hapter 41: Entwined Hearts and Lingering Shadows–2 C
“Can you help check my phone?” he asked suddenly, breaking the tense atmosphere.
“The password is your birthday.”
I picked up his phone, curious. When the screen lit up, I was startled to see my own
portrait as his lock screen–a photo from my sophomore birthday photoshoot. I
remembered posting it briefly on social media but setting it to disappear after three
days.
He had saved it all along.
A shy, quiet joy filled me as I unlocked his phone. I noticed immediately that my chat
was pinned at the top–his only pinned contact. My lips curved unconsciously at this
small but significant detail.
“You have several messages,” I told him, reading the notifications aloud. “Margaret
Grey is asking why you haven’t answered her calls. She wants you to bring me to the
pack dinner tomorrow night.”
Connor nodded, continuing to arrange my hair.
“Henry Morris has questions about some business matters. Ethan Quinn wants you
to watch a race with him.” I scrolled further. “And Alexander Winters is discussing what to do with those criminals. He says he’s already called ahead to the detention
center.”
Just as I was about to exit the messages, my gaze caught on a muted conversation- messages from Vanessa Reed. A complicated mix of jealousy and wariness drove me
to tap on it.
I skimmed through a torrent of desperate pleas spanning half a month:
“Brother, are you still mad at me?” “I was just scared you’d be stolen by Sister Olivia, I swear I won’t do it again, please forgive me.” “Brother, I’m in pain, doctor said I might have sequelae.” “Brother, I miss you.” “Brother, will you come pick me up from the hospital tomorrow?” “Brother, it’s because of Sister Olivia you won’t see me, right? Please ask her to forgive me.”
Apart from a single reply-“It has nothing to do with her“—Connor had ignored all her
く
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Chapter 41: Entwined Hea..
emotional bombardment. He had even silenced her chat.
I closed the messages, my heart in turmoil. The intimacy of Vanessa’s words far surpassed normal foster sibling boundaries, sparking sour jealousy in my chest.
“Will Vanessa be at tomorrow’s pack dinner?” I asked quietly.
+15 Points>
Connor frowned, his hands pausing in my hair. “Yes. Just as well, she can apologize
to you properly in front of everyone.”
Annoyance and unease prickled inside me. My expression grew frosty as I stood up
abruptly.
“Have someone send over some clothes,” I said coldly. “I need to go out.”
Connor noticed my sudden chill. He approached me cautiously, his brow furrowed in
concern.
“What’s wrong? Are you upset?” he asked gently.
“No,” I denied flatly, avoiding his gaze.
He glanced quickly at his phone, realization dawning on his face. In two long strides, he was behind me, circling my waist with his strong arms. His familiar scent–pine and winter air–enveloped me as he whispered with certainty.
“I don’t have any romantic feelings for her.”
I remained silent, lips pressed tight, unwilling to admit how much Vanessa’s messages had bothered me.
“Livvy, don’t be angry, okay?” he coaxed softly, using my intimate nickname in an attempt to soothe me.
I raised my amber eyes to meet his, keeping my face deliberately blank.
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‘Just get me some clothes,” I insisted. “I’m going out soon.”
His arms tightened around me, unwilling to let go. I could feel his possessiveness and concern intermingling as he pressed.
“Where are you going? I’ll take you.”