The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 256

Clinging to this fragile rationalization, Gideon forcefully shoved his chaotic, agonizing thoughts into the darkest corners of his mind.

He took a deep breath, forcibly redirecting his attention.

Turning back around, he leveled his gaze on Nora, who was still sitting on the examination bed. A renewed surge of guilt and culpability washed over him.

"Let's go," he stated, his tone restoring its usual dominant composure, as if the shattered man from moments ago had never existed.

He made no mention of the physical altercation at The Club, nor did he offer any further explanations for Giselle's vicious insults.

"I'm taking you home."

Regardless of everything else, Nora had suffered this unwarranted catastrophe entirely because of his momentary lapse in control.

If he truly planned to maintain a functional marriage with her, he couldn't just abandon her at The Club.

Staring at the erratic man before her, Nora knitted her brows in disgust.

What absolute psychotic break was he having now?

Literally two minutes ago, he had been devastated by Giselle's ruthlessness, completely deaf to any sarcastic barbs thrown his way.

How could he snap back so seamlessly and dictate her schedule like nothing had happened?

"No need," Nora refused coldly, shifting her weight as if to slide off the bed.

She would rather limp all the way to the street and hail a cab than spend another second in a confined space with a hollow shell obsessed with another woman.

The sudden movement pulled at the scrapes on her knees, sending a sharp jolt of pain up her legs. Her knees buckled, and she pitched forward involuntarily.

With a stony expression, Gideon closed the distance in two long strides. He bent down and, wrapping his powerful arms around her, effortlessly swept her into his embrace.

The sudden loss of gravity pulled a gasp from Nora's lips. She instinctively tried to struggle, reaching out to shove at his shoulders, but the searing pain in her palms immediately flared up.

Gideon sat on the other side, his sleek black phone clutched in his hand. He leaned against the seat, his handsome profile cast in shadows, masking his true expression.

After a long while, just when Nora assumed he would maintain his stony silence, Gideon suddenly turned his head. His gaze landed on her pale face as he spoke in a low baritone.

"Clear your schedule in a few days."

Nora turned to face him, utterly bewildered. Julian's demands were breathing down her neck; she was practically chained to her studio 24/7. She had absolutely zero patience for Gideon's spontaneous itineraries.

"For what?" she demanded stiffly.

Seeing her defensive posture, the guilt and remorse Gideon had forcibly buried flared up with a dull ache.

He lowered his voice to explain.

"I'm taking you to pick out a birthday gift."