Chapter 38
Avery turned around and found Joshua standing silently behind her, having appeared without her noticing.
His gaze swept over bet and James, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips. “It seems you’re quite busy”
Histone was casual, but something about it felt sharp, leaving Avery with a strange, inexplicable sense of unease.
“Dot have the honor of inviting Ms. Sinclair to dinner?” he asked, his voice polite, but his eyes betrayed a sense of certainty that made it clear there was no room for retusal Avery felt a tinge of nervousness. She realized that if she so much as said “no“, he would probably just pick her up and carry her away without hesitation.
“Alright, sure,” she replied hesitantly.
Without waiting for her to change her mind, Joshua nodded, his gaze briefly lingering on her swollen lips. It seemed that he hadn’t tortured her enough since she had the energy to come looking for other man.
His gare sent a chill down her spine. She squeezed the watch into James‘ hand and said, “Jammy, I’ll see you next time,”
with that, she walked toward Joshua. As soon as she moved in his direction, he swiftly lifted her off her feet.
“Hey, what are you “The sudden lift caught ber by surprise, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around Joshua’s neck. He seemed to find it amusing, walking long strides, as murmurs of surprise and camera flashes filled the air.
“Put me down!” She struggled, but the more she fought, the tighter his grip seemed to become.
“You want to make the headlines tomorrow, don’t you? he teased, his voke smooth and calm, though it only intensified her frustration.
But when her glare met his, instead of intimidating him, it seemed to have the opposite effect, making his eyes gleam with an added layer of amusement.
“What’s wrong with being on the headlines?” he said nonchalantly. “It’s better they hear about us now than be shocked at the wedding”
Avery blinked, taken aback “Wait, you do you still want to marry me?”
“Of course,” Joshua replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Starting tomorrow, I’ll officially pursue you.”
He had already planned everything. He intended to court her in a high–profile manner, ask for her hand in marriage grandly, and hold a spectacular wedding.
g away with
The reason for getting the marriage certificate early was to prevent her from barking out. He would take things slow and ensure she didn’t miss out on any part of the process. Amidst the onlookers‘ stunned stares, he lifted her into the car, and the atmosphere suddenly grew quiet. The dim lighting inside the vehicle cast shadows over much of his face, making it hard to read his expression
Avery swallowed nervously something felt off Was he planning on tormenting her again?
As she was lost in thought, she felt him lean in closer. “Don’t come any closer!” she said instinctively, pushing against him.
He frowned slightly and grabbed her hand, bringing it to his lips and planting a kiss on her forehead. She squeezed her eyes shut, startled.
Amused by the sight of her trembling body, he couldn’t help but chuckle softly, “Are you that scared of me?”
Amoment passed before she opened her eyes again, only to find him reclining with his eyes closed, seemingly at peace.
For a brief moment, she was confused Was he in his right mind today!
But then, as she watched his serene expression, she couldn’t help but think he looked unusually handsome. The usual sharpness in his features was softened, making him look gentler
“Am I charming Joshua’s deep, magnetic voice drew her from her thoughts. When she looked up, she realized he had opened his eyes and was now watching her with an unreadable expression, a smile playing on his lips.
Her face flushed bright red Embarrassed, she quickly withdrew her hand, which had nearly brushed his face. However, before she could pull it back completely, he caught her wrist firmly
