Chapter 88:
Makenna’s POV:
Once we were in the car, I huddled into the seat, shivering uncontrollably.
Bryan’s cruel words and violent actions replayed in my mind, fueling my panic.
I couldn’t shake the fear that if Clayton hadn’t arrived in time, Bryan might have actually raped me in the garden.
Clayton glanced at me occasionally while driving. “It’s alright, Makenna. I promise you’re safe now. Don’t be afraid,” he said softly.
He played calming music in the car, and his gentle voice began to soothe me, helping me regain my sense of calm.
Before long, we pulled up in front of my house. Clayton parked the car and said, “We’re here. Let me walk you in.”
I sniffled and nodded, but then a new wave of panic hit me. I suddenly remembered Bryan’s previous behavior.
Bryan, the goddamned bastard, might show up at my place again, just like before.
He knew exactly what had happened in my home.
Besides, he wouldn’t back down so easily today. What if he had broken into my home once more?
I was disturbed by the idea. I was shaking so much that I didn’t want to get out of the car.
Shaking with fear, I stammered, “Your Highness, can I stay at your place tonight?”
Clayton looked surprised by my request.
I felt embarrassed but was too frightened to care. “I’m afraid Bryan might… after what happened,” I admitted, hoping he would understand.
I clutched the sleeve of Clayton’s coat anxiously, waiting for his response.
What if he refused?
“Of course. I’ll take you to my villa,” Clayton said, a look of sympathy crossing his face. He agreed without hesitation.
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Relief washed over me, and I thanked him softly through my tears. “Thank you so much, Your Highness.”
“Don’t mention it,” Clayton said gently. “You’re always too polite.”
I bit my lip, unable to say more.
We soon arrived at Clayton’s house. As I got out of the car, my legs felt weak, and I nearly fell.
Clayton was quick to help me. I tried to assure him I was fine, but he picked me up and carried me into his villa.
I felt shy, but his presence was comforting, and my fear began to fade.
Clayton carefully placed me on his sofa, covered me with a blanket, and tucked me in.
“Don’t be afraid,” he said in a tone as soothing as a gentle breeze. “You’re safe now.”
I nodded, clutching the blanket tightly. The softness of the sofa and the quiet of the house brought me a sense of peace.
After a while, I finally calmed down. With a bittersweet smile, I said, “Thank you so much, Your Highness. You’ve seen me at my worst.”
The thought of Clayton seeing me so vulnerable was disheartening, and I felt a pang of sadness.
“You don’t have to be so formal with me,” Clayton said, his gaze serious. “I only feel sympathy for you, Makenna. You’re a respectable woman who doesn’t deserve such mistreatment.”
His words brought fresh tears to my eyes. The sense of injustice overwhelmed me, and I cried out, as if trying to release all the pent-up fear and grief. Why did people treat me this way?
I sobbed aloud while covering my cheeks, as though I needed to let out all of my suppressed fear in this way.
Clayton moved closer, gently brushing my cheeks with his warm fingers, wiping away my tears with tender care.
I looked up into his kind eyes. For a moment, I forgot to breathe, my heart racing.
Clayton seemed equally affected, his gaze fixed on me. His fingers paused on my cheeks.
After a pause, he spoke softly. “May I kiss you, Makenna?”
