33. Preparing to Confess

Tara looked at his tender gaze and was momentarily dazed.

This was the first time she had seen him smile like this.

In the past, even when he smiled, it was mostly distant, mocking, or indifferent.

Never had it been like this—like the first thaw of winter snow, so beautiful that one couldn't look away.

Under such a gaze, as if possessed, she spoke.

"If you really want to thank me, then... after your injuries are healed, let's really be together, okay?" Tara suddenly asked boldly.

As the words fell, silence spread.

Really be together.

Killian silently savored her words and suddenly let out a soft laugh.

Right, the naive little rabbit still thought he was just "simulating" a relationship with her.

But when it comes to love, how can there be a simulation?

Of course, this did serve as a reminder to him.

He was the man; when it came to a confession, there was no reason to let the girl take the initiative.

This was something he owed her, and he should make up for it properly.

Of course, it would have to be on a sufficiently good day, and the ceremony should be grand enough.

Not like now—wretched and hasty.

He was lost in his own thoughts, his expression shifting unpredictably, like a handsome yet cold marble statue.

Tara, watching his expression, automatically interpreted it in another way.

It’s okay,

she thought.

She had indeed been too impatient. So many people had pursued Killian before and he hadn't agreed to any of them; it was normal for him to be hard to get. She just needed to work a little harder.

She gave herself a comforting smile and scooped up another spoonful of soup, bringing it to his lips.

"Let's not talk about that for now. The soup is getting cold. Killian, open up."

Time became long and beautiful in her company.

She stayed by his side, attentively serving him until he finished the soup, and then coaxed him to lie down after a while.

"Alright, Killian, you need to rest well now."

She tucked him in, leaning in to give him a gentle smile as if coaxing a child.

"I'm going to go buy some fruit. I'll be back soon."

Killian’s eyes lowered slightly. Seeing the two distinct dark circles under her eyes, he felt a stir in his heart.

"No need, you should go back—"

Before he could finish...

Mwah.

A soft, moist sensation came from his cheek, like a small feather lightly brushing past.

Killian froze.

"I have to, I have to. Didn't I say? Taking care of your partner is something that must be done in a relationship."

Her cheeks were flushed as she looked at him. After speaking, she lowered her head, not daring to look at him, and quickly turned to leave the ward.

The room fell into a quiet stillness.

"In a relationship..."

A moment later, Killian chewed over those words repeatedly. The corners of his lips couldn't help but curve up slightly as he lazily closed his eyes.

"Who is that?"

In the hallway outside the ward, Justin Bo watched the beautiful girl walk out of the room and asked.

The old butler leaned in and explained, "Mr. Bo, she is the young master's current girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?"

Justin's aged but still majestic and sharp eyes narrowed slightly. He watched the direction the girl had gone until she disappeared before withdrawing his gaze.

"Is that so?" His tone betrayed no emotion.

"Let’s go. Let’s see Killian."

He coughed with uneven breath. Supported by the old butler and bodyguards, he walked toward Killian's ward with his cane.

The door that had just closed opened again. Killian thought Tara had forgotten something. He opened his eyes and looked toward the door. "Wh—"

The moment he saw Justin Bo and his entourage, his warm expression froze, instantly turning ice-cold.

The large supermarket near the hospital was crowded. Tara waited in line for a long time after buying the apples.

When she finally made it out, her path was blocked only fifty meters from the exit.

She looked at the woman standing in front of her—Cassidy.

Cassidy always seemed to be dressed in a trendy, sexy, and flamboyant manner.

Flamboyant, and perhaps a bit gaudy.

Dressed in luxury brands, she appeared noble, yet there was a "new money" sense of piling gold and jade onto herself.

Setting aside whether she actually came from a prestigious family, judging by her outfit and the way she looked at everyone with her nose in the air, she must have had an affluent upbringing.

Tara looked at her expressionlessly. "Is there something you want?"

Cassidy absolutely loathed her "pure white lotus" face.

But as much as she hated her, she didn't lose her composure. Instead, she put on an exceptionally elegant and appropriate smile.

"Junior, I have something I'd like to talk to you about. Are you free for a cup of coffee?"

Tara knew she didn't come with good intentions.

She really wanted to refuse.

But she also understood that even if she refused this time, Cassidy would find a way to come back next time.

Tara was gentle with people, but she was by no means a coward.

If Cassidy was looking for trouble, she wouldn't back down.

With that thought, she agreed. "Sure."

Ten minutes later, in a high-end cafe.

"Ladies, please enjoy."

Looking at the coffee the waiter brought, Cassidy picked hers up elegantly and took a small sip. She looked up to see Tara hadn't moved.

"Junior, aren't you drinking?"

Tara shook her head. "I don't like coffee."

To be precise, she disliked anything with a bitter taste.

"Oh, right. After all, a sweet-looking girl like you probably prefers drinking milk tea—that kind of sweet but low-quality junk drink—over coffee."

Her words were blunt, and her gaze scanned Tara from head to toe just as directly.

That look was arrogant and disdainful, as if she were a high-and-mighty queen inspecting a lowly commoner.

Tara met her gaze calmly. After a moment, she suddenly spoke: "Cassidy, I heard you tell Killian the other day that you come from a prestigious family?"

Hearing this, Cassidy thought Tara was feeling inferior, and her tone turned proud. "Of course. The Chen family of Yun City is a century-old clan. I don't think I need to elaborate further."

"Is that so?"

Tara suddenly let out a light laugh, her words turning sharp. "Then it seems that a so-called high-society lady is nothing more than this."

The appropriate smile on Cassidy's face could no longer be maintained and began to fade.

"What, making such sour remarks... could it be that you're..."

She looked at her with a fake smile, enunciating each word: "Jealous of me?"

"Jealous of you?"

Tara’s expression was one of confusion. "Jealous of your lack of manners?"

She smiled, her expression innocent. "Or jealous of how you always like to lose your cool and roll your eyes at people?"

"Tara!" Cassidy’s voice broke with anger. she almost couldn't stop herself from splashing her coffee in Tara's face.

"I'm right here." Seeing her lose her composure, Tara remained composed, her posture graceful and poised.

The people drinking coffee nearby all looked over, staring at Cassidy with strange expressions.

Cassidy froze, realizing late that she had allowed this little brat to make her lose her dignity.

Vexation flooded her heart, and she immediately gathered herself, lowering her voice.

"Tara, you won't be gloating for long."

"Someone like Killian could never be with you. Your status and position don't match his."

"If you have any self-awareness, I suggest you leave him early on your own. Don't blame me for not warning you when you end up suffering for it later."

Having said her piece, she angrily picked up her bag and turned to leave.

Tara wanted to call her back, but she walked away very quickly.

Tara: "..."

Is she crazy? She could have at least paid for her own coffee before leaving!