My Beloved Has Risen from Death's Embrace novel Chapter 29

Samuel frowned as he looked at Xanthea, swaddled in layers despite the scorching summer heat. "Xan, why on earth are you wrapped up like it's winter? And that scarf, really?"

Bombarded with questions, Xanthea felt her head spin.

"Well, can I just go upstairs and drop off my stuff first?"

Without waiting for an answer, she dashed upstairs, yanked off her scarf, and grimaced at the twin 'love bites' Orion had left on her neck. Were they from a dog? What would her parents think if they saw?

She grabbed her concealer and worked diligently until the marks were barely visible, then slipped on a turtleneck just to be sure. Satisfied that no one could see the marks, she opened her door.

Matthew, who had been waiting right outside, nearly stumbled in.

"Matt?"

"Sorry, Xan," he stammered. "I was just about to knock. Where were you tonight? I've been really worried!"

"Tonight," Xanthea glanced at him, a trace of hurt in her eyes. "After the awards, I wanted to tell you first, Matt. But I saw you leaving with Miranda, and when I tried to catch up, I got mobbed by fans. My dress almost got ripped, and it was only when my uncle showed up that I managed to escape."

Matthew hurriedly explained, "Xan, don't get me wrong. I didn't leave with Miranda on purpose. She was upset, and I thought it might affect you, so I had the driver take her home early."

So that's why she hadn't seen them at the event.

"I wouldn't misunderstand, Matt. It's just sad I couldn't celebrate with you."

His guilt, already simmering from the wait, deepened. He cursed himself for his previous indecisiveness with Miranda, which almost led him astray.

"I'm sorry, Xan. I really wanted to celebrate with you today. I even bought flowers. And you, you were so stunning on stage tonight, so charming, totally different from usual."

His eyes, filled with passion and admiration, didn't escape Xanthea's notice. She chuckled inwardly; he really could have been an Oscar winner, not just a charming face in the crowd.