Chapter 373
“I wasn’t frightened. If your mercenaries didn’t scare me last time, I certainly wouldn’t have been affected by a car crash. I’m a brave woman, don’t you know? There’s no need for you to fuss about me. I’m not that fragile,” Sophie assured.
“All right, then. You sure are amazing. Still, why aren’t you asleep yet? Is something on your mind?” Tristan wondered.
“It’s nothing.”
“Really?”
“What’s the matter? Don’t you believe me?”
“Why wouldn’t I believe you? I trust every word that comes out of your mouth.”
Sophie turned around and lay in his embrace. “If one day you’re injured because of me, I won’t be able to help but blame myself for it. I don’t want to see you harmed.”
Pressing his chin on her head, Tristan replied, “What are you thinking? Why would I be injured because of you? Your existence alone brings me joy. So, no matter what happens, I only ask that you stay by my side. Don’t think that whatever you do will make me happy.”
She had no idea what message he was trying to convey, but that was his sincere thoughts.
Even if it cost him his life, he still wouldn’t hesitate to stand by her side.
“Tristan—” Sophie was touched. How did he soften my heart to this degree? How can he? It’s because of him that I’m no longer the carefree person I used to be. I just want to protect myself and stay by his side forever. That’s why I want to formulate better solutions to these abrupt problems instead of charging headlong into the issue.
“It’s late. You should rest.” After carrying her to the bed, Tristan covered her with the blanket and lay beside her. “I’ll keep you company until you’re asleep.”
“Mhm.” Lying on his arm, she adjusted her posture until she found the most comfortable spot and closed her eyes. I want to stay with him until death does us part.
It was the first time such a thought crossed her mind.
She looks so adorable like this. He watched over her until she fell asleep before getting up from the bed.
Then he leaned down and gave her a goodnight kiss. “Sleep well, my darling. No matter what happens, I’ll be by your side forever.”
That was a promise he intended to keep.
The next day, when Sophie woke up, it was already nine in the morning.
She washed up and changed into the clothing the housekeepers had brought her before leaving her room.
When Micah saw her, a warm smile appeared on his face. “You’re awake, Ms. Tanner. Breakfast’s ready. Would you like to eat it now or later?”
“Later. Where’s Tristan?” Sophie wondered if he had already left while she was still asleep.
“Mr. Tristan and Mr. Northley should be at the company now. He instructed us to let you rest as long as you needed, which was why we didn’t disturb you. Did you have a good sleep?”
“I did. Thanks for asking.”
“Are you going to have breakfast now? Young people should have breakfast, you know. It’s good for you.”
“I’ll pass. I need to head outside.”
“Wait, Ms. Tanner. Where are you going? I’ll ask the driver to send you there.” Micah couldn’t allow her to leave without a few bodyguards protecting her. After all, she was Tristan’s girlfriend, so her safety was of utmost importance to him.
“I’m meeting a friend at the cafe opposite the mansion. There’s no need for you to have someone follow me.”
“A friend?” He wasn’t aware she had a friend in Anglandur.
Despite his concern, he was still only a butler. There were some questions he mustn’t overstep his boundary to ask.
“At least allow two bodyguards to accompany you. You should know Mr. Tristan won’t feel at ease if you leave by yourself after what happened last night.” Micah had no intention of backing off.
That suggestion formed a frown on her face as she detested bodyguards.
She was used to going anywhere alone, so the idea of having two people accompanying her only gave her discomfort. “I said I don’t want anyone to follow me, Micah! Besides, last night was because someone was targeting Tristan. I don’t have any enemies here. The two bodyguards are only going to be a liability to me!”
Micah didn’t expect to see her being so headstrong.
Then, he wore a pitiful expression. “This isn’t my decision to make, Ms. Tanner. Mr. Tristan tasked me to ensure your safety, and I will. If anything happens to you, what am I supposed to tell him?”
Sophie was at a loss for words as she couldn’t argue against him.
“Can’t you pity me, Ms. Tanner? I only have this one job. If I lose it, how am I supposed to find a living? You can tell how old I am, can’t you?” Micah said.
It rendered Sophie utterly speechless.
If he had given her a tough attitude instead, she wouldn’t have been afraid.
However, she was defenseless against an old butler like him. Without any other option, she relented. “Fine! You can let two bodyguards follow me on the condition that you tell them to wait outside the cafe, so they don’t disturb my friend and me.”
Micah conceded and nodded. “All right. Not to fret, Ms. Tanner. I’ll notify them not to disturb you two.”
That conversation lasted until half-past nine.
It took Sophie ten minutes to arrive at the cafe.
She thought she was early, but Nicholas was already there.
A bright smile plastered on his face when he saw her, as though he had completely forgotten what happened at Jipsdale, not that he could do anything if he did.
After all, she was the person he didn’t want to hurt the most. Therefore, no matter what she did, he would choose to forgive her. As long as she would return to his side, nothing else mattered.
“What do you want, Nicholas? Time and again, you disturbed my life, and I am sick of it.” Her patience had its limit. If he pushed her too far, she would make his life a living hell, regardless of the price she had to pay.
Nicholas nudged the cup of coffee in front of him toward Sophie. “It’s been a long time since we saw each other. Do you really have to bring up such a heavy topic when we just reunited? I don’t want to ruin this good thing we have right now. It’s not like I did anything bad. My humble wish is for us to share a meal. Is that so difficult?”
