Chapter 1601:

Before she could fully process it, Malcolm’s voice cut in again.

“You don’t want to be with me?”

“No! That’s not what I mean.” Karen’s hand shot up on instinct, the words spilling out before she could stop them.

“I mean… yes. I want to be with you.”

The room fell quiet, the air thick with tension.

The moment she realized what she’d just blurted, Karen’s face flared crimson. Above her, a low, amused laugh rumbled from Malcolm.

Mortified, Karen wanted to disappear. Had she really raised her hand like an eager schoolgirl, practically announcing her feelings out loud? He must be laughing at her.

She tried to lower her hand, but Malcolm held it in place.

After putting out his cigarette, Malcolm clasped her hand firmly and pulled her closer. Then he claimed her mouth in a sudden, possessive kiss.

He didn’t let her go until she was gasping, her head spinning from the intensity.

Malcolm grinned, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“Am I really that captivating?”

His smile carried a magnetic danger—one that threatened to pull Karen under completely.

With a snap of his fingers, Malcolm chuckled.

“You can’t take your eyes off me, can you?”

Karen blinked, her cheeks heating again as she scrambled to regain her composure, wishing she could hide from her own embarrassment. Then it hit her—they were together now. What was so wrong with being captivated by her boyfriend?

Still flushed, Karen lifted her chin and pressed a bold kiss to his lips.

“Yeah. You’re pretty dashing.”

𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 @ gⱥ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧿ⅽ𝗼𝗺

This time, Malcolm was the one caught off guard. A soft laugh escaped him, charmed by the unexpected boldness of this quiet girl who had stolen his attention.

The wedding had been an elaborate affair, every detail meticulously planned. By the time the festivities ended, darkness had settled over the venue.

The ornate gown and heavy tiara had weighed on Elena all day, leaving her neck stiff and aching. As she finally reached up to remove them, strong arms encircled her from behind.

Wesley nuzzled into the crook of her neck, his lips brushing softly against her skin.

“You were breathtaking today, babe.”

Overwhelmed by his sudden affection, Elena nudged him back gently.

“I’m exhausted. Give me some space.”

Wesley didn’t take offense. Instead, a playful smirk curved his mouth as he scooped her effortlessly into his arms.

“My bad,” he murmured.

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