Game Over No Second Chances

Serena led Hugh out of the hospital.

Once they were outside, the cold wind hit them in the face.

As Serena gradually regained her senses, she realized she was still tightly gripping Hugh's wrist. Thinking of how they were merely allies, she abruptly pulled her hand back.

"Sorry, I dragged you out in such a rush earlier. Did I hurt you? Just now, I was too impulsive."

She lowered her head a little guiltily while rubbing the tip of her nose, realizing she had only been focused on standing up for Hugh and hadn't considered whether Calvin had been shocked by her actions.

Hugh's gaze deepened. He lowered his eyes to look at the flustered Serena, then glanced at his own sturdy arm, the corners of his lips curling up helplessly. He hadn't expected Serena to stand up for him.

Her grip was so gentle. How could it possibly hurt him?

Afraid she would notice anything unusual, Hugh quickly pressed down the smile tugging at his lips, putting on a serious face as he asked, "You didn't hurt me. But why were you so suddenly emotional?"

"Because you shouldn't be blamed," Serena explained, lifting her head to meet his gaze directly.

"You've been responsible from the beginning for things that weren't your fault. You don't deserve to be scolded like that."

As she spoke, she remembered how Hugh had told her before that she didn't need to be concerned about the Larson family.

So, she stepped forward and buttoned up his coat, which had been blown open by the wind, her voice softening, "Besides, didn't you tell me I don't have to worry about the Larson family anymore, that I should just do what I want?

"I don't want you to be mocked by others because of me."

To her, Hugh was her best ally and also one of her closest friends.

Thinking of this, Serena looked at him even more firmly.

Hugh, seeing the determination in her eyes, felt his chest warm under the coat she had just fastened. It was as if the heat was seeping into his bloodstream, making his heart pound and his whole body warm.

Even though they weren't yet a loving couple, Serena still stood so firmly by his side.

Back then, when he said he didn't want her to be held back by the Larson family, he meant for her to live freely. He didn't expect she would actually stand up for him.

A sudden smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you."

Serena pursed her lips.

Hugh's smile made him look even more devastatingly handsome compared to his usual cold expression.

That deep, low voice slipped into her ears, making Serena unconsciously curve her lips into a smile too.

"There's no need to thank me. You helped me a lot. I just wanted to help you for once. It's only fair."

Hugh's eyes grew even darker.

Fairness? He wanted much more than that.

Almost without thinking, he reached out, wanting to catch her hand before she pulled away but Serena had already turned, walking briskly down the steps, waving at him.noveldrama

"It's freezing here. Let's hurry home."

"Okay. Let's go home."

Hugh's hand froze mid-air. He quickly pretended to slip it back into his pocket casually, clenching it into a fist inside, suppressing the restless desire rising in his heart again.

He couldn't rush. Otherwise, she might run away.

...

A few days later, a press conference was held.

Eric was still drowning in his company's mess. While Melissa, obsessed with appearances, refused to show up, faking an illness.

Backstage, only Cole was there alone.

Staring at himself in the mirror, he noticed the marks from the bug bites had completely disappeared.