Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 489

Reese reached out to take the jacket from the crook of his arm, but he sidestepped her gesture so smoothly it was almost unnoticeable.

“I’ve got it. You should get some sleep,” Rupert said.

Her hand hovered in mid-air. She looked up at him, a little lost. “Aren’t we… going to bed together?”

Rupert hung up his coat. “Got work to do. You go ahead.”

Without waiting for her reply, he headed for his study.

Reese stood there, fingers twisting nervously together. She bit her lip. “Mr. Rupert… Did I do something wrong?”

He paused, his reply flat and distant. “Don’t overthink it.”

“You said that last time too,” Reese pressed, unable to help herself. “But you’re always home late, and when you do come back, you’ve got bruises. Where do you go every night?”

Rupert stopped in his tracks, his eyes suddenly dark and unreadable as he looked at her.

He opened his mouth, but Reese quickly raised a hand to stop him.

She forced a small smile, trying to sound upbeat. “Never mind. I’m just getting pre-wedding jitters, I guess. You’re a busy man, Mr. Rupert. It’s not like there’s much else for you besides work. Go on, don’t let me keep you. I’ll head to bed.”

Rupert just grunted and disappeared into his study.

Reese watched him go, not even glancing back, and tears spilled down her cheeks.

But after a moment, she took a deep breath, wiped her face hard, and told herself it was fine.

At least he’d agreed to marry her. He was good to her, in his own way.

Once they were married, she was sure things would settle down.

—

The next morning, Reese, as Rupert’s soon-to-be wife, needed to join him in paying their respects to his father, Tristan.

Tristan was practically beaming, showering Reese with gifts—fancy chocolates, imported cheese, a delicate silver locket.

He insisted they stay for breakfast.

“Reese, you’ve gone through a lot with this engagement,” he said, his tone warm and paternal. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you’re treated right.”

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