He Who Covets the Abandoned Bride (10 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 78

At the kiss that suddenly swept over her like crashing waves, Laila trembled her lips for a moment.

Adrian, keenly observing her reaction, rubbed his lips against hers and gently nibbled at them with his own.

After repeatedly drawing her lips into his mouth until they grew numb and then releasing them, Adrian let out a soft, sigh-like chuckle.

As his warm breath covered her face, Laila bit her slightly swollen lips. Seeing she avoided his gaze, Adrian gently lifted her chin with his finger just enough for her to meet his eyes.

Only after finally locking eyes with Laila did Adrian speak in a tender voice.

“I’d like it if you didn’t lower your head before me.”

He knew it was difficult for Laila.

Their relationship had gone far more awry than anticipated, forcing them onto a long, winding path. If they couldn’t surmount the mountains ahead, they’d struggle to be acknowledged as lovers.

Still, he disliked seeing Laila’s lack of confidence even in this private space meant only for the two of them.

“But… I’m not sure if it’s alright for me to stay like this with Your Highness.”

“Do I still make you uneasy?”

At Adrian’s question, Laila felt her mouth go dry. She certainly didn’t dislike him, yet—as he’d said—he did weigh heavily on her.

After all, her current station, requiring her to perform the lowliest tasks in the imperial palace, held her back.

Though her heart had fluttered when she stood before him again after so long without shackles, it was hard to explain the heaviness she’d felt while hiding briefly in the garden afterward.

Even if she were someday freed from this slave’s fate, could she ever even cast a shadow upon the Emperor of Harkin…?

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