Chapter 90
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‘If we leave now, we’ll make it in time. They’re only registering for marriage tomorrow.”
Sloane’s POV
I glanced at Dwight. People said he was disfigured, but that was an exaggeration. A faint scar ran from the corner of his left eye to the edge of his jaw–if anything, it made him look more rugged, more dangerous. Wild, even.
But it was his eyes that caught me. There was something about them–something too familiar.
“Have we… met somewhere before?“D
His gaze lingered on me for a moment, and I saw something shift. Like he was remembering something that hurt.
“If I hadn’t come forward to propose, would you have forgotten what you promised me as a kid?” His voice was low, almost teasing–but I caught the hint of hurt buried underneath.
For a second, I just blinked. ‘Is this… some unfinished business I’d left behind when I vanished?‘
“Wait–you’re Dweewee?”
When he heard that name, I couldn’t tell whether he wanted to laugh or sigh. Part of him was clearly glad I remembered. The other part…. maybe wished I hadn’t.
That name… It came from the most ridiculous memory–me barging into the boys‘ bathroom when we were kids and seeing him by accident. The word “Dweewee!” had slipped out before I could stop them.
Helm Lip Stepped closer–tucking a
I blushed, and while I was still stunned, skin.
a loose strand of my hair behind my ear, his fingertips grazing my
“Get some rest Tomorrow, we will register our marriage. As for the wedding–whatever you want. From now on, this is your home. You call the shots. Don’t hold back, alright?“}
His voice was deep, warm. I didn’t dare meet his eyes.
But he knew me too well. He tilted my chin up so I’d look at him. His smile was playful–teasing me, like always.
I couldn’t help it–I threw myself into his arms. It was the first time done it a thousand times before.
I’d done something like that… and somehow, it felt so natural. Like I’d
His laughter rumbled softly from above, and I swatted at his chest, flustered.
“Go to sleep,” he said gently. “If you’re scared, wait up–I’ll come back once I finish things. I’ve cleared my schedule for the next few days. I want to be with you.”
“Mm, got it… You go work, I’ll go to sleep now.“>
It was strange. I’d never been in this villa before, but everything in it felt like it belonged to me. Like it had been chosen with me in mind.§ That night, I slept better than I had in years. So well, in fact, that I might’ve kept sleeping if Dwight hadn’t woken me.
“Come on,” he said, brushing hair from my forehead. “We’ll sleep after we register. I can’t wait anymore.”
He was already dressed, looking annoyingly good. My heart betrayed me, pounding faster just at the sight of him.
But the moment we arrived at the registry office, everything unraveled.
Gunner was there–waiting–with a whole group of men.>
Dwight pulled me close, wrapping both arms around me. His protective instinct was so natural, and I leaned into him without thinking. That tiny gesture was enough to send Gunner over the edge.}
“Dwight. Let her go.”
But Dwight didn’t flinch. Didn’t even acknowledge him. To him, these people were nothing. His whole focus was on me, calming me down.
I never looked at Gunner. Not even once. And that just made him lose it.}
“Sloane,” he snapped, “get over here. Or I’ll crush Premier Collective right now.“}]
I looked up this time, my voice steady. “That’s Brandi’s company, remember? If you’re that desperate to destroy something, be my guest.” I’d sold my shares long ago to avoid being used against myself. Turns out, I’d been right to do so.!!
Suddenly, Gunner pulled out… a gun! He aimed it straight at Dwight!
“If you don’t come with me, I’ll kill him. I’ll destroy the Astors.”
Dwight looked at me then–and I saw that calmn fire in his eyes.
“Don’t go,” he said quietly. “He won’t win.”
I knew he was right. ‘If he goes all in, he can stand toe–to–toe with Gunner, maybe even win.!!
‘But that will come at a cost. Neither of them will walk away unscathed. Someone else will reap the rewards while they destroy each other. ‘And as much as I hate to admit it–Gunner and I have unfinished business.#
“It’s time to end it.‘
