Too Late She Already Married Mr. Right (Sophia) novel Chapter 166

Chapter 166

As they got closer, Annabelle realized Edward towered over her by a whole head.

Even on her tiptoes, she could only come up to his chin.

Edward folded his arms, watching her from above with a sidelong glance.

She’d been hovering around him all day, eager to please for no apparent reason. Of course he knew exactly what she was after.

“What, young lady, are you trying to hit on me?” Edward teased.

Annabelle thought, ‘Meeting him feels like destiny. And who wouldn’t want a romantic adventure with a soldier who’s that tall and handsome?‘

She grinned, eyes crinkling. “Don’t make it sound so harsh. I’m just chasing after you,” she said playfully.

Edward’s lips curled into a cold smirk. “Look at you–not even strong enough to lug a rock. Maybe you should go drink some milk and boost that calcium.”

With that, he turned and walked away.

Annabelle felt utterly insulted and stomped her foot. She said, “Just you wait. Once I take you down, I’m gonna make you regret every word.”

Edward didn’t even glance back and just kept walking.

Turns out, Annabelle was the type who bounced back harder every time something tried to stop her–giving up just wasn’t her thing.

If she wanted something, she’d get it, no question. And if someone caught her eye, well, they could forget about escaping her grasp.

Richard came back carrying a basin of clean water. Sophia settled herself on a little stool and started washing her hands–only then did she realize they were covered in a bunch of scrapes and scratches.

Her nails were split, and her fingers were all smeared with blood.

She hadn’t noticed any of the wounds before, so they hadn’t hurt at all. But now that she saw them, it was like every fingertip was connected straight to her heart–the pain piercing and raw.

Richard’s brow furrowed hard as he took in just how badly she was hurt.

“I’ll go get you some disinfectant and band–aids,” he said.

Watching Richard rush off, Sophia felt a warm flutter in her heart. She couldn’t remember the last time. someone had genuinely worried about her like this.

Richard was back in a flash, carrying a first–aid kit as he hurried over to her side.

He knelt down, opened up the kit, and took out some powder and band–aids.

He hesitated briefly, then reached for Sophia’s hand, holding it gently in his own.

“This might sting a little, but try to be brave,” Richard said as he began cleaning her wounds with disinfectant.

The disinfectant, with its hint of alcohol, felt chilly as it sank into her scrapes, causing a faint, prickling pain.

Sophia tried hard not to react, but her shaky breath totally betrayed her.

Richard looked up at her, concern in his eyes. “Does it hurt?”

Sophia shook her head. “It’s not that bad, Mr. Sterling. Really, I can handle it myself.”

Deep down, she couldn’t help but feel like things between them were starting to get a little awkward.

Richard gently stopped her. “Hold still. Both your hands are banged up–if you won’t feel sorry for yourself, at least let me do it for you.”

Sophia froze for a second, a little stunned by his unexpected tenderness.

Richard leaned in and blew softly over her wounds. The sting disappeared, replaced by a funny, ticklish feeling.

Sophia instinctively curled her fingers, looking up at Richard’s striking side profile.

He was completely absorbed, moving so carefully that she’d think he was terrified of hurting her even a little.

The warmth of his hand seeped into hers, making her feel safe and cared for in a way she hadn’t in ages.

“Mr. Sterling, if you ever have a girlfriend, she’ll be so happy with you,” Sophia said softly.

He’d probably spoil her rotten,‘ she thought.

Richard finished cleaning her wounds with extra care, then sprinkled some herbal powder over them.

Since the weather was cool, he skipped the band–aids.

Richard settled himself on the small stool and caught sight of her lips, now cracked and dry. He picked up a bottle of water, unscrewed the cap, and offered it to her with a quiet gesture.

“Here, have some water,” he said.

Sophia accepted the bottle, offered a polite thank you, and tipped her head back for a drink. Somehow, maybe it was the play of sunlight or just the way Richard sat beside her, she kept feeling like they’d known each other ages ago.

After a few gulps, Sophia looked over and asked, “Mr. Sterling, have you ever been to Ginkgo Town?”

Richard stiffened slightly, then gave a small nod. “I have,” he replied.

Sophia blinked in surprise, tilting her head and meeting his eyes. “When was that?”