Chapter 986:

Mabel’s cheeks flushed a soft pink as she shook her head, gently caressing Hyde’s palm with her cheek. “It’s not uncomfortable. I’ll do anything to make you happy,” she murmured, her voice laced with devotion.

Hyde’s grin widened at her compliance. He affectionately patted her head and instructed, “Stand up.”

Mabel obeyed, her heart racing as Hyde drew her close, wrapping her in a tight embrace, as if she were his beloved pet. “Soon, you’ll need to get dressed and leave,” he informed her.

Panic flickered in Mabel’s eyes, and her voice trembled. “You want me to leave? You don’t want me anymore? We’re breaking up, aren’t we?”

To soothe her, Hyde gently patted her hand, explaining, “No, let me clarify. Kaelyn messaged me. She needs to discuss something related to work with you.”

A wave of relief washed over Mabel, but she pressed even closer to Hyde’s chest. “But I don’t want to leave you. I wish we could stay together like this forever.”

Hyde’s tone turned serious. “We can’t do that. We both have jobs to support ourselves.”

In a softer voice, he reassured her, “Our separation will be brief. Once you’re done with your work, we’ll return to our life together—just us.”

After a pause, Mabel reluctantly nodded. “Okay, I’ll do as you say.”

Hyde helped her to her feet. “Alright, get dressed and meet with Kaelyn. If you delay, she’ll think I’m distracting you from your responsibilities.”

Mabel nodded and retreated to the room to change. Once dressed, Hyde, still in his pajamas, waited by the door. “Let’s go. I’ll walk you down.”

Mabel followed him, feeling hesitant. The recent days spent with him had filled her with an indescribable joy. As they neared the exit, she asked, “Will you miss me?”

Hyde nodded affirmatively. “Of course, I’ll be thinking about you constantly.”

With his reassuring words, Mabel climbed into the car and drove to Kaelyn’s house.

Despite her weariness, she managed a smile upon seeing Kaelyn. “Kaelyn, I heard you needed to see me?”

Kaelyn set her book aside, observing Mabel’s flushed cheeks and tired demeanor. She teased, “I know it’s hard for lovers to part, but you two should exercise some restraint. Don’t overdo it.”

Mabel blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement. “Please, stop teasing. I just want to focus on the task you’ve assigned.”

Kaelyn sighed. “Finish my task quickly so you can return to your boyfriend. I understand.” Propping herself up on one hand, Kaelyn smiled and asked, “There’s an intriguing bounty on the black market. Interested in seeing it?”

Mabel’s eyes widened in surprise, and she nodded in agreement. Kaelyn passed a tablet to her, the screen illuminating with details of the bounty. . . .