Chapter 263 An Escape to the Riverwalk
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It was impossible to tell how much time had passed. Just as Scarlett was finally on the verge of drifting off, Damian’s voice cut through the quiet. “Let’s
Scarlett was instantly alert. “Go where?”
She pushed the blanket down and turned to look at him.
go
out.”
Damian was lying on his side on her bed. He met her gaze and then jerked his chin toward the window. “Out there.”
Scarlett was startled. “What?”
“I’ll take you to the night market downtown,” he said, his voice low. “The one by the river. You can set out those floating lanterns they have. Make a wish.”
The suggestion stirred something unexpected in Scarlett. A flicker of longing.
She had gone to college here in Rivergate. Years ago, she’d visited that very riverwalk night market with her roommates. But that felt like a lifetime ago.
Even though she’d always lived in the city, since having Vanessa, her own life had shrunk to the margins. Any outing had to be planned around her daughter’s needs and moods.
Hearing Damian mention it now sparked a genuine interest. When she’d gone with her friends, she’d been captivated by the vibrant energy, the strings of lights, the smell of food in the cool air. She hadn’t been back in years and found she suddenly wanted to see it again.
Seeing her silent contemplation, Damian knew she was tempted.
He knew she’d also talk herself out of it. So he didn’t give her the chance.
He swung his legs off the bed and strode toward the sofa. “Well?” he asked, a challenge in his tone. “Are you getting up, or do I need to come over and persuade you?”
He deliberately let the question hang. Hearing it, Scarlett sat bolt upright. “Fine. I’m up.”
“Then go change,” he said, nodding toward her closet.
Scarlett got off the sofa, found a pair of jeans and a sweater in her wardrobe, and made a beeline for the bathroom.
Watching her retreat, Damian couldn’t resist a jab. “What’s the matter? Think I’m going to pounce? You have to change in another room?”
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Chapter 263 An Escape to the Riverwalk
Scarlett ignored him and shut the bathroom door behind her.
When she emerged, Damian was still standing in the same spot.
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Seeing her, he stepped forward, slid an arm around her waist, and looked down at her. “Shall we use the front door?”
The suggestion horrified her. “Absolutely not. Nathan and Violet would see us.”
Damian laughed softly. “What? That scared of getting caught with me?”
Scarlett tried to push his hand away, but he only held her tighter. He guided her toward the window, a grin spreading across his face. “Hold on tight, sweetheart. Around my waist. Don’t let go.”
Before she could fully process the instruction, he reached down and grabbed a thick, anchored rope she hadn’t noticed on the floor. He looped it deftly around his wrist and forearm.
Then, with a slight tensing of his body, he gave a signal. A powerful pull came from above.
Damian moved with it, swinging out the window in one smooth motion, his arm locked securely around Scarlett.
Just like that, they were pulled clear of the windowsill and into the open air.
A rush of terror stole Scarlett’s breath. There was no time to protest. As they dangled, her fear instinct took over. She clutched desperately at his jacket, her legs wrapping around his waist of their own accord, terrified she’d fall.
Damian showed no fear. He looked utterly calm, even amused, as he glanced down at her clinging to him. Her panicked grip seemed to delight him, and a low laugh rumbled in his chest.
The descent was controlled and swift. Soon, Damian’s feet touched the soft grass of the lawn. below. Scarlett, still wrapped around him like a koala, hadn’t yet registered they were safely down.
Seeing her like that, Damian’s laughter broke free. He patted her back gently. “We’re down, sweetheart. You can let go now. Afraid I’ll vanish?”
Scarlett, her face buried against his shoulder, didn’t move.
His smile softened. He leaned his head down, his lips close to her ear, and murmured with a tenderness that surprised even him, “It’s okay. I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here. But if you hold on any tighter, you might just squeeze the life out of me.”
Scarlett was still trembling, lost in the aftershock of adrenaline.
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Chapter 263 An Escape to the Riverwalk
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Worried, Damian carefully pried her loose enough to look at her face. To his shock, her cheeks were wet with tears.
His amusement vanished, replaced by instant concern. His hands came up to frame her face. “Hey, what’s wrong? What did I do? Did I scare you that much?”
Finally feeling the solid ground beneath her feet, Scarlett’s grip slowly relaxed. She swiped at her cheeks with the back of her hand and shook her head, avoiding his intense gaze. “I’m okay. It was just… a lot. The height.”
Damian searched her face, not entirely convinced. “Really?”
“Yes, really,” she insisted, her voice still a little unsteady.
Seeing the lingering sadness in her damp eyes, a different suspicion crept into his mind. His voice was quieter, more tentative, when he asked, “Are you… thinking about Vincent again?”
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Awakened Housewife: Ignore Betrayer’s Begs
Chapter 264 Trinkets and Whispered Promises
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