Chapter 418

By then, even if Grace wanted to change her stance, it would be too late. With everyone watching, backtracking would be nearly impossible. Tessa and Julian were in perfect sync. Since the moment she arrived that afternoon, they hadn’t left the room once. Tessa couldn’t help but feel a bit absurd about it all.

She nudged Julian gently. “Alright, seriously, look at the time. Your parents are going to think I have no manners.”

“They won’t,” Julian replied, his eyes glinting. In fact, he suspected his parents would rather he keep Tessa upstairs even longer, anything to keep her occupied and close. But Tessa wasn’t so comfortable with the idea.

She propped herself up, ready to get up. “Enough for today. This has already been ridiculous.” Her body ached, especially her waist, sore and bruised as if she’d been run over. Her skin, always delicate, was now covered in marks from Julian’s less-than-gentle grip. The bruises stood out starkly, leaving her both pained and startled.

Julian’s gaze darkened, his heart racing at the sight. He’d always known Tessa was alluring, but now—seeing her like this, marked and breathless—he was even more drawn to her. She seemed like an entirely different person from the one he used to know. Where had she been these past weeks? What had changed? Whatever it was, Julian found himself more than satisfied with the result.

He glanced at the clock. Tessa had been here for nearly five hours. His parents should be about ready by now, shouldn’t they? That thought lingered, and Julian fell silent for a moment.

“Julian,” Tessa called, narrowing her eyes. “Why are you zoning out? Didn’t you hear what I just said?”

“Huh?” He blinked, startled, and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “Sorry, Tessa. What did you say? Mind repeating it? I wasn’t really listening…”

“I got distracted thinking about something else.”

Tessa didn’t find his distraction all that strange. With a hint of exasperation, she simply repeated herself.

“I said we should head downstairs. It’s been way too long. Your parents are definitely going to think I’m being rude. Honestly, I’m already starting to feel a little embarrassed.”

Chapter 419

Seeing how insistent she was, and realizing the time himself, Julian didn’t argue. He let her go without resistance. Sure enough, the moment they came down, Albert and Carol were seated in the living room, both wearing polite smiles.

“Oh, Tessa, you’re finally down?” Carol rose to greet her, her expression warm and welcoming, nothing like the woman who’d been arguing just hours earlier.

Tessa offered an awkward smile, clearly feeling self-conscious. Carol, having lived through her fair share of experiences, took one look and immediately noticed the faint love marks on Tessa’s neck. Her expression darkened, though she didn’t say a word. They weren’t even officially engaged yet, and she was already spending the entire afternoon tangled up with her son? If things were already like this before marriage, what would happen after? The thought alone made Carol’s smile stiffen.

As for Albert, who had just finished handling business downstairs, he barely spared the pair a glance. His expression was grim, his mood foul. Every time there was trouble, his son would push the responsibility onto him. How completely useless.

With little fanfare, Julian and Tessa followed Albert and Carol into the dining room. As they sat down, the housekeeper brought out the pork ribs, placing them neatly in front of Tessa.