Chapter 753

Chapter 753:

Neal’s heart skipped a beat as he heard her words.

His mind wandered, not just to his friends and schoolmates, but also to the one person he’d never dared to disappoint—his online girlfriend. Neal couldn’t shake the worry that she might find him repulsive. Her words, laced with warmth and admiration, had always made him feel special. But now, a gnawing doubt had taken root in his mind. If she ever found out who his father was, would she still feel the same way? Would she still like him, knowing the darkness tied to his family? As soon as the thought pierced him, a sharp pang of guilt knotted his chest.

There was no way she would. She was too pure, too innocent, too good for him. Meanwhile, he was just a product of his environment—tainted, weighed down by a past he couldn’t escape. He didn’t deserve someone like her.

If he had known the consequences, he would never have confessed his feelings so recklessly yesterday, drawing attention to himself and her. Instead of getting caught up in this mess, he should’ve let things fade quietly.

“It doesn’t matter to anyone, really,” Fernanda said, offering him a gentle smile. “Are you hungry? I’ll treat you to a meal.”

Neal hesitated, the discomfort clear in his eyes. He thought for a moment before shaking his head gently. “No, thanks.” The thought of leaving the room felt like too much.

“Isn’t your stomach upset after drinking all night?” Fernanda asked with concern. “How long are you planning to stay in here? When are you going to face the world?”

“Again? If you handle this calmly, it’ll show that you have nothing to hide. The more you act like it doesn’t bother you, the less others will care.”

Neal’s lips tightened as he stared at Fernanda, his red-rimmed eyes giving him an almost heartbreaking look of helplessness and hurt.

“Come on,” Fernanda said gently, giving his shoulder a light nudge. “I’m here. I will ensure that nothing bad happens to you.”

Her words were firm, unwavering, a breath of hope that swept through Neal’s doubts. She was incredible—almost superhuman. With her by his side, there was nothing to fear.

𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨: 𝙜Ɐ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⸬𝙘𝙤𝙢

“I told you from the start, I will always be the one to stand by you and face any problem head-on. I will protect you.” Already standing, Fernanda looked down at him with a quiet command. “Get up. We’re going out.”

Today, she wore a simple light gray tracksuit, her hair tied up high, exuding a freshness and energy that matched her confident demeanor. Her youthfulness was evident, but the determination in her stance belied her age.

She was younger than him by two years, yet here she was, speaking with the strength and conviction of someone far beyond her years, promising to protect him. No one had ever said those words to him before—not even his parents. But she had.

Neal swallowed hard, his heart twisting with emotion he couldn’t quite place.

“I’ll be right back,” he said quietly. “I need to change.” Fernanda gave him a nod.

As Neal retreated into the bathroom with his clothes, Fernanda busied herself gathering up the bottles and cans scattered around the room, stuffing them into a bag.

When Neal finally stepped out, his damp hair still clinging to his forehead, he found Fernanda standing before his computer, her hands firmly planted on her hips.

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