I Stopped Waiting and Started Loving novel Chapter 224

She couldn't exactly explain to Nathaniel that she and Quentin were in a fake marriage, bound by a contract that would end with them going their separate ways.

There was no "match made in heaven"—it was just a transaction.

Before she could figure out how to respond, a large, warm hand suddenly enveloped hers.

Quentin wrapped her fingers securely in his palm, giving a gentle squeeze.

"Yes," Quentin said, looking at her. His voice was low, carrying a sincerity that made her heart skip a beat. "It seems fate truly had a plan. Heaven brought her back to me, and I couldn't be more satisfied."

His palm was incredibly hot. The steady warmth seeped through her skin, scorching her heart until it trembled.

His gaze was far too affectionate—so affectionate it almost felt real.

Pushing down the strange flutter in her chest, Bonnie immediately squeezed his hand back, playing her part in the act.

"Mhm, our bond really is deep."

She forced a bright smile, doing her best to look like a newlywed wife drowning in happiness.

Seeing their intertwined fingers, Nathaniel beamed from ear to ear.

They chatted a bit longer before Nathaniel noted the late hour and got up to leave.

Bonnie and Quentin walked him out.

The second the door clicked shut, Bonnie immediately yanked her hand out of Quentin's grasp.

Feeling the sudden emptiness in his palm, Quentin furrowed his brow. His fingers subconsciously curled inward, grasping at nothing but air.

A moment later, he masked the disappointment in his eyes and said calmly, "Let's head back too."

"Alright."

Bonnie kept her head down, completely missing the fleeting look of loneliness on his face.

The drive back was perfectly quiet.

Leaning against the window, Bonnie watched the neon lights blur past. Her mind was entirely consumed by thoughts of her grandfather, leaving her spirits low and listless.

As Quentin drove, he watched her out of the corner of his eye. "Do you want to go out somewhere?"

Bonnie pulled her gaze from the window and shook her head. "No, I want to go back and study."

She just wanted to bury herself in her books and improve her skills as quickly as possible.

Otherwise, even if she officially became Nathaniel's apprentice, the skepticism and resentment from others would eventually drown her.

She had no way out, and time was running short. She had to seize this opportunity.

Quentin didn't push the matter, quietly steering the car toward Riverstone Heights.

...

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