The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 705

I yanked the bag with too much force, catching Ferris off guard. He stumbled slightly, and the moment the strap slipped from his arm, I caught the flash of shock and deep hurt crossing his face. "Honey, where do you want me to go? Didn't we agree I was going to accompany you to..."

"Director Sterling, watch your words! First, I am not your wife. Second, we did not agree to anything today." I was so desperate that my voice pitched higher, completely talking over him.

I took a deliberate step back, putting distance between us. Keeping my face rigidly neutral, I said coldly, "You are a very busy man, Director Sterling. Don't waste your time on me anymore. After all, it sets a bad example."

"...A bad example?" Ferris steadied his stance. Behind those silver frames, his dark eyes locked onto my face.

He looked like he was trying to smile, the corners of his mouth twitching, but the result was a fragile, hollow expression laced with visible pain. His voice came out raspy. "A bad example of what? Are you worried it will ruin your image in Director Cross's eyes?"

I was instantly rendered speechless.

I had to admit, Ferris knew exactly where to strike. His words felt like a physical blow to my chest, leaving me momentarily unable to formulate a response.

I was clearly talking about the professional fallout if our marriage went public.

Yet he twisted it to make it about Caspian and me.

In his mind, he had already convinced himself that Caspian and I were having an illicit affair—or were about to. He firmly believed I was shutting him down just to preserve Caspian's high opinion of me.

To protect Caspian's chances of pursuing me.

It felt like alcohol poured directly over an open wound, burning so intensely I couldn't breathe. A tidal wave of complex emotions swelled in my chest, threatening to burst out, but my throat closed up. The suffocating pressure rolled back down, tightening around my heart until I felt like I was suffocating.

My eyes burned with unshed tears.

I gripped my bag tightly, my nails digging into the strap. Drawing a deep breath, I finally met Ferris's dark, accusing stare and gave a stiff nod. "Yes. So, can you leave now? Don't interrupt my date with Dr. Cross."