A flicker of hurt crossed Percivalโs eyes, and he became dejected.
Whether it was the atmosphere or Percivalโs inner turmoil, his hand froze in mid air before retracting awkwardly.
Such an expression on anyone else might have appeared awkward.
But Percival exuded an air of nobility with his extraordinary temperament and regal aura. His gesture, however, was unexpectedly endearing.
Odalys couldnโt help but laugh at the sight. She turned to look at Percivalโs profile, noticing how he turned away. His big deep eyes slightly reddened, and his thin lips pressed together in silence.
Odalys reached out and gripped his shoulder, turning his body to face her. She looked down at him, and their eyes met.
Her forehead rested against him, and she could feel his rapid breathing. His hot breath was on her face. Odalysโs fingertips lifted his chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
She saw a flicker of sadness in Percivalโs red-rimmed eyes.
Her delicate fingertips gently rubbed his chin, her thumb tracking his thin lips. She felt his lips move slightly and then saw him suddenly lean in.
Percivalโs heart thumped loudly, nearly bursting.
His heart raced, eyes flickering as he watched her approach, thinking she was about to kiss him. His hands instinctively clenched, his gaze a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.
โWhy are your eyes red?โ Odalys asked softly.
Her voice was soft, like the spring breeze, gently brushing against his heart and creating ripples that reached its depths.
Percivalโs adamโs apple bobbed as he watched her small hands cup his handsome face, examining him from side to side and saying, โPercival, youโre a domineering president. How can you be insecure? You let such a small matter affect your mood?โ Odalys scolded him.
It was a scolding but it carried a flirtatious undertone.
To Percival, it sounded as if she were whispering sweet things to him.
Her words made his ears burn and his mouth dry. He stared at her clear, big eyes with unconcealed laughter in them.
โThere you go,โ Odalys chuckled softly.
Her small hands gently wrapped around his shoulders, pulling him into an embrace.
Odalys lowered her head, resting her chin on Percivalโs shoulder. Feeling his stiffness, she tightened her arms around him and gently patted his back.
โYouโre Percival Stewart. Countless women would give anything to marry you. Not just because the Stewart family is incredibly wealthy, but because you are a man of elegance and intellect. You deserve it,โ Odalys said softly.
It never occurred to her that Percival would be so insecure.
Perhaps it had something to do with his growing up without a motherโs love, or maybe because his father passed away early, leaving him to be raised by Evander, his grandfather. No matter how much Evander loved him, it couldnโt make up for the kind of love his parents had for him.
โBut I only want you, Odalys Stone. I love you,โ said Percival deeply.
It was as though he needed to confess the deepest truth within him.
At that moment, he was held tightly by her and didnโt care where he was. Percival reached out and enveloped her in his arms, their bodies pressing close.
He had yearned for it and always wanted to do it but never dared.
Percival said hoarsely, โI didnโt trust you when you first entered Stewart Villa. But my emotions are stirred by you for some unknown reason. Naturally, I find myself paying attention to your whereabouts every time. I feel anxious, uneasy, even pained when I donโt see you. When I heard something had happened to you or that you were in danger, I was so anxious that I couldnโt sleep at night. When Caspian was bullying you, I was like a furious teenager. I rushed to the hospital to confront him without even caring about my image. It was then that I knew I was doomed. I have fallen for you, but Iโm afraid you donโt like me back or youโll leave. Frankly, I donโt want you to leave. However, I donโt want to keep you trapped by my side either. You are free, and all the best things should belong to you.โ
His emotions were complicated at that moment. He didnโt know why but suddenly felt like speaking his mind.
โDonโt move. Let me hold you for a little while longer,โ Percival said, feeling her trying to push him away. He held her tighter.
Odalys leaned on his shoulder, listening to his words. A smile touched her lips. The few who were arguing not far away all turned their heads abruptly.
They widened their eyes. Francis was about to speak.
โShut up. Donโt argue,โ Freya said urgently.
After excitedly recording a video and sending it to Evander, she forcibly dragged Francis away. Selah also pushed Stellan, while Callum stood silently in place.
Callum was injured and was not conducive to moving.
At that moment, Callum, as if being chased by a ghost, dashed 300 feet away and jumped into the car. He hid in the driverโs seat and rolled up the window.
Callum lay nervously by the car window, peeked out, and shrank back. Although his movements were a bit forceful and pulled at his wound, he remained silent.
โMr. Stewart confessed his love for Odalys?โ Callum was a little surprised.
Just then, he moved quickly and thought even faster. Now back in the car, he hadnโt reacted yet.
He just saw someone running, and he subconsciously wanted to hide.
Percivalโs words echoed in his ears. Callum was so nervous that his palms were constantly sweating. He moved his lips, wanting to look up.
โDonโt move,โ Someone held a gun against his back.
Callum frowned and turned his head to see Evander panting as he climbed into the passenger seat, still holding a gun against his waist.
โTilt your head a little. I want to watch, too,โ Evander said in a commanding tone.
Callumโs eyes widened as he watched Evander take out his binoculars and come over to watch the front of Magic Entertainment.
The car was parked less than 300 feet away from the barbecue site, not far enough to use binoculars, but Evander brought the equipment and waved to Dorian.
โBring it here. Hurry up and record it,โ Evanderโs voice couldnโt hide his excitement.
Dorian didnโt dare to neglect and brought the equipment up.
โSir, a little to left. The angle is better,โ Dorian reminded Evander.
Callum also came over and saw Evander zooming in on the lens and taking pictures. He moved his lips and said, โIt might be better to record a video.โ
โYes. Do both. You are responsible for recording, and I am responsible for recording, and I am responsible for taking pictures. These are all images that Percival will treasure in the future,โ Evander said with relief.
The car was filled with excitement.
Odalys was held tightly in Percivalโs arms at the front of Magic Entertainment. She felt Percivalโs strong heartbeat getting faster and faster, and his body was as hot as fire.
โIโm going to the hospital tonight. Do you want to come with me?โ Odalys asked with a chuckle.
Percival held her tightly, her melodious laughter reaching his ears. A smile touched the corner of his lips.
โSure. Wherever you go, Iโll go with you,โ Percival said.