NovelEnglishChapter 337 The sun filtered through the curtains, scattering dappled light across the bed as morning broke.
Mandy's head felt like it was about to explode-a pounding, merciless ache. Worse still, her entire body throbbed as though it had been taken apart and put back together, every muscle sore, but especially down below-enough to make her suck in a sharp breath.
With great effort, she forced her heavy eyelids open.
The first thing she saw was Liam's face—a striking, almost impossibly handssight that made it hard to look away.
For a moment, Mandy froze, her mind thick with confusion, as if her thoughts had been dipped in glue.
What the hell happened? Why was Liam in her bed? Wait-no. This wasn't even her bed.
For a wild second, Mandy wondered if she was dreaming. Maybe her crush on Liam had gone so far that she was actually making up this kind of dream.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtBut reality crashed in fast-the pain in her head and body was all too real. If this was a dream, it was the most excruciating one ever.
Her gaze drifted downward, and her eyes went wide. Both she and Liam were half-naked under the covers. And that wasn't all. Faint bruises and bite marks ran along Liam's neck and chest -undeniable evidence of what had happened between them.
Mandy's heart skipped a beat, panic flaring in her eyes.
No, no, no-this couldn't be real. Absolutely not.
She swallowed, her throat dry, and gingerly lifted the edge of the comforter to peek underneath.
The instant she saw Liam's familiar... anatomy, her cheeks flushed a deep scarlet.
Had she and Liam actually...? Her gaze darted back to his sleeping face. Liam was still out cold, even more devastatingly good-looking in the soft morning light. But appreciation was the furthest thing from Mandy's mind. All she wanted was to get out- fast.
She eased herself out of bed, moving as quietly as she could so as not to wake him, then slipped to the floor. Her own clothes were a hopeless mess-stained with blood, unwearable.
Left with no other choice, she pulled on Liam's shirt and sweatpants. They hung off her in oversized folds, but she didn't care. She just needed to get away, and fast.
After Mandy left, nearly half an hour passed before Liam finally stirred.
He blinked awake, glancing around the room. When he realized Mandy was gone, a frown creased his brow.
He threw back the covers-and there it was, a vivid splash of crimson blooming against the white sheets, catching his eyes.
Liam stared at the stain, and suddenly the wild flashes of last night's passion replayed in his mind. His lips curled into a slow, meaningful smile.
He reached for his phone and dialed Mandy's number, already thinking of how he might tease her when she picked up.
But the call wouldn't go through.
He tried again. And again. Still nothing.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLiam's expression darkened, his mouth twisting into a cold, sardonic smirk. "So that's how it is, Mandy? Useand then block my number? Who do you think I am?" He scoffed, half amused, half annoyed. "Well, you're still with the Fosters. Let's see how far you can really run." The Foster estate.
In the days that followed, Claire found herself living in rare peace and quiet.
Her days were spent working on embroidery, pouring her hopes into each careful stitch, eager to finish her project.
At first, she'd gotten into the habit of rising early, wanting to prepare a nutritious breakfast forSean especially his favorite: a bowl of classic noodle soup loaded with fresh herbs.
But Sean, always concerned about her health, was adamant she shouldn't wear herself out. Every el time, his stern yet gentle gaze made it impossible for Claire to argue. In the end, she could only give in with a resigned smile.
Since she wasn't allowed to make breakfast, Claire slept in every m morning, waking only when the sun was high and Sean had already left for work. Today, as she sat alone at the dining table, May cbustling in, her steps light and her smile warm.
"Miss Claire, I'll be taking the day off tomorrow," May announced cheerfully.
"Oh? What for?" Claire asked, curious.
May's eyes crinkled with affection. "Tomorrow's Mandy's birthday. It's been ages since the two of us sat down for a proper meal together."
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