e, her jaw tightening in silent protest. She ha

ywa

on, "This is Sean." He gestured toward

you up. And if you need to go anywhere else, he'll take you. You won

r frustration mounting. The idea of being constantly moni

to take me everywhere.

her voice steady, though

lone, this isn't up for discu

bate. Celine clenched her fists under the tabl

e more

ed, his voic

make a bunch of friends like you did back in Delh

d feel her heart tighten with frustration. The way he spoke to

g the urge to snap back. She took a deep breath and fina

ermission to make friends or live my life. Just becau

e, a mix of fear and exhila

urage, ready to stand up for her own choic

belief. The girl who had always seemed intimidated by his prese

e when she had spoken to

ally the sa

e. He felt a rush of emotions-annoyance, admiration,

eres

a hint of a smirk

I've underes

Wade's gaze, her heart pounding. Did I really just stand up to h

his intensity and the way he seemed to control every

ed. I may be here under his roof, but I have my own identity,

etermination ignited within her. If I'm going to

in that little

ced with a mixture of

ng, and let me assure you, it's no

a clear warning that he was

her again. Does he think he can dictate my

she had her desires and boundaries. It was time to assert

ood up, slipped on his coat, and walke

ing for I

is a mix of conc

nt, Vera. You can call me directly, but I know you won't, so just let her know, and sh

lled her close, cradling the back of her head

with a warmth that caught her off guard. I

orehead. A warmth spread through her, but it was qui

ence, yet here he was, effortlessly breaki

him, trying to gauge his expression. Was it just

tation and warmth. "Why does he have to do t

re, but inside, her mind was a whirlwind of question

ng Celine standing there, a mix of emotions swirling within her. She watch

if his presence had filled a void she hadn't realized existed. Her fingers brushed against

ened?" she thought, frustration bubbling up inside her. It was infuriating how easily he could tu

teeling herself for the day ahead. "I need to focus on myself," she reminded hers