Cedric knew he should leave. Staying any longer might unravel the carefully guarded secrets he was trying so desperately to conceal, leaving him exposed—ridiculous and foolish in her eyes. But his feet refused to move.


    His hand lingered on the doorknob, the weight of his guilt pressing heavily on his chest. It was an unbearable torment, gnawing at him with every passing second. The door, instead of closing, slowly opened wider.


    Cedric stood at the doorway.


    Dani didn’t even nce up. Cedric moved forward, sinking onto the carpet where she had motioned for him to sit earlier.


    The tight knot of anxiety twisting in his stomach began to loosen, albeit only slightly.


    There were reasons that Cedric couldn’t share. Secrets that, if revealed, might tarnish the fragile trust Dani held in her family.


    He could be Dani’s family if she was okay with that. He didn’t want Dani to be cold and indifferent because of someone like Caiden. It wasn’t worth it.


    L?t?st chαpt?rs in g??lnovels.??????


    But even with his resolve, he couldn’t bear to see Dani uninformed. So he stayed.


    When Dani finally looked up, her eyes met Cedric’s.


    She noticed the turmoil etched into his features. The tight furrow of his brows, the rare flicker of regret shadowing his otherwiseposed eyes.


    For a few seconds, she just stared, her expression unreadable.


    “Are you hiding something from me?”


    Cedric flinched at the question.


    “What? No, no.”


    Dani didn’t push. Instead, she ced the puzzle piece she’d been holding onto the floor and stood, stretching gracefully.


    “I’m tired.


    You should get some sleep too.”


    Cedric remained on the floor, his posture stiff.


    Dani didn’t acknowledge him further. With an air of quiet detachment, shey on the bed, pulling the nket over herself before turning off the main light.


    The room plunged into aforting darkness, softened by the faint, warm glow of a bedsidemp.


    Cedric’s gaze drifted to the figure in the bed, and he didn’t leave. He leaned against the bed, reached for the scattered puzzle pieces, and began piecing them together.


    The next morning, as Caiden stepped out of his room, he caught sight of Dani leaving hers. Momentster, Cedric appeared, his head lowered and his entire demeanor radiating frustration. Caiden paused for a brief moment before walking over to Cedric.


    “What’s wrong? Did you get chewed outst night? Why the sour face so early?”


    Cedric shot him a sharp, icy re, his whole being emanating cold hostility.


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