Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 233

Back at the penthouse, Randal got out of the car first, walked around to Willa's side to open her door, and offered his hand to help her out.

Willa obediently placed her hand in his.

Hand in hand, they walked into the elevator together.

Staring at their reflections in the mirrored doors, Willa felt a sudden sense of unreality.

In that moment, they looked just like any ordinary, loving couple. The scars of their past hadn't completely vanished, but they had stopped bleeding, replaced by a tentative, peaceful warmth.

—

Sophie Sommers' leg was almost fully healed, but Corbin still forced her to use crutches.

The second she hobbled into her apartment, she tossed the crutches onto the floor and started ranting. "This is all that bitch Stella Whitman's fault! I've been hopping on one leg for a month because of her. It's so humiliating. Just wait until I'm fully recovered—I'm going to destroy her."

Willa laughed, guiding her to the sofa. "Don't go causing trouble the second you're healed."

Sophie rolled her eyes. "Who do you think I got into this mess for in the first place?"

Just as she spoke, the doorbell rang.

Mrs. Gable went to open it. Corbin walked in, carrying several bags of groceries.

Sophie's jaw dropped. "Corbin? Didn't I tell you to wait in the car?"

Corbin set the bags on the coffee table with a deadpan expression, casting a cool glance at his sister. "If I didn't come up, how were you going to carry these? Where are your crutches?"

Sophie shrank back, muttering under her breath, "I don't even need them anymore..."

Corbin didn't scold her further. He turned to Willa, his tone much more polite. "If you ever need anything, just have Sophie tell me."

Willa nodded. "I will. Thank you, Corbin."

Corbin gave a brief nod. His gaze lingered on her slightly rounded belly for a split second before darting away.

He didn't stay any longer and turned to leave.

Just as he reached the entrance, the front door opened from the outside.

Willa shot her a warning look. "Don't start trouble."

But Sophie was right. Randal really had changed recently.

There were no more hysterical outbursts. Even his jealousy was kept quiet and contained.

He had filed down all his sharp edges, playing the part of the man he had been five years ago.

But underneath all that gentleness and consideration was a fragile, desperate attempt to please her.

Sophie stayed a while longer before Corbin called to rush her downstairs.

That night, Willa lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

She knew this fabricated peace couldn't last much longer. She only hoped Randal would let her go before the bubble finally burst.

One more month.

Just then, the bedroom door opened with a soft click. Familiar footsteps approached and stopped by her bed.