Chapter 280

This whole situation feels like a nightmare, haunting me deep inside.

Ever since I found out Joanna might have been exposed to the virus, I haven't had a good night's sleep. Only when I'm with friends can I momentarily forget about it.

Royce, hearing my concerns, glanced around.

Luckily, there was no one nearby.

This floor was always quiet, and the waitstaff rarely came by to disturb us.

"Are you sure you want to talk about this here?" Royce asked, winking at me.

That little gesture made him seem so lively, a stark contrast to his usual domineering demeanor.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Where else? Just give me some good news already."

I had finally managed to get a sample of Joanna's blood for testing today. If there were no results yet, I would go crazy with worry.

Royce raised his hand and gently patted my head.

His touch was so tender, the warmth of his palm on my head made my heart soften.

There was a strange feeling that made me look up at Royce.

When our eyes met, I could see the gentleness and affection in his gaze.

It had been a long time since I felt this way...

I blinked. "Is the news bad? Why aren't you saying anything?"

"I just thought it was rare for us to be alone somewhere else. I wanted to savor the moment," Royce said.

His words made me blush.

Feeling the heat in my ears, I touched them. "We don't spend much time together?"

Just a few days ago, Royce had chased me to my house and talked to me at the door.

How could he forget so quickly?

Royce laughed. "Caroline, have you ever thought that when we're together, I always feel like there's never enough time?"

"We're not even officially together" I blurted out instinctively.

Realizing what I had said, I understood he was talking about our time spent together, not our relationship status.

I blushed again and lowered my head, avoiding his gaze.

Royce seemed amused by my shyness and stepped closer. "Caroline, when will you finally let me be your official boyfriend?"

There was a hint of a sigh in his voice.

I wasn't sure if he was too eager.

"Why do you keep changing the subject? Is there really something wrong with Joanna?" I couldn't help but shift my focus.

I hadn't been so suspicious before, but Royce's evasiveness made me worry.

Seeing my serious expression, Royce sighed. "Joanna is fine."

I couldn't believe it. "Really?"

"Of course. I wouldn't lie to you about something this important."

Royce was right. No matter how many misunderstandings or arguments we had, he never kept crucial information from me.

He always tried to keep me informed.

I almost cried with relief.

My body reacted before I could, and my nose tingled.

"That's such a relief... You have no idea how worried I've been these past few days."

Even though Joanna had told me she and Ronnie hadn't been intimate for a long time, I still couldn't be sure.

What if they had been, and she was just too embarrassed to tell me?

And Maeve and Ronnie had definitely been together.

Two adults, one of them married, meeting at a hotel-what else could they be doing?

Thinking about it made me curse Ronnie. "Is cheating something men are just born to do?"

My words made Royce frown slightly.

"Caroline, every time you say that, I can assure you I'm not like that. But I know each time you say it, your trust in men diminishes a little."

"I just want you to know I'll do everything I can to prove I'm different."

Royce held my hand, squeezing my palm. "I hope you'll trust me more in the future."

I shook my head and quickly explained, "It's not that I don't trust you... It's just that so much has happened, I don't know what to believe anymore."

I did rely on Royce, and I hoped he could heal all my wounds and bring me true happiness.

But these feelings were selfish, and I didn't dare share them with Royce.

Royce looked at me intently. "Caroline, do you feel more at ease now?"

I realized he was talking about Joanna, so I nodded. "Thanks to you and Simon."

"Simon did a lot. He took the blood sample to the hospital for testing as soon as you messaged me."

Royce smiled. "When you texted me, he was already waiting in the lab."

"He's really fast." Otherwise, Kathy wouldn't have hired him as a private investigator to help me.

I couldn't help but mutter, "I wonder where Kathy found such a capable person."

"Am I not capable enough for you?" Royce seemed jealous all the time.

I sighed. "Why are you even jealous of Simon? You're not a private investigator."

"But in helping you, I feel like one," Royce said with a smile.

I sighed. "True."

We talked for a long time at the door.

Until Kathy came out looking for me. "Caroline, what's going on? Weren't we supposed to chat inside?"

She noticed Royce standing next to me and stuck out her tongue, giving us a knowing look.

"So, the lovebirds are having a secret meeting! I'll leave you two to it..."

I quickly grabbed Kathy's arm. "I should go back too..."

The heating was too high, and I had rushed out to see Royce with an extra coat on. Now I was too hot.

Royce had been here for a while, and he probably had things to do. I wanted him to go back too.

"You should head back. You'll have to work late again."

Royce checked his watch. "I was just about to leave."

He glanced at Kathy. "Please make sure she gets home safely tomorrow."

"Of course, Mr. Castillo. Caroline is a princess who needs protection, right?"