Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 278

AW: My Love Reborn to Be His Duchess

Chapter 278 The One Who Protected Her

Cassian lifted a brow. “Back to doubting yourself?”

Elowen muttered, embarrassed, “I mean it.”

Cassian’s gaze stayed steady. “Ella, you’re good. People do like you. And you are smart.”

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Finched

His thumb brushed her cheek again. “And even if Hale family is gone, you still have me. If you were in trouble, I’d pull you out. I like you. I want you happy. That has nothing to do with whether you married me.”

Elowen went still and looked up.

In her last life, Cassian had been badly hurt and unconscious for years. By the time he woke, she’d already been married into the Crown Prince’s Wing, worn down, exhausted, hollowed

out.

Elowen had always thought that, in that life, Cassian only helped her once, when Daphne deliberately left her behind at Duskmoor Manor.

But now, little details she’d ignored started to line up.

After Cassian woke, he’d kept a low profile, rarely appearing, his health never fully back. And yet, people from Duskmoor Manor had often shown up at the Crown Prince’s Wing.

Back then, Elowen hadn’t thought much of it. She’d assumed it was formal politeness between branches of the royal family.

But every time Duskmoor Manor’s people came and spoke with Alaric, they always “happened” to look in on her afterward.

Now she understood.

That was Cassian, watching out for her.

Later, when she’d finally gathered the courage to ask Alaric for a separation, Alaric had exploded. He’d grabbed a cup and struck her, splitting her forehead.

That same day, someone from Duskmoor Manor had arrived again, another “routine” visit.

That man had seen the fresh wound at her hairline. He’d said nothing, kept his face blank, but his eyes had lingered.

Not long after that, the stubborn Alaric had finally agreed.

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Elowen had told herself it was Daphne whispering in his ear. Or her own persistence. Or Alaric simply getting sick of her.

Only now did she realize it had been Cassian.

In a place she couldn’t see, he’d been protecting her all along, in his way.

The realization spread through her chest like sudden warmth after a long winter chill.

Something inside her softened until her chest felt tight with it.

Elowen didn’t speak for a long moment. She simply leaned her head against Cassian’s shoulder.

At first it was tentative, just a touch, then she felt how solid he was, and she let herself settle fully. Half her cheek, the side of her forehead, resting there like it belonged.

Cassian paused, then shifted slightly, subtle and quiet, so she’d be more comfortable.

The first light broke across the horizon and morning slowly unfolded.

The mountains brightened gradually, ridge after ridge coming into view as the shadows pulled back and the sky shifted toward gold.

Elowen stayed against Cassian’s shoulder, looking out, feeling a calm she hadn’t felt in a long time.

They weren’t wrong. Dawnfall Ridge sunrises and sunsets really were beautiful.

Elowen pressed her cheek a little closer to him.

“Ella,” Cassian said, his voice low.

She made a small sound and looked up at him.

Cassian didn’t answer with words. He lifted both hands, held her face, and kissed her. Elowen accepted it. She lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck.

Under the brightening sunrise, they kissed.

When Cassian finally pulled back, his forehead still resting against hers, he said, “We should go back.”

Elowen remembered. “You said Vanelle had trouble?”

“Yes.” Cassian’s fingers lingered at the back of her neck, rubbing that soft patch of skin. “You probably know this already, Her Majesty’s third brother abused his position in the army and stole military pay. I had him locked up. My plan was to stay with you at Sunspire Hill a few

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Chapter 2

The One Who Protected Her

more days, then go back. But last night, he was released.”

Elowen stared. “Someone can release a man you put in prison? Whoever did that must carry serious authority.”

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