Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 219

Randal's hands lingered in her hair, his fingertips mindlessly tracing a semi-dry strand.

His chest brushed lightly against her back. Even through the thin silk of her gown, she could feel the chaotic, racing thud of his heart.

He slowly dipped his head, his scorching lips hovering mere fractions of an inch from the skin of her neck.

Willa jolted violently, swallowing a terrified gasp.

However, the kiss never landed.

He merely nudged his nose affectionately against her skin before letting out a devastating sigh.

"Willa, I don't think you love me anymore."

Willa remained completely rigid. She didn't deny it.

The word 'love' was far too profound a luxury in their twisted dynamic.

In the end, Randal didn't push any further.

He released her, stepped back, and got into bed, turning his back to her.

After completely drying her hair, Willa climbed into the opposite side of the bed.

That night, the gap between them was only the width of a single person, yet it felt like an unbridgeable chasm spanning a lifetime.

Life carried on with a disturbing sense of tranquility.

Randal remained ridiculously attentive. Aside from banning her from wandering aimlessly, he catered to her every desire with absolute submission.

But she couldn't shake the feeling that his overcautious pampering was masking a ticking time bomb.

It felt like the tiniest spark could detonate this fragile peace, obliterating her world entirely.

Willa poured almost all her focus into the little life quietly growing inside her.

The first episode of her heritage series was finally edited and successfully published online.

To ensure the most authentic portrayal, she practiced relentlessly at home, burning through countless spools of gold wire Randal had provided.

Fortunately, the final shots looked incredible, earning high praise even from Master Agatha.

Caught up in the joy of her success, she slowly grew lax about hiding her pregnancy.

She had carelessly tossed her latest ultrasound report into a velvet box in her closet drawer, assuming Randal would never rummage through it.

[Sophie, he knows.]

After sending it, she realized it sounded too vague, so she followed up with another text.

[Randal saw my ultrasound report.]

Normally, Sophie replied instantly, but for some reason, there was absolute radio silence today.

Willa couldn't wait any longer. She called her directly, listening to the phone ring endlessly until it hit voicemail. Nobody picked up.

A crushing wave of dread swallowed her whole. She felt completely lost, completely out of options.

Just as dusk fell, Randal returned.

He stepped into the bedroom, lowering his gaze to look at her. His eyes paused on her stomach for a split second. His face was devoid of expression; in fact, he looked calmer than usual.

"We need to talk."

But that extreme composure immediately sent Willa's heart rocketing into her throat.

Randal took a seat on the armchair opposite her, crossing his legs. His posture was the picture of elegant poise, yet he radiated an oppressive, icy chill.