Chapter 197

She had just woken up, her body still weak and reeling from such a profound shock. She staggered forward, unable to steady herself. The underground garage replayed vividly in her mind, like a relentless nightmare.

After starting a new life, she completely severed ties with the Wilson family. And, as much as she hated to admit it, the only person whose manner could truly bring her peace and reassurance was undoubtedly Bowen.

Bowen strode forward swiftly, catching her in his arms with lightning reflexes. In one fluid motion, he pulled her tightly against his chest.

Bowen placed his hand on Aubree’s waist and pulled her forcefully into his embrace.

He couldn’t even bear to imagine what would have happened if he had arrived just a moment later. He might have lost Aubree forever.

“It was my fault,” Bowen thought, “Gareth must have resorted to desperate measures, and I failed to keep her safe.”

“Bowen…” Aubree choked out, burying her face in his shoulder. Her fingers clung desperately to his shirt as tears streamed down her face.

It was rare for Aubree to show such vulnerability. As Bowen felt the warmth of her tears soaking through his shoulder, his heart clenched as if squeezed by an invisible fist. The pain was almost unbearable.

“It’s over now. You’re safe,” Bowen murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to Aubree’s hair. His hand came to rest on Aubree’s back, gently patting in slow, steady rhythms, like soothing a frightened child.

His voice was laced with exhaustion.

From the moment Aubree was sent to the hospital, Bowen had been wound tight as a coiled spring, his shirt rumpled, those always perfect strands of hair now falling loose, eyes bloodshot.

“I killed someone,” Aubree choked out in a daze, her voice thick with confusion. When she looked up at Bowen, her eyes were brimming with utter helplessness.

Bowen’s chest tightened. He said, “He’s alive. You acted in self-defense. I’ll handle the rest.”

As he spoke, a fierce glint flashed in Bowen’s eyes. “I’ll have to fix that mistake," he thought, "But right now, it’s clear that Aubree comes first.”

Bowen gently wiped the sweat from Aubree’s forehead. “Don’t worry,” he murmured, “I’ve got everything covered.”

His voice was gentle yet unwavering, instantly putting her at ease.

“Yeah.” Aubree looked up and met Bowen’s deep eyes. She nodded vigorously, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The sight made Bowen’s heart clench painfully.

“You haven’t had anything to eat all day. Are you hungry?” Bowen asked.

Aubree shook her head weakly. She had no appetite and even felt nauseous.

Bowen knew she was still grappling with the trauma, so he didn’t force her to eat. He reached out and touched her face. Her skin was ice-cold under his fingers. Not worrying was impossible, but he also knew he couldn’t simply talk her out of her fear.

“Would you like to rest a bit longer?” Bowen asked gently.

“Okay,” Aubree nodded.

Bowen tucked her in. He moved to withdraw his hand when a soft, gentle touch settled on the back of it. Aubree tightened her grip around his hand and said nothing. She just gazed up at him with shimmering eyes, completely melting Bowen’s heart.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Bowen reassured her.

With Aubree still clinging to his hand, Bowen directly took a seat at the edge of the bed.

After what felt like an eternity, Aubree noticed the breathing beside her had grown steady and deep. Turning her head, she realized that Bowen had dozed off, leaning against her bedside.

She’d never seen him look so broken before.

His grip remained firm around her hand. When she tried to pull away, it only tightened.

Almost without realizing it, Aubree reached out and brushed her fingers against Bowen’s face. His skin was surprisingly soft under her touch.

Bowen was breathtakingly handsome, and she’d known it from the very first moment she laid eyes on him. Now, as she studied him more closely, she realized that every single one of his features was perfect.

Aubree’s gaze drifted down to his lips, perfectly shaped, with a deep, almost painted hue. The longer she looked, the more unexpected warmth bloomed inside her.

Aubree’s mind flashed back to that drunken night and the accidental kiss they’d shared.

Flustered, Aubree quickly averted her gaze and shut her eyes. She felt as if something inside her quietly broke through her walls.