The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 453

Neera hadn't noticed him because she was immersed in feeding the fish.

The dogs were by her side. It seemed to spot something and enthusiastically barked at Jean.

Those barks snapped Jean out of his daze.

He slowly approached her and whispered, "Why are you suddenly interested in feeding the fish?"

Neera jumped in surprise.

When she realized it was him, she instinctively attempted to stand up. Before she could stabilize herself, the dogs darted beneath her feet.

She tripped, lost her balance, and almost fell into the pond.

He screamed, "Watch out!"

Jean caught hold of her waist quickly and pulled her back to safety.

Due to the momentum, she almost crashed into his arm and accidentally knocked her lips against his collarbone.

"Ouch!" She muffled herself and covered her mouth.

"Are you okay?" Jean asked, lowering his gaze with concern.

Neera was in pain. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she was still in a state of shock.

"Why are you not making a sound?" she questioned him.

After she said that, she tasted some blood in her mouth. She gently touched the wound with her finger and asked, "Am I bleeding?"

Jean was shocked. He hurriedly used the other hand to cup her chin and demanded in a low voice, "Show me!"

He forcibly lifted her head.

Neera met his gaze from his arm.

Jean didn't find anything wrong with it. He just focused his gaze on the wound and carefully examined her lips.

Indeed, there was a small cut on her lips. It was nothing serious, but some blood was seeping out of it. She probably got it when she accidentally bit herself.

Relieved, he said gently, "It's okay. It's not serious. It should be quickly healed by applying some medicine."

Neera licked her lips, nodding, waiting for Jean to let go of her.

She waited for a while, but he didn't release her.

Her ears started to burn, and she said shyly, "Aren't you going to let go of me?"

Jean was flabbergasted. He finally realized how close they were.

Her soft body was leaning against him. She raised her face a little. Their faces were so close that they could feel each other's warm and ticklish breaths.

Her eyes still had a reddish hue because of the accident. Some teardrops hung on her eyelashes; it made her eyes look clear and pitifully pitiful.

Coupled with their intimate posture, somehow it looked like she invited him to kiss her.

The look in Jean's eyes darkened considerably.

He unconsciously tightened his grip on her waist.

Sensing his grip, she panicked and placed her hands on his chest. She called out to him, "J...Jean?"

Her voice was trembling. There was a trace of helplessness visible on her face.

When Jean saw this, his gaze turned increasingly enigmatic; an indescribable emotion was surging up in the depths of his eyes.

Neera became tense.

She looked at the handsome face inches away from her. It gave her the illusion that he might kiss her at any moment. Her heart raced wildly, and she tried to pull away.

Noticing her struggle, Jean finally snapped back to reality.

He hid his emotions and spoke with a hoarse voice, "Sorry, I'm sort of lost in thought."

When he said this, he slowly released her.

Neera quickly created some distance between them. Her cheeks blushed. She said, "It's okay."

The two might have clarified matters verbally, but the romantic tension between them lingered.

She quickly changed the subject to break up the awkwardness. She asked, "Did you need something?"

He rubbed his fingertips, where the sensation of her soft skin still lingered. He replied, "Yes, I need your help with something."

He went on to tell her about the upcoming annual event. He said, "When the time comes, I might need you to accompany me to an event."

Neera had no objections to this request. She asked, "Sure. It's next Thursday, right? I'll clear my schedule, but...I'm attending with what identity?"

She teased, "Don't you know the internet is buzzing about your 'special' relationship with Sasha?"