âIâm sorry,â she murmured, her voice trembling with regret.
âYou mentioned earlier today that you wanted to try things with me, and now Iâve only brought you embarrassmentâ¦â
âIt doesnât matter,â Kyson interjected calmly, his patience unwavering.
Retrieving the bundle of over 7@ thousand dollars from the table, he knelt on one knee before Dulcie.
âDo you still need this money?â he asked gently, offering it to her.
âItâs all yours.
â
Dulcie lifted her gaze to meet Kysonâs, but the intensity of his blue eyes caused her to avert her gaze.
After a moment of contemplation, Dulcie declined, her voice resolute.
âNo, I canât accept it.
If you hadnât intervened when you did, I shudder to think what might have happened to me.
The money rightfully belongs to you, Mr.
Shaw.
â
Kysonâs laughter filled the room; he found Dulcieâs occasional innocence utterly endearing.
âI donât really need the money, and I didnât exactly swoop in to save the day.
Consider this money rightfully yours.
Think of it as compensation for putting your fighting skills to the test back there.
Besides, youâre injured and youâll need funds for emergency medical treatment,â Kyson explained earnestly, acknowledging Dulcieâs bravery in the face of danger.
Summoning her courage, Dulcie met Kysonâs gaze.
âMr.
Shaw, I earn money at the bar this way.
Will you judge me for it?â she inquired, her curiosity evident.
A warm smile graced Kysonâs lips as he replied, âNo, youâre an adult.
You have to make a living.
I understand that.
Just remember to prioritize your safety.
â
âThank you,â Dulcie murmured gratefully as Kyson extended the money toward her.
Accepting it with mixed emotions, Dulcie resolved to view the money as compensation for the trauma she endured.
With it, she could buy the perfume for Kyson and still have enough to cover her rent.
ALL things considered, it wasnât such a dire outcome after all.
Observing Dulcieâs ability to smile even in adversity, Kyson couldnât help but see her as a somewhat carefree soul.
âLet me take you to the hospital.
Can you manage to walk on your own?â he inquired.
âI can walk, but thereâs really no need for the hospital.
I just took a few hits and got bruised up a bit.
Itâs nothing serious,â
Dulcie insisted, downplaying her injuries.
âThen at least let me drive you home,â Kyson decided, standing up and preparing to leave with a sense of purpose.
As he took a few steps toward the door, he noticed Dulcie hadnât moved.
âIs something wrong?â
He saw her standing motionless, her eyes red and tears mingling with blood on her face, a picture of misery.