Orphan to Unbreakable Queen novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

The mood in the car was heavy. Outside, the sky turned dark, and rain started pouring all of a sudden.

Aubree sat quietly, lips pressed into a tight line. She heard a soft sigh, then felt a big hand gently touching her cheek..

“That look doesn’t suit you,” Bowen said.

Aubree pulled his hand away and turned her head, meeting his easygoing smile. His voice, usually cool and calm, was now soft and a little gentle. “What

look?” she asked.

Bowen thought for a second. “You’ll get wrinkles if you keep frowning like that. Weren’t you treating me to lunch? I skipped breakfast for this, you know

His teasing made Aubree loosen up a little. She stopped frowning. “Don’t worry. I’ve already picked a place.”

She pointed ahead, telling Zachary to pull over by the curb. “It’s in that alley over there.”

Rithol High School students usually had a study block around noon, so they’d eat lunch near the school or in the cafeteria. This whole area had a bunch

of little restaurants.

Back then, when Aubree wasn’t allowed to eat properly at home, she’d sneak out here to buy food when she was starving. But every time she went back, she’d end up getting beaten for it.

Since it was her treat, Bowen didn’t complain. Once they got out of the car, he told Zachary to stay behind. He and Aubree walked together into the alley, sharing one umbrella.

Bowen was a lot taller than Aubree. To cover her, he tilted the umbrella–and himself–her way.

Even though it was already fall, the heat still felt like summer in Rithol City. Aubree was wearing her school uniform: a short skirt and a light shirt. As they walked side by side, she kept brushing up against Bowen without meaning to.

Because of the heat, Bowen rolled up his sleeves, and his shirt fit just right.

Their arms touched–his skin cool, hers warm–and it made Aubree feel like her own skin was burning. She swallowed without thinking.

The umbrella didn’t give them much room, and Bowen’s light, woodsy scent seemed to wrap all around Aubree. It felt like she couldn’t smell anything

but him.

Out of nowhere, the old rumors popped into her head–stories from before the time reset about how cold and ruthless Bowen used to be.

“Do you eat around here a lot?” Bowen asked as they passed a few storefronts. His voice sounded calm and smooth in the rain, with a touch of charm. He smited like he was just making small talk.

“Not really. I wasn’t allowed to eat freely when I was with the Wilsons,” Aubree mumbled, feeling nervous for some reason.

She glanced to the side and realized she only came up to his chest. With them sharing the same umbrella, it felt like his breath was right by her ear.

They were too close. She shifted a bit, trying not to bump into him again.

“Oh, right. I almost forgot,” Bowen said. “Next time you’re hungry, just come and find me. I’ll make sure you eat.”

He said it like it was nothing, like it didn’t matter at all.

Aubree thought about what he said and didn’t answer.

Bowen didn’t seem to care. He suddenly leaned closer, and her arm was pressed tight against his.

Aubree froze, holding her breath. Just when she was about to move away, he gently grabbed her wrist and pulled her a little toward him. “The clothes are

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Chapter 31

wet,” he said softly. “This way, it’ll stay dry.”

Aubree’s eyes drifted to his shoulder. Sure enough, it was damp with rain.

Bowen chuckled softly above her head and gave her shoulder a light tap. “I mean, you are getting wet.”

If Chris or Samson had seen this, they probably would’ve called Bowen out for shamelessly flirting with a schoolgirl.

Inside the shop, most of the customers were students, with a few locals scattered around. A pretty schoolgirl walking in wasn’t anything special, but the noble, good–looking man with her definitely caught some eyes.

The shop owner, a middle–aged woman, glanced over a few times before snapping back to her job. She walked over and seated them. “What can I get you?”

His answer came so quickly and directly that Aubree, in the middle of drinking water, choked.

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