Chapter 331

“What are you lost in?” The voice came softly from behind her. Before Riyana could even turn her head, warmth wrapped around her. Strong arms circled her waist, firm and familiar. Jabco stood close, too close, his chest pressed against her back. His face lowered near hers, their cheeks almost touching, his breath brushing lightly against her skin. Her body stiffened instantly. “What are you doing?” she whispered urgently. “People will see.” She tried to step away, but his arms tightened instead, pulling her closer as if he hadn’t heard a word she said. “Why are you so worried when I don’t care?” he murmured near her ear. “Let them see.” Riyana let out a slow, helpless breath. Fighting him was pointless. It always was. When he decided on something, there was no moving him. She stopped struggling. Her eyes stayed fixed on the painting in front of her, but she wasn’t really seeing it anymore. Colors blurred together as Elara’s words replayed in her mind, one by one, sharp and heavy. Every