Chapter 454: Chapter 454



After a moment of reflection, Adrian asked, “Is it because I brought you to see the psychiatrist?”

Joelle nodded slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t like that feeling.”

Adrian spoke gently, “Joelle, I’m sorry. I just want you to receive the care you need.”

“I’m not sick. I can handle this myself.”

She had been on medication, and her condition had shown remarkable improvement.

Adrian didn’t press further. “Okay, if you don’t want to go, we won’t. I’ll stay by your side, but promise me that the next time you’re feeling low, you won’t hurt yourself.”

“Okay.”

Back in the hospital room, Adrian was consumed by a swirl of conflicting emotions, prompting him to set aside the topic of Ryland for the time being.

Joelle now had the chance to take in the space Adrian had carefully prepared for her. As she noticed the guitar resting on the stand, echoes of Adrian’s rich voice singing gently floated back into her mind.

“Adie, would you play the guitar for me?”

“Alright.” Adrian agreed with composed tranquility, though he found himself unable to glance even briefly at Joelle.

A subtle wave of embarrassment washed over him. Strumming the guitar and singing in front of Joelle always stirred an ineffable sense of shame. Yet, it was a challenge he knew he could overcome. As long as Joelle enjoyed it, he was willing to go to any lengths for her.

Adrian perched on the windowsill, his fingers skillfully brushing over the strings as he adjusted the guitar’s tune with a few precise strums. “What would you like to hear?”

Joelle’s eyes widened in surprise. “I can request a song?”

A faint flush of pride colored Adrian’s ears red. “If you hadn’t woken up, I might have taken this little performance to the streets.”

His fingers danced over the strings, and the music slowly filled the room. The first few notes created a serene and ethereal atmosphere, their beauty quietly enveloping the space.

Joelle cherished music deeply because, whenever it resonated, the world around her seemed to come to a halt, allowing her to immerse herself completely. In just a few fleeting minutes, the music washed over her, soothing her troubled soul. As the final notes of the song faded, Joelle realized her feelings for Adrian had deepened even further. In the past, his temperament had often suggested that he was perpetually on the verge of snapping, making the idea of him playing the guitar seem completely improbable.

Joelle had pushed him to his limits many times, only to discover that Adrian now had no boundaries when it came to her.

Later, Aurora arrived. Adrian had made sure to contact everyone who cared for Joelle, presenting himself as an integral part of her chosen family.

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