Instinctively, I tried to move away, but the cramped space in the car limited my escape.
The prolonged coughing made my face flush, but I managed to restrain myself and shook my head, saying, âYou really donât need to do that.
The incident last time was just a misunderstanding.
Thereâs no need for apologies to Caleb.
â
Andrew expressed his disbelief.
âReally?â
I nodded, my expression warm.
âIâm truly grateful for how you rescued Abby and me.
She received such great care at your manor.
Your kindness wonât be forgotten-weâre friends for life.
â
A rare smile broke through Andrewâs usual seriousness.
âI hold our friendship in high regard.
â
âMe too,â I agreed, sharing a smile with him.
For a moment, as our gazes locked, there was a mutual sense of relief over Calebâs injury.
After a pause, Andrewâs expression turned solemn again.
Curious, I couldnât resist asking, âWhatâs troubling you?â
Andrew gave a wry smile.
âThe hospital reports that Shirleyâs mental state is deteriorating.
To protect her, Veronica promised to her that she would make me marry her.
â
My brow furrowed in concern as I replied in astonishment, âSo, whatâs our next move? Before, it was just Shirley making advances, and I could pose as your fiancee to deflect her.
But with Veronica intervening, itâs not going to be so simple.
â
Andrewâs face grew darker, his voice grave.
âWe have no choice but to wait and see.
I canât let this affect the entire witch clan.
â
As I observed his profile, marked by restrained sorrow, I felt an unexpected pang of sympathy.
Those who shoulder the weight of the bigger picture often endure more suffering.
It seemed profoundly unjust.
Debraâs POV:
Andrew remained silent, continuing to drive with a distant look in his eyes.
I sighed, feeling a twinge of pity for him.
Yet, there was nothing I could do to help.
Gradually, a burning sensation spread across my face, growing hotter by the minute.
An inexplicable heat enveloped my body, making me restless and irritable.
I loosened the buttons at my collar and rolled down the window, hoping the cool night air would ease my discomfort.
However, the cold breeze did little to alleviate the warmth coursing through me.
Instead, my wolf, Ivy, stirred restlessly, eager to draw nearer to Andrew.
A sense of dread washed over me.
âStay calm, Ivy.
Remember, our driver is Andrew, not Caleb!â
No sooner had I spoken than Ivy lost her restraint, her influence pushing me towards Andrew.
Startled, I pinched my arm to regain composure and hastily pulled myself back, away from Andrewâs side.
Sensing my distress, Andrew looked over with concern.
âWhatâs the matter? Are you feeling carsick? Should I slow down?â
As I sensed something off within me, I yelled, âDrive faster!â