Chapter 554:
With his eyes closed and his voice a raspy whisper, Rhys apologized to her.
âIâm sorry. I didnât keep my promise to youâ¦â
Harlee gazed at Rhys, noticing his pallid complexion and the apologetic look in his eyes. She swallowed hard, her voice catching as she said, âYou promised you wouldnât get hurt.â
Ever since Rhysâ incident, sleep had eluded Harlee, haunted by the image of him being shot, an image too harrowing to shake off.
Tears welled up in Harleeâs eyes unexpectedly. She had tried not to let anger or sadness overwhelm her, but the sound of Rhysâ voice shattered her resolve.
A tumult of emotionsâgrievance, fear, and worryâflooded through her, making it impossible for her to maintain her usual composure.
She found herself caring for Rhys with the same intensity she usually reserved for Tonya. She realized Rhys had gradually captured her heart, though she mistook this profound attachment for mere suitability.
Rhys looked visibly pale, and his voice softened to a rasp as he responded to Harleeâs concern.
His eyes, dark and earnest, shimmered with tenderness as he asked, his voice rough with emotion, âHarlee, can I hold you?â
Without a word, Harlee leaned in and rested her head on Rhysâ chest. Rhysâ hand gently caressed her back, setting a comforting rhythm. Words were unnecessary. Their silence spoke volumes.
Initially, Harleeâs body tensed under his touch, her lips pressed firmly together as she fought back her emotions.
Gradually, she yielded to the warmth of his embrace, allowing herself to seek solace.
As Rhys felt Harleeâs mood shift, a tear escaped his eye.
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He had thought he wouldnât mind being seriously injured again if it meant he got to know the depth of Harleeâs feelings for him. Yet, the visible distress in Harleeâs eyes now made him reconsider.
He couldnât stand to cause her pain.
After a moment of shared silence, Rhys whispered, âHarlee, what do you plan to do with Lindsay?â Although Patrick and the others hadnât uncovered the mastermind behind the incident, Lindsayâs involvement was undeniable.
Harlee fetched a glass of water, slid a straw into it from the drawer, and gently offered it to Rhys. With calm clarity, she asked, âWhat do you think?â
Rhys took a few deep sips, soothing his dry throat, and smiled knowingly.
âYou wonât get involved personally. Youâll make sure she ends up behind bars.â
The moment Rhys finished, a radiant smile bloomed on Harleeâs lips.
He knew immediately that he had guessed correctly.
âDo you need my help with that?â Rhys inquired.
Harlee shook her head and responded, âNo need. I have it under control.â She was determined not to let Lindsay get away this time.
Rhys then steered their conversation to lighter, everyday matters, and they found themselves laughing and chatting like any other couple might.
Reports of car accidents, gun battles, and indiscriminate shootings filled the news, casting a shadow of terror over Baythorn and Mogluylia alike.
âSeriously, after seeing that video, Iâm terrified to even step outside. That poor little girl in the floral dress was just standing at the crosswalk when suddenlyâ¦â
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