< Chapter 32. Territorial Co…
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Chapter 32: Territorial Confrontation–2
When I finally found his room, I gasped in horror. His face was swollen beyond recognition, purple bruises covering every inch of visible skin.
“Ethan, what happened to you?” I sobbed, my green–gold eyes filling with tears.
He didn’t answer. He just stared out the window, his expression one of utter despair.
“Who beat you? Did you call the police?” I choked out between sobs.
Still nothing. I kept crying, babbling about how worried I was, how we needed to
report this, how his mother needed to know.
“Could you just leave me alone?” he finally snapped, his voice hoarse.
I wiped my tears, trying to compose myself. “I want to stay and take care of you.”
“No need,” he rejected coldly. “I hired a nurse. You go.“.
His dismissal hurt, but I could see something was deeply wrong. This wasn’t just
about physical pain. Something had broken inside him.
(Ethan’s POV)
I didn’t want to see Cassandra. Not now. Not when all I could think about was Olivia.
Ever since she left, I’d been haunted by thoughts of her day and night. The irony was painful–only after losing her did I realize who I truly loved.
I recalled how cruelly I had rejected her before.
“I will never marry you,” I had told her coldly.
What if I offered marriage now? Would she come back? Would she be willing to be
Mrs. Grey?
A glimmer of hope flickered in my eyes amid the darkness of my hospital room.
I would win her back. I had to.
(Olivia’s POV)
I sat across from Connor at my small dining table, the thermal container between us.
When I opened it, a rich aroma wafted out that made my mouth water instantly.
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“Wow, it smells amazing,” I said, inhaling deeply.
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Inside were braised ribs and winter melon soup, both looking perfectly prepared. My amber eyes widened with surprise and joy.
“How did you know I love these?” I asked, looking up at him.
Connor’s lips tightened slightly, his ice–blue eyes watching me intently. “Try them.”
I hesitated, sensing his mood had shifted. “Are you upset?”
His dark gaze locked onto mine, deep and unreadable. “What do you think?”
My eyes filled with confusion and a hint of grievance. “I don’t know how he found this
place. I never gave him the address.”
Connor just gave a noncommittal grunt, his jaw tight.
I softened my tone, making my voice sweet and pleading. “Don’t be angry, Con.”
He sighed resignedly, his expression softening slightly. “How could I be angry with
you?”
“Then why do you look unhappy?” I pressed.
“I saw him touch your hand,” he said flatly.
“Hmm?” My eyes widened with surprise. “Are you… jealous?”
“Eat before it gets cold,” he said quickly, avoiding my gaze.
I couldn’t help but giggle mischievously. “You really are jealous. And so fierce, you
kicked him flying.”
His face darkened immediately. “Are you feeling sorry for him?”
“No, no, of course not,” I quickly denied.
Then, remembering how effortlessly he had handled Ethan, I added excitedly, “Your moves just now were awesome! Can you teach me someday? Next time I meet some thugs, I want to beat them up like that.”
A trace of pain flashed in his eyes. I knew he was thinking about the assault I’d experienced before.
“Livvy, let me hire two bodyguards for you,” he said seriously.
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I refused immediately. “No need. I still have to work, and having bodyguards would be
so awkward.”
He didn’t push the issue, understanding my need for independence. “Alright, eat up. I’ll teach you sometime.”
I smiled gratefully and turned my attention to the food. The soup was rich and
flavorful, with a familiar taste I couldn’t quite place. Then I bit into the ribs.
The flavor exploded in my mouth, triggering a flood of memories. My eyes widened in
shock, suddenly brimming with tears.
“This tastes exactly like my mother’s cooking…” My voice choked, trembling with
emotion. “Con, where did you buy it?”
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