Chapter 8
I turned around and saw Logan, looking exhausted from travel, walking back in. His gaze was fixed firmly on Richard, who
had his arm wrapped tightly around my waist.
I didn’t speak, just watching the red in his eyes and the delicate figure of Emma standing behind him, trying to bury myself deeper into Richard’s embrace.
Richard’s arms tightened around me, his eyes flickering with amusement as he looked at the two standing before us.
“I don’t think what I do concerns Young Master Logan, does it?” Richard said, his voice a low growl.
Logan stepped forward, reaching out to grab my hand, pulling me toward him.
But Richard swiftly turned, pulling me out of his grasp with ease, then released me.
Logan’s hands trembled as he quickly stepped in front of me, blocking my view.
“Rae, don’t be afraid, I’m here.” His voice was strained as he tried to calm his nerves.
“Rae is my intended mate,” Logan continued, his tone laced with urgency. “Richard, shouldn’t you explain yourself? Why are
you holding my mate this way?”
Looking at Richard, standing firmly at my side, my heart twisted with mixed emotions.
Over the past year, whenever there was conflict between us because of Emma, Logan had always stood by Emma’s side,
saying things like, “Rae, stop arguing,” or, “Apologize, Rae,” or “You shouldn’t have done that…” Never once had he stood with
- me.
Richard narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharpening.
“Young Master Logan,” he said, voice cold. “Are you asking me for an explanation?”
You should be the one explaining, don’t you think?” Richard continued, his voice growing icy. “How many times did you have others care for and protect your little childhood companion, and yet, on the eve of your wedding, you canceled it and left your mate to face public ridicule, only to bring Emma back from North America and return with her now?”
Logan froze for a moment, then looked at me, taking my hand in his.
“Rae, it’s not like that. There are reasons. I can explain everything.”
Richard immediately cut him off, pulling me closer.
“Young Master Logan, please respect yourself. Don’t touch my mate.”
Logan’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Your mate? That’s impossible! Rae is my fiancée, we were preparing for our wedding!” His voice cracked, and his eyes filled with raw emotion. His gaze locked on me, red and pleading, waiting for me to deny Richard’s claim,
But his hope was crushed.
1 stepped toward Richard, standing next to him.
Tve already bonded with him,” I said softly, looking Logan in the eye. “I am his mate.”
Logan stood there in shock, unable to speak for a long moment. He swayed on his feet, and Emma hurried to support him.
Her voice was sweetly venomous, “Rae, you’ve moved on so quickly.”
I didn’t care to reply, not even glancing at her.
Richard gave Emma a sharp look, and she immediately fell silent
1/2
Chapter 8
+25 BONUS
Logan shoved Emma’s hand away, a vein popping on his forehead as he realized the truth.
“So, the wedding hasn’t been canceled? Just the bride has changed?”
“Rae!” Logan’s voice shook with fury. “How dare you marry him? How could you choose someone else on our wedding day?”
Seeing his anger and desperation, I simply nodded.
“Yes, I married him. When you were off in North America with Emma, it was my wedding day.” A week with no contact. He
never reached out to anyone to ask about me. Had he cared even a little, he would have known. But he didn’t. He was
overseas, caring for Emma, his every thought consumed by her.
Logan’s heart twisted, the pain overwhelming, as if something were clawing at his chest, tearing him apart. How could this happen?
When he left for North America, his phone had been lost. In the rush, he hadn’t replaced it, and while he had wanted to call me, his plans kept getting interrupted.
He decided to fix everything by returning to North America, mending Emma’s injuries, and planning a more extravagant wedding. He knew he had wronged her, and he would make it up to her. He would no longer care for Emma; he had already done enough for her. Once back, he planned to shower Rae with all the love she deserved.
But now…
He stood there, heartbroken, feeling the sting of all his missteps.
His body could barely handle the sudden rush of emotions, and with a dizzy spell, he collapsed.
The family driver rushed over to assist, and soon, both Logan and Emma were escorted into the car.
I didn’t look back as I took Richard’s hand and we walked toward the house.
Rae,” Richard’s voice was soft.
“Yes?” I answered, glancing up.
This is the first time you’ve held my hand of your own accord.”
His voice was warm, playful, but there was a deep satisfaction in it. I flushed slightly and bit my lip, a hint of irritation in my
tone.
“What? You think I can’t hold your hand?”
His smile grew, his gaze full of affection. “Of course you can. Just don’t expect anyone else to hold it.”
At home, I turned to Richard and brought up the conversation I had with my mother.
Richard nodded thoughtfully.
“I had my doubts,” I said, lowering my head, “after all this time, I didn’t think you’d ever come around. But now, I see I was
wrong”
He smiled softly, gently reassuring me. “I knew you’d come around, Rae. I just had to be patient.”
That night, I learned something unexpected. The day I climbed the mountain with Logan and Emma? It was Richard who saved me, though he never took credit for it.
A small smile tugged at my lips. Even now, he remained the humble protector.
