Chapter: 1244

A surge of excitement propelled her forward.

By the car, the backseat door swung open, revealing a familiar figure.

Despite the sweltering heat, the man was clad head-to-toe in black: a long-sleeved T-shirt, trousers, a mask, and a wide-brimmed hat.

"Darling!" Nora cried, her voice brimming with unbridled joy as she practically flung herself into the car.

“Here to see me?" she purred, sliding in beside him and reaching for his arm with practiced intimacy.

His touch was gentle as he brushed a stray strand of hair from her mask. “Of course I am," he murmured. “Let me see your hand."

He took it in his, examining the white bandages with a furrowed brow.

Relief washed over him as he saw no blood seeping through.

His voice softened further. "Does it hurt?"

“Like fire!" Nora declared, a hint of pride peeking through the grimace. "But I finished the entire performance! See? Wasn't I amazing?"

Her bright eyes pleaded for his approval.

A smile tugged at his lips. “Amazing, Nora. Absolutely phenomenal."

He pulled her close, a silent promise of protection hanging heavy in the air. “I heard what happened. I will seek revenge on your behalf."

Nora shook her head, saying seriously, "You don't have to do that. I'm back home now."

Last night's glimpse into Cade's background had sent shivers down her spine. They couldn't afford to tangle with someone like him.

This tiny injury? A bearable price to pay for peace.

“Nora, trust me." His voice held an edge of protectiveness. “You just rest. I've arranged for the best scar removal specialist in the country. You'll be back to your radiant self in no time."

His fingers brushed against her mask, a silent plea. "I want you to be able to walk freely, without hiding your beautiful face from the world."

The truth was, Nora didn't care about the scars. It was his insistence that she wear a mask whenever she was in public.

Of course, Nova followed his instructions. Each time she went out, a mask was necessary.

"Alright," she sighed, leaning into his broad shoulder. “Whatever you say."

Their dynamic was a curious one. He retreated into anonymity when surrounded by others, only revealing his face when alone with her.

Nora never questioned it, trusting him implicitly.

But this time, after returning from her journey to Bellfolk, a flicker of curiosity sparked within her.