Chapter 543


    Steven’spany had allocated an apartment for one as his hostel. It had everything he needed.


    “Annie, you…” Steven was surprised when he saw Annie’s pale face. She looked sick.


    Annie hugged Steven and nuzzled against his chest. She pleaded, “Put your arms around me,


    Steven. Hold me.”


    In the time they’d spent together, they’d done some of the things one would expect in a rtionship.


    They’d held hands and shared a few kisses. However, Annie seldom behaved so forwardly.


    Steven suddenly felt that he and Annie had entered the next stage of their rtionship. His heart


    throbbed for Annie’s helplessness, and he embraced her with all his might.


    “Don’t be scared. No matter what has happened, I’ll face it with you. Believe me, Annie,” Steven


    consoled her softly.


    Tears streamed down Annie’s face silently. Her eyes were red and swollen.


    Steven looked down at his tear–stained shirt. He felt a pang of anguish upon seeing it.


    “Really? Will you believe me no matter what happens? Will you face it with me? Can I believe you,


    Steven?” Annie asked softly.


    Steven gently caressed Annie’s head and said, “Yeah. You can always trust me, even when you’re


    in doubt of everyone around you. Since I made the choice to be with you, I’ve


    prepared myself to face all sorts of challenges with you.”


    Steven did not make promises often. Once he made one, he would keep to it. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Annie was deeply touched. This was the first time she’d been the recipient of such genuineness. At


    the same time, regret filled her


    Would she be in much less trouble today if she hadn’t agreed to Grayson and Thomas‘ ns?


    Would she feel less diffident in front of Steven?


    Without realizing it, Steven had upied a space in her heart. Although he wasn’t as important as


    Joe, she couldn’t ignore how much he meant to her.


    “Steven, I believe you. I know you. You’re kind. You will fulfill the promises you’ve made. That’s why


    I chose you,” Annie said softly.


    Steven noticed that she seemed much calmer. He took her hand and led her to the couch. They sat


    down.


    Annie saw a ss of milk and a te of half–eaten eggs on the dining table. She asked, ” Have I


    interrupted you from having breakfast? You should eat first.”


    “I’m not hungry. Let’s talk about what’s going on with you,” Steven said softly.


    Annie bit her lip and repeated, “You should eat first. I’ll tell you about it after you’re done.”


    Steven smiled warmly. He gave her a fond nod and said, “Alright. I’ll eat now. However, I can eat


    while listening to you speak.”


    “We’re not in a rush,” replied Annie. She balled Her hands into fists.


    Steven did not insist on conversing immediately. He sat down and finished his half–eaten breakfast.


    While Skr was waiting for the fondue, she picked up her phone to call Paul.


    When she unlocked her phone, she saw the video Paul had sent her. It depicted how Annie entered


    the room and how she’d left. It wasplete. In addition, the hotel’s surveince cameras recorded


    high–resolution footage. Her actions were perfectly captured, and her face could be seen clearly.


    Skr replied, “Thanks.”


    Immediately, Skr downloaded the video.


    Tonight, she would seek Steven out. It was time to talk to him about Annie.


    Joe looked at Skr. She wouldn’t even spare him a nce or talk to him. Suddenly, he felt that she


    was adorable while angry. It showed a genuine part of her he seldom saw. It had brought them


    closer together. Indeed, he was willing to appease her.


    “How can I appease you? Why don’t I let you have your way with me next time?”