The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 1349

When Kirsten finally pulled back from Gian's embrace, her eyes were still bloodshot. Tears clung to her lashes as she hastily wiped her face, leaving her fingers damp.

Staring at the ground, too embarrassed to meet his gaze, she spoke in a rough, tear-stained whisper. "I'm so sorry."

The apology was barely audible, but it struck Gian right in the chest.

Seeing her trembling shoulders and her white-knuckled grip on her own hands, any lingering frustration he felt over their interrupted moment instantly dissolved into pure ache for her.

He reached out, wanting to brush a stray lock of hair from her face, but his hand hovered awkwardly in the air before he forced himself to stop.

He shoved his hands into his pockets instead, his voice incredibly soft. "Don't apologize. None of this is your fault."

Kirsten sniffled and finally looked up at him. Her eyes were still glassy, swirling with guilt. "My parents... they've always been like this. They only care about money."

"They're going to keep harassing you. They might even show up at your office to corner you."

She paused, a bitter, self-deprecating note creeping into her voice. "And now that they know the marriage is fake, there's a good chance they'll tell anyone who will listen."

"If word gets back to your parents, they're going to be furious. They care so much about social status. Once they find out the truth, they'll probably start setting you up on blind dates immediately."

Kirsten couldn't bear the thought of it.

She couldn't stomach the image of Gian standing next to some other woman—someone from a wealthy, powerful family, perfectly poised and matched to him in every way.

Just imagining it felt like a vice tightening around her chest, stealing all the air from her lungs.

Gian caught the raw panic in her eyes beneath her brave front. It twisted his gut.

He knew Kirsten had endured endless pressure from her parents her entire life.

She always acted so independent and carefree, but beneath the surface, she was carrying a mountain of insecurity.

He stayed quiet for a moment before offering a reassuring smile. "It doesn't matter."

Meeting her stunned expression, he continued calmly, "If they want to cause trouble, let them."

"I'm not intimidated by a little drama. As for my parents..."

He paused. "I hold the reins now. Whatever happens at the company is entirely my call."

"And they can't dictate my personal life anymore, either."

Over the years, Gian had fought tooth and nail in the corporate world. He was no longer a naive kid dependent on his family's approval.

He had built his own authority from the ground up. Even if his parents wanted to intervene, they'd have to think twice before challenging him.

Kirsten saw the absolute confidence radiating from him, but it did nothing to ease her guilt.

The more reassuring he was, the worse she felt.

This entire fake marriage had been nothing but a massive burden on him from day one.

She took a deep breath.

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