The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 214

Gideon walked in with perfect posture, dressed in a light gray casual loungewear set, holding a transparent glass of water.

Nora froze on the bed, her eyes wide as she stared at the man approaching.

"You're awake?"

Gideon stopped by the bed, his deep gaze sweeping over her slightly disheveled long hair and pale cheeks. His tone was even, not showing any signs of anger.

"You..."

Nora opened her mouth, her voice raspy and dry from the hangover, "You stayed last night?"

He actually stayed last night? He spent the night in this master bedroom he usually avoided like the plague?

"Drink some water first."

Gideon dodged her question, handing the glass of warm water directly to her.

Nora hesitated for a moment before reaching out to take the glass.

Her fingertips accidentally brushed against his, and the warm touch made her quickly pull her hand back.

Cupping the glass with both hands, she lowered her head and took a few sips of the warm water, providing some relief to her parched throat.

Gideon pulled over a nearby chair and sat down by the bed, crossing his legs, his gaze never leaving Nora's face.

Last night, after discovering the truth about the alleyway, he hadn't been able to sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, Nora's tear-streaked face crying and questioning him would surface in his mind.

That devotion he had ignored and despised had now twisted into sharp knives, stabbing right into his own chest.

Finishing the water, Nora felt Gideon's gaze resting on her, a wave of guilt washing over her.

She had to figure out what incredibly stupid things she had done last night.

"How did I get back last night?"

Nora cleared her throat, asking tentatively.

"Liam drove. I carried you up," Gideon answered truthfully.

What she cared about most was whether, in her delirious state, she had completely spilled her guts to Gideon about her obsession with the orphanage and the past.

Gideon watched her anxious, fidgety demeanor as she tried to cover up her guilt.

The image flashed in his mind of Nora leaning against his chest last night, crying as she repeatedly asked him, "Did you really never like me at all?"

He remembered how she clung to the hem of his coat like a little animal refusing to let go, and how weak her fists had been when she pounded against his shoulder.

"Say anything crazy?"

Gideon stared at her deadpan, his eyes dark and unreadable.

"Last night you grabbed onto me and wouldn't let go no matter how hard I pulled. You were crying while constantly asking me if I liked you."

His voice was steady, betraying no emotion.

"Does that count?"