Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 402

Chapter 402 Going Back to Kingsland

“What’s wrong with you?”

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Something in Tess stirred–something soft, almost motherly. Without thinking, she raised a hand and brushed it gently across Abel’s back.

That small, tender motion made his eyes drift shut, comfort easing across his face.

“I’m leaving,” he murmured.

Tess blinked, caught off guard, then slowly realized.

He was from Kingsland, after all. Staying in Aetheris this long had never been

“When?” she asked quietly.

“This afternoon.”

“So soon?”

“Yeah.”

The word was flat, but his arms only tightened, locking her against him.

permanent.

Tess felt their bodies pressed close, her own breath growing thinner under the weight of his.

Unease pricked at her, and she shifted a little in his hold.

“Will you miss me?” Abel’s voice broke the silence again.

This time he bent his head, eyes locked on hers, waiting for an answer like it was the only thing in the world that mattered.

Tess’s chest tightened for reasons she couldn’t explain.

She nodded without hesitation. “Of course.”

But Abel’s gaze dimmed.

He could see how easily she’d said it. Too easily. The kind of answer she’d give to anyone—a friend, a classmate, anyone who asked.

“That’s not the kind of missing I meant …

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16:53 Sat, Oct 25 B

Chapter 402 Going Back to Kingsland

He pressed his face against Tess’s neck, a little stubborn.

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Tess felt the tickle on her shoulder and gave his cheek a light tap, telling him to back off.

But inside, she wasn’t nearly as calm as she looked.

She understood what all of Abel’s little moves really meant.

“Everyone’s gonna miss you,” she added, trying to cover the mess in her heart.

The moment Abel heard that, his grip on her wrist only tightened.

Like a kid throwing a fit, he forced her to look at him. “You know what I mean. You won’t even try to make me feel better?”

Tess met his stubborn eyes, pressed her lips together, and then turned away.

“You’re heading out this afternoon, right? Go pack your stuff. I’ll grab dinner with the others— they’re still waiting outside.”

“Tess!” Abel’s voice came low and sharp.

But Tess only patted his shoulder, then opened the car door.

Maybe because he knew he really was leaving soon, he didn’t hold her that hard. This time, she slipped free without much effort.

“See you next time.”

She paused with one foot out of the car and turned her head a little.

The light caught the side of her face, her small nose and soft features glowing in the glow.

Her voice was gentle, almost like she was comforting him.

Then she walked away, fast and steady.

Abel sat in the back seat, eyes locked on her until she and the group waiting outside were gone.

Finally, he curved his lips into a helpless smile.

“To Noveau District,” he told the driver, giving a clear address.

With Tess gone from sight, his smile faded. He leaned back, shut his eyes, and sank into silence.

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16:53 Sat, Oct 25 B…

Chapter 402 Going Back to Kingsland

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The car rolled off. Not far away, Tess stopped mid–step and glanced back.

“What is it?”

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Raven leaned close, nosy, her bright eyes not matching the edgy, gothic outfit she wore.

“He’s going back to Kingsland,” Tess said softly.

The moment he spoke, the group that had been chatting noisily fell quiet.

“Mr. Shaw comes from a powerful family. With that comes a heavy load of responsibility. Staying here in Aetheris too long isn’t the best idea,” Connor said softly.

“It’s not like he’s gone forever. Aetheris and Kingsland might be far, but it’s not like flying between Crorus and Yeshana. My brother does that all the time,” Marc muttered, rubbing his nose like it was nothing.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, he caught a sharp look aimed his way.

He gave a nervous laugh and quickly ducked his head.

“Yeah… Tess, let’s just go eat,” Lyra said, trying to shift her focus.

Tess smiled and nodded without a fuss.

Not far away, a sleek black Maybach sat parked by the curb.

“Mr. Lock, you want me to keep following her?” Zane asked, tapping the steering wheel out of boredom, sneaking glances at Finn’s face in the rearview mirror.

“Just go

find a place to eat,” Finn said flatly, stepping out of the car without another word.

Zane blinked, stunned. By the time he snapped back, he saw his boss–dressed in a hand- tailored designer suit–walking step for step right behind Tess and her friends.

Scratching his head, Zane could only chalk it up to a man chasing after his wife.

At a bistro filled with soft live music, wooden tableware, green palms in tall pots, and books stacked high on shelves, the air felt warm and easy.

“Nice place,” Raven muttered, sliding into a window seat before anyone else could.

She waved them over with a grin–only to notice the others had stopped in their tracks.

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16:54 Sat,

Chapter 402 Going Back to Kingsland

“What are you all looking at?”