His Secret Heir His Deepest Regret novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Scary Father–in–Law 

JULIA 

Evan’s eyes widened, and before I could even react, his hand clamped around my wrist. 

“What are you 

you- 

He didn’t answer. 

He pulled me quickly to the side, his movements prompt but not rough, and before I knew it, I was standing behind a heavy curtain. The fabric scratched against my arm as Evan stepped in front of me, shielding me from 

view. 

“Stay quiet,” he whispered, his voice barely audible from how thick their curtain was. 

His body was close–really close. I could feel his warmth from the thick cloth. I was sure he could feel my chest, too, the way it rose and fell, along with the tension on my shoulders. 

My heart thudded in my chest, not just from the sudden movement but from the way his hand lingered against mine. His touch wasn’t harsh. It was almost protective. 

Well, he had always been protective of me when it came to His parents. Despite their blatant rejection of my presence in their family, I never felt its heaviness because of Evan. 

I tilted my head up to look at him, my lips parting to ask what he was doing, but the sound of heavy footsteps: approaching silenced me. 

“Evan,” came the deep, commanding voice of Garyn Astor 

I froze. My breath caught in my throat, and I pressed back into the curtain, suddenly feeling ridiculous. 

What was I even doing? Hiding behind a curtain like some teenager sneaking out after curfew? It was absurd. But then again, this was Garyn Astor, the man who had made it painfully clear that I didn’t belong in the Astor’s world, 

It wasn’t like Garyn had tried to pay me off with a suitcase of cash. 

“Take this briefcase filled with a million dollars and leave my son for good.” 

He never said such words. 

Honestly, I kind of wished he had. Then, I would have been tich! 

A quick payout would have been easier to stomach than the way he had looked me in the eye and said, “You poisoned my son’s mind. He’ll snap out of it soon. He’s going to leave you eventually.” 

The worst part? The old man had been right. 

Evan shifted slightly in front of me, and I couldn’t help but notice the way his hand tensed. He wasn’t touching me anymore, but he was still so close that I could feel the ghost of his warmth. 

“Ready?” Garyn’s voice was casual, sounding way too excited. He had never spoken to me in such a way before. 

“Yeah,” Evan replied, clearing his throat as he made sure 1 was hidden from view. 

Garyn stepped closer. I held my breath, my entire body rigid. 

Even now, Garyn Astor had a way of making me feel anxious. 

“Make sure to do it well, alright?” Garyn said. His voice lowered as he leaned closer to his son. “I’ll give you the 

+25 BONUS 

Chapter 43: Scary Father in Live 

signal. Stay behind the stage, and then, the curtains will drop, and you’ll propo-” 

“Got it, Dad,” Evan cut him off, sounding impatient. 

I resisted to pinch Evan’s side. I didn’t even get to finish hearing what his dad was saying! 

Garyn chuckled, and I could hear the satisfaction in his voice. “Geez, you’re excited. I didn’t think you would be this enthusiastic, but I ain’t complaining. Alright, I’ll leave you to it.” 

The sound of his footsteps receded, and Evan let out a slow breath. 

He turned to me then, pulling the curtain aside just enough to reveal my face. For a moment, his eyes lingered on mine, trailing down until his gaze reached my lips. Then, his jaw tightened, and his brows knit together in frustration. 

‘Seriously, you shouldn’t be here,” he said, running his fingers through his hair. 

“I told you,” I said, lifting my chin slightly. “Heather invited me.” 

“Besides, I need to tell you something,” I said, crossing my arms in front of my chest. “I know we don’t have a good relationship now, but can’t you listen to me just once?” 

His eyes narrowed, and for a second, he looked like he wanted to argue. But then something peeked through his expression. Regret? Guilt? I couldn’t quite tell. 

“You need to leave,” he said finally, his tone softer now, almost pleading. 

I stiffened. “No.” 

“Julia- 

“No, Evan,” I interrupted, crossing my arms. “Not before you listen to me, please. I need you to listen to me.” 

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You can tell me later. On Monday. Contact Rui if it’s that important.” 

I shook my head. “It can’t wait.” 

Tomorrow was Andy’s birthday.