He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 814

Julian met her gaze without hesitating, delivering a firm, earnest answer. "Because I love you."

The words were steady and unhurried, carrying a profound sense of absolute certainty.

Ever since they had stared death in the face at the dam and he had finally confessed those three words, Julian had completely stopped hiding his feelings.

He had never loved anyone so fiercely, so openly. He had never made such a definitive declaration to anyone.

But now, his entire emotional landscape was dominated by Scarlett.

His love was like a rushing current of molten lava, surging and roaring within his chest, compelling him to express the sheer intensity of his devotion.

Scarlett hadn't expected such a direct response. She froze, a deep blush rushing back to her cheeks.

Meeting his serious, open gaze, she felt a sudden, burning jolt in her chest. In an instant, it was as if a thousand butterflies had taken flight inside her heart.

After secretly flying back to Country H on a private jet arranged by Zachary Bishop, they had holed up in this villa at Azure Estates. Neither of them could risk going home or appearing in public.

Azure Estates was the perfect sanctuary. Highly private, fortified with elite security, and completely off the grid.

They could relax and enjoy this quiet pocket of time while they were 'dead,' waiting for the perfect moment to execute their spectacular 'resurrection.'

Scarlett stared at Julian for a few seconds before a soft, radiant smile reached her eyes. She lowered her head, entirely unsure of how to respond.

Lately, she felt as though her battered, heavily scarred heart was being carefully, repeatedly stitched back together and filled to the brim by him.

Seeing her flush, Julian took her hand in his, his voice dropping to a gentle murmur. "Look at you. To the outside world, you're a fierce, untouchable force. But underneath it all, you're so gentle. So reserved. And so incredibly shy."

But before she could push him away completely, Julian was already offering another spoonful of broth.

She instinctively opened her mouth. The warm, savory liquid settled in her stomach, easing the sudden, frantic fluttering in her chest.

Trying desperately to feign nonchalance, she muttered quietly, "I can feed myself, you know... You're making me feel like a helpless toddler."

Julian noticed the deep red of her ears, the amusement in his eyes deepening.

He didn't push her any further. He simply withdrew his hand, pulled a napkin from the dispenser, and gently dabbed the corner of her mouth. "Scarlett, do you know what was running through my mind when we were staring death in the face?"

Scarlett looked up, her gaze locking with his perceptive, all-knowing eyes. Her heart inevitably skipped a beat. "What?"