The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 98

"Does it still hurt?"

Gideon asked quietly, noting how tightly she was biting her lower lip.

"I handled things poorly tonight."

"Don't pay any mind to what Arthur and the others said. I'll have someone clear the air with them. They won't bother you with those nasty comments at family dinners anymore."

The man's slightly calloused fingers glided over her wounds with agonizing gentleness. His tone was so sincere, his touch so meticulous, as if he genuinely ached for her suffering.

Nora stared at the man's face, mere inches from hers. She watched his focused gaze as he applied the medicine.

For the past decade, she had dreamt of him looking at her with this level of care. She had fantasized countless times about him lowering his pride, acknowledging her grievances, and offering just a shred of a husband's tenderness.

Now, he was finally doing it. Sitting in front of her, apologizing, treating her injuries.

The tears she had desperately held back violently broke through. Hot liquid quickly pooled in her eyes, blurring her vision.

This was the exact same man whose first reaction when scalding soup was hurled at her face was to check Giselle's hands for burns. This was the same man who had abandoned her in the dining room to face a firing squad of relatives, only to sneak into the attacker's bedroom to promise his eternal devotion.

And yet, here he was, wearing this mask of absolute tenderness, treating her burns and whispering apologies.

How could he be so incredibly cruel, yet act so deeply devoted? He had mercilessly shoved her into the abyss, only to stand at its edge, tossing down pitiful breadcrumbs of sympathy.

Nora forced her eyes wide open and gritted her teeth, demanding the tears swirling in her eyes stay put. She refused to let them fall.

She would not cry in front of this man. Her tears were completely worthless to him.

Gideon caught the glassy sheen in her eyes. His medicating fingers paused, a sudden, inexplicable tug pulling at his chest.

"It won't hurt once this sets in."

He softened his voice, resuming his task, spreading the white ointment evenly across the inflamed skin.

Gideon rubbed the final dab of ointment onto the angry red patch above her collarbone. He pulled back, tossing the used cotton swab into the nearby trash can.

"I know. You were wronged tonight."

Gideon snapped the medical kit shut and nodded.

"The older relatives are set in their ways and jump to conclusions. I'll deal with them."

Hearing his validation, the injustice brewing in Nora's chest swelled violently.

She thought he had finally seen the truth, thought he was finally going to stand up for her.

He knew. He had seen everything clearly, admitted she was mistreated, and was willing to shut the relatives down.

But what about the person at the very center of it all?