Chapter 306


    Despite the thunderous crackle of fireworks, Ian''s words pierced through the cacophony, clear and


    distinct, reaching ra''s ears. His hot, moist lips caught her off guard, prying her pearly teeth apart.


    The tender, intoxicating kiss, tinged with a hint of liquor, swept over ra. For a fleeting moment,


    her mind went nk, and her heart skipped a beat. She had to admit she coveted this kiss and


    yearned for its taste.


    A surge of desire bubbled up within her, urging her to reciprocate, but soon enough, her senses


    snapped back to reality. With a firm push, she distanced herself from Ian.


    Her eyes, glistening from the fireworks'' reflection, sparkled like the stars ignited in the night sky.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Sensing her irritation, Ian quickly fished out an exquisite piece from his pocket, an emerald pendant.


    He then draped it around ra''s neck. His voice was husky, "ra, I had this ne blessed by


    Master Heiman to keep you safe. It''s your New Year''s gift. You must wear it at all times. Never take


    it off, or it''ll lose its magic, understand?"


    ra''s cool fingertips traced the contours of the pendant, and the words of reproach lodged in her


    throat.


    She knew of Master Heiman, the revered abbot from the White Abbey. His blessings were said to


    be potent, but to secure such a blessing, one had to endure many tribtions.


    She had once swept the floors for a whole week just to seek a simple blessing for Ian, bowing in


    devout prayer day after day. Considering the effort she had put in for that small boon, the trials Ian


    must have faced for this pendant were undoubtedly far greater.


    ra lowered her gaze to the pendant, whispering, "Ian, this is thest time. Don’t do this again."


    Ian''s lips curled into a smile. "Alright, I''ll listen to you from now on."


    He reached out and yfully tugged her beanie down, asking with a grin, "Didn''t you also get me a


    New Year’s gift? Why the hesitation in giving it?"


    At the mention of the gift, ra suddenly remembered the cufflinks she had won at the auction,


    intended for Ian on New Year''s Eve. She said. "I''ll give it to youter."


    "Shall we head back inside? It''s too cold out here," Ian said, noticing her reddened nose.


    ra nodded slightly and turned to leave.


    Meanwhile, Sasha was utterly immersed in the splendor of the fireworks, screaming with the crowd


    and jumping excitedly at times. Chase kept a protective arm around her, his gazeplex as he


    watched her. "Sasha, I''ve never seen such an irresponsible mother-to-be. You''re pregnant and still


    acting wild."


    His words instantly deted her excitement. Annoyed, she kicked him in the shin. "Mind your own


    business! It''s not your kid."


    Chase clenched his teeth in frustration, "What are you nning to do, huh? Is that deadbeat not


    stepping up?"


    Sasha red at him coldly. "Chase, just keep quiet. It''s the holiday season. Don''t make me angry!"


    Then, she spun around and walked away.


    As she stepped through the vi''s gate, she booted Chase out. "Get lost. We''re going to sleep!"


    Chase, infuriated, snapped, "Don''t me me for not warning you. Rough movements like that could


    lead to a miscarriage, especially in the first trimester."


    "To hell with miscarriage!" With a loud ''bang,'' the vi''s door mmed shut.


    Chase kicked the door hard, seething and muttering, "Ungrateful as always, my good intentions are


    always taken for granted."


    Just as he was about to walk away, the door swung open. He thought perhaps Sasha had a change


    of heart and returned. Instead, there stood Ian, hand nonchntly in his pocket, a cocky grin on his


    face and a clear note of mockery in his voice. "Seriously, man, you''re looking to y Daddy


    Warbucks on the cheap?"