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CHAPTER 284
~Valerie's POV~
Kai nodded. I understand. But you're not anyone, Val," he replied softly, and that—more than anything—made my heart ache.
I could feel the weight of his gaze lingering on me, sincerely, with unspoken feelings.
Before I could process what to say next, Xade cleared his throat, stepping forward slightly as if about to speak.
But someone else beat him to it.
"He's right. You're not just anyone."
Startled, I turned toward the doorway just as Axel stepped out from behind the door.
He'd been there this whole time, hidden in the shadows. The light from the room finally caught on his familiar messy hair and sharp cheekbones.
He stepped in with slow strides, hands in his pockets as his eyes swept over us all before landing briefly on me.
"You could've announced yourself," Xade said dryly.
"I wanted to listen first. Make sure I wasn't interrupting something… delicate," Axel said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
