Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 554

**Keepsake 554**

Henry’s fingers gripped tightly around the edges of the couch as he gazed at Kylie, a storm of disappointment swirling in his eyes.

“Henry!”

Kylie felt a tightening in her chest, an instinctual understanding that he was beginning to soften under her gaze.

Desperate to bridge the chasm that had formed between them, she threw her arms around him, squeezing him tightly as if her embrace could erase the hurt. “I won’t do it again, I promise! I’ll never doubt you again!” Her voice was fervent, laced with sincerity, each word tumbling out in a rush.

When he remained silent, her heart plummeted, dread creeping into her thoughts like a shadow. Then, from above her head, she heard a long, weary sigh that seemed to echo her own turmoil.

“Alright,” he finally replied, guiding her gently to sit on his lap. “I can’t stay angry at you for long.”

His gaze locked onto hers, his voice dropping to a low, persuasive murmur that sent shivers down her spine.

“Kylie, you have to understand something important. Right now, I’m the one who’s closest to you. Who else can you trust if not me?”

Kylie nodded fervently, her heart racing. “I trust you!”

A flicker of satisfaction danced in Henry’s eyes before he masked it with a more serious expression.

He reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and leaned in closer, inhaling the soft, sweet scent that enveloped her. It was a fragrance that lingered in the air, delicate and enchanting, a stark contrast to Shannon’s overpowering perfume.

Henry’s demeanor softened as he spoke. “Your birthday is coming up soon. I’ll have Nadine help you plan a big party—a real celebration this time.”

Kylie lifted her head from his chest, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “A birthday party? You’re not mad at me anymore?”

Her voice quivered slightly, betraying her lingering uncertainty.

“Such a silly girl,” Henry chuckled, his tone warm and affectionate. “How could I ever stay mad at you?”

In that moment, Kylie’s heart swelled with warmth, a radiant happiness washing over her like sunlight breaking through clouds.

“Alright,” she said softly, a smile blooming on her lips. “I’ll reach out to my family tomorrow and invite them over.”

“Hmm,” Henry nodded, a satisfied smile creeping onto his face.

They embraced in the living room, a picture of a couple wrapped in simple yet profound affection, oblivious to the world around them.

As evening descended upon Evermount Heights, the atmosphere shifted.

“Tess…” Lachlan’s fingers clutched the edge of Tess’s sleeve, his blue eyes wide with desperation. “Can I not leave?”

“No.”

Tess shook her head firmly, brushing his hand away with a decisive motion that left no room for argument.

“I-I won’t fight him anymore,” he murmured, his voice barely a whisper as he bit his lip, lowering his head in defeat. His tousled hair fell across his face, obscuring his expression from her view. “I’ll listen to you from now on.”

When he finally dared to look up, his blue eyes glimmered with an urgency that mirrored the depths of a troubled lake, full of unspoken fears.

Tess sank onto the couch, gently taking Layla from Bessie’s arms, her heart heavy with the weight of the moment. She looked at Lachlan and shook her head resolutely. “No. I told you last time. You have to go today.”

Tess quickly stepped in, pulling Abel back before the situation escalated further. Even so, the gust of air from Abel’s swing sent a jolt of fear through her, her heart racing.

She shot Abel a warning glance, urging him to sit down, then turned her attention back to Lachlan. “What did you mean by that?” she asked, her voice steady yet laced with tension.

Lachlan stood his ground, his face flushed but resolute. “You’re my fiancée! We were promised to each other as kids! We’re meant to be together!”

He shouted those words with such fervor that the room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of his declaration hanging in the air like a thick fog.

Tess crossed her arms, her expression a mixture of disbelief and bewilderment as she stared at him, her eyes silently demanding an explanation. What on earth are you talking about?

Lachlan froze for a brief moment, his cheeks flushing a deeper shade of crimson. “You don’t believe me? I have your childhood photos!”

Before she could respond, he dashed upstairs, his footsteps echoing with urgency. Moments later, he burst back into the room, clutching an old photo album with trembling hands.

He opened it right in front of her, flipping through the pages with a fervor that betrayed his anxiety.

Inside were pictures of a young Tess, unmistakable in her innocence. Her soft cheeks and bright eyes sparkled in each captured moment, a testament to a childhood long past.

Tess’s expression hardened as she recognized the images.

Those were indeed her childhood pictures, a trove of memories she had long forgotten, and there were so many of them.

She narrowed her eyes, suspicion creeping into her voice. “Where did you get these?”

Lachlan lifted his chin defiantly, a glimmer of pride igniting in his gaze. “You forgot? Our families met before. My grandpa took pictures with your grandma. We were in those photos too!”