Chapter 1232

"Come sit down, sweetheart," Theia called out gently, patting the empty spot next to her.

"Okay." Juniper shuffled over, shooting a covert glare at that fox Shanley, who was looking entirely too pleased with himself. She had half a mind to kick him.

"You have to go back to campus tomorrow," Shanley said, sliding a glass of freshly squeezed juice across the counter before getting back to assembling a gourmet breakfast sandwich for her.

Juniper didn't even have to lift a finger—she just opened her mouth when he fed her, occasionally grumbling that he'd put too much spread on it.

Theia watched the whole exchange, the smile in her eyes deepening. Shanley truly adored her daughter. It reminded her a bit of Silas Blackwood when he was younger, chasing after her with that same relentless devotion. What was the modern internet slang for it? Oh, right. A totally devoted puppy dog. And his devotion was clearly paying off.

"Campus?" Juniper mumbled around a mouthful of pastry, her face scrunching up in distaste. "I forgot I was even enrolled."

"You have an exam tomorrow. There are no make-up dates, and it affects your graduation," Shanley explained patiently. "Professor Tucker specifically asked me to remind you."

"Oh," Juniper replied, completely unbothered.

"Aren't you worried about the material, honey? You haven't been to class in ages," Theia asked, her brow furrowing in concern.

"Huh?" Juniper looked up, her expression utterly serious. "It's fine. Anyone with half a brain could pass it."

It's fine?

Theia froze for a few seconds, her gaze drifting to her daughter's head. Could this be the lingering result of the gene modification? Enhanced intelligence?!

At the thought, a shadow of sorrow flickered in her eyes. She prayed that secret would remain buried forever with Corvus Thorne. She never wanted anyone to look at her daughter and call her a 'monster.'

***

The following morning.

Juniper woke up bright and early. By the time she padded into the living room, Shanley had already packed her bag and set out a warm breakfast. He was dressed in a sharp, tailored suit, looking effortlessly devastating.

"Let's go." Juniper raised an eyebrow, slipping into the luxury car in high spirits. She held out her hand. "Breakfast."

Shanley immediately placed a warm, sugar-free coffee in her palm.

Juniper took a sip, then offered it to him. "You haven't eaten either, right?"

He'd been swamped with company affairs lately, on top of all the delays caused by rescuing her other had been working until the early hours of the morning.

"No." Shanley took a sip from the exact spot her lips had touched, then handed her the sandwich. Juniper broke it in half and gave him a piece.

"My mom called earlier. She said the engagement preparations are almost done."

Shanley's eyes softened, a warm smile playing on his lips. "Whenever your family is ready to set the date, we'll make it happen."

"If it were up to me, it'd be tomorrow."

"What are you so afraid of?" Juniper shot him a sideways glance, her clear eyes dancing with amusement.

"I'm not afraid of someone stealing

you, I'm just afraid of someone

coveting you," Shanley said, his voice dropping an octave, rich and alluring. I'm older. I tend to overthink. I just want to make you mine officially as soon as possible."

He said it with such absolute sincerity. As if anyone could actually steal her away!

"I'll ask my parents when I get

home," Juniper deflected, turning her head to stare out the window as her cheeks flushed hot. "I don't know anything about planning this stuff. It's so annoying. Anyway, I'm going to class."

With that, she shoved the car door open and marched off without looking back, her pace brisk.

"What's wrong with her?" Flint asked from the driver's seat, thoroughly confused. "Is she mad?"

"She's just shy." Shanley smirked, checking his expensive watch. "Take me to the jewelry design studio."

The ring should be ready by now.

"Is the proposal venue set up?"

Even though their feelings were mutual and marriage was the obvious next step, he refused to skip a single romantic milestone she deserved.

***

Eclara University.

Juniper's reappearance on campus caused an immediate sensation.

Beyond the shock, most students looked at her with overwhelming pity. The Goddess had vanished for so long, and everyone assumed it had to do with Shanley.

The internet had been ablaze with rumors that Shanley had passed away.