Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 308

Chapter 308 Unexpected Confession

Finished

A sudden crash splithe air as the stool beneath Julic toppled over. In an instant, she found herself pinned beneath a solid weight.

Strangely, no pain registered. Her gaze was locked on the handsome face now inches from her own, and her heart began to hammer against her ribs, a frantic, wild rhythm.

“Herman, you… we… this is… moving a bit fast, isn’t it?” The words tumbled out, her face flushed crimson.

But Herman didn’t reply. Pushing himself up on his arms, he made to stand.

Without thinking, Julie wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him back. “I didn’t mean for you to go! Actually, fast is fine. I’ve seen other couples move quickly, too. We don’t need matchmakers or parental

Wed blessings. A private understanding… that’s not… it’s not out of the question…”

Her voice dwindled to a whisper, the blush spreading down her neck.

With deliberate calm, Herman pried her hands loose and stood up. His attention was fixed on a throwing knife now embedded in the wooden table.

He pulled it free, plucking a small note skewered on its tip. His expression darkened the moment he read

1. it.

“Time to act.”

Three words. That was all it took. The message was clear.

Payment received, but the contract was still open.

He’d hidden here long enough. If he delayed any longer, his leader might come knocking.

“Herman, what is that?” Julie had scrambled to her feet, her earlier embarrassment replaced by confusion as she eyed the paper in his hand.

He quickly tucked it inside his coat. “It’s nothing.”

“So you’re shielding me from the knife…” she murmured.

Herman looked flushed as he said, “Did I?”

Julie nodded. “Yes”

{‘

Biting her lips, she muttered, “Who on earth would do something so strange? Sending a knife flying at ine for no reason?” Julie peered toward the window, indignation rising. “Where did it even come from? Outside? Let me see who’s-”

“Don’t.” Herman’s hand shot out, catching her arm before she could take a step. “No one was targeting you.”

“Don’t lie to me! I saw the knife!” She tried to pull free. “I haven’t made a single enemy since coming to Breston. I’m not afraid of whoever it is. I need to see their face-”

12:18 pm P

Chapter 308 tinexpected Confession

Her protest was cut short as Herman pulled her sharply against him.

Fireshed

Just as quickly, almost reflexively, he pushed her away again, his own cheeks coloring faintly. “Don’t go over there. They’re gone It was… a message for me.”

Julie barely had a moment to register the fleeting warmth of his embrace before she was set adrift again, her discomfort deepening. “Oh. I… uh…

Words failed her.

A thick, heavy silence settled over the room, broken only by the frantic beating of her own heart.

After what felt like an eternity of internal struggle, Julie gathered her courage. Her voice, when it came, was soft but determined. “Well… since I’ve already started, you probably know how I feel. I’ve always been straightforward. What I said earlier… that was the truth. Herman, freally like you.

“When we were kids, it was more like admiration. A lot of the village children were scared of the water, but you weren’t. You saved my life once. I looked up to you, and I liked you. But now, seeing you again… that feeling has changed. It’s not just admiration anymore. It’s… the kind of liking where you want to build a life with someone.”

A shy smile touched her lips as she continued, her head dipping, “I don’t know what you do now, and I don’t mind. When I fall for someone, I just do. I don’t know what you think of me. But if you’re really leaving tomorrow… I had to tell you today. I knew I’d regret it forever if I didn’t.

“You don’t have to answer right now. I know I’m not much to look at–not as tall or elegant as Lisa. I’m just an ordinary woman. But if you were willing… if you wanted a life with me… I’d be a good wife. I’d take care of our home and raise our children. I’d always be there for you. What I mean is… if you’re willing, you could stay?

“Not here at the inn, of course–it’s too expensive, and staying for free isn’t right. I work for Ms. Campbell now, and the wages are good. She even gave me some extra money for clothes recently. I have savings. We could rent a place near the pharmacy, since I need to be close for work.”

She stopped abruptly, pressing a hand to her burning cheek. “Goodness, I’m getting ahead of myself. I’m sorry. I’ve never said things like this to a man before. I don’t even know what I’m saying anymore. Just… listen to the gist of it. You don’t have to answer right away. Think it over…”

Finally out of words, she stood there, her face glowing with heat.

The secret was out, laid bare between them.

J

Caught off guard by her confession, Herman stood frozen. He wasn’t prepared for this, wasn’t ready with an answer. Yet, an unfamiliar warmth bloomed in his chest. “A life together?”

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