Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 154

He drew in harsh, heavy breaths, as if trying to forcibly suppress the chaotic storm of emotions surging inside him.

After what felt like an eternity, his voice softened again, like he was coaxing a disobedient child.

"For now, just stay home and be good. Tell me what books you want to read, and I'll buy them for you. You don't need the internet, and you don't need to talk to anyone else."

He stepped closer, reaching out to gently brush a stray lock of hair from her forehead. "You don't need to think about anything. You don't need to do anything. Just stay with me."

Willa was frozen to the core, her voice quivering. "Randal, this is illegal."

He nodded. "Do you honestly think I care about that anymore?"

He pulled her into his arms, his voice incredibly hoarse. "I just want you."

Willa was too drained to fight him anymore. She let him hold her.

A long time passed before she finally spoke, her voice ragged and broken. "How long do you plan on keeping me locked up? You have to get married eventually. You can't trap me here forever."

"I'm not marrying anyone but you."

Randal sounded so utterly certain, but Willa couldn't bring herself to believe him anymore.

Her entire body stiffened as she closed her eyes in despair.

"Willa, I can give you anything you want. Anything, except your freedom."

He released his grip and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "Think it over. It's best if you accept it. It's late. Let's go to sleep."

It was delivered so casually, sounding like the most ordinary invitation between lovers.

But she recoiled intensely. "Randal, I'm sleeping in the guest room."

To her surprise, he agreed easily. "Alright."

Willa blinked. She had been bracing herself for an explosive fight, but now she was left speechless.

She remained on guard. "You agree?"

Randal's lips curled up slightly. "What? Still not happy?"

Willa sidestepped him and hurried into the guest room. It was only when she shut the door that she let out a long, heavy exhale.

But before she even finished sighing, she heard the lock click.

The door swung open.

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