Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 1608

Chapter 1608: Should I stay over tonight?

Meanwhile...

Grace had to cancel her birthday dinner because she had to settle Haines’s situation first. Since Haines, for some reason, was driving far away from the city, she knew she couldn’t make it.

Well, it wasn’t like that was a big problem. If anything, celebrating something every day could be tiring. She was just too prideful to take it back without a proper reason.

As she drove, Grace glanced at the quiet passenger in the front seat. Since Haines had crashed on the side of the road, his car was towed and he was arrested. She shook her head, thinking that Haines was the least person she would expect to get into such a situation. But then again, Penny must’ve gotten that trouble-magnet personality from someone, right?

Haines remained quiet from the beginning, keeping his eyes on the side window.

"So?" she cleared her throat, finally breaking the silence between them. "Are you just going to give me the silent treatment?"

She arched a brow playfully, sneaking a look at him before refocusing on the road. "I’m not asking you to thank me until the heavens hear it or worship me, but at least let me know you’re okay."

No answer.

Grace frowned, sighing. "Fine. Just talk to me when you’re ready."

This time, for some reason, Haines finally cast her a quick look.

"I just had a lot of things on my mind," he said, his voice quiet. "I’m sorry."

"I know," she chuckled, giving him a slight wink. "I’m just kidding. I know you’re thinking about something. Besides, you’ve almost gotten into a terrible accident. Must be shocking."

That wasn’t it.

Haines might’ve gotten into a minor road accident, but it was not enough to traumatize him. He had been through worse than that. Not to mention, was there anything more shocking than the fact that he had just learned his first love was already dead the same year she left him?

The minor road accident was nothing compared to that.

Another heavy breath escaped Haines as he cast his eyes downward. Just then, her hand reached out to him, resting on his lap. Looking up, all he saw was the soft smile on her face.

She didn’t say anything, but that subtle smile she offered softened his heart.

Haines slowly clasped her hand, his fingers slipping between hers. He kept his eyes on her, still thinking about the illness she was hiding. Sadness flickered in his eyes, and his heart clenched. His breathing caught in his throat.

"Don’t leave," he whispered.

"Hmm?" Her brows rose, eyes still on the road. "I’m not going anywhere."

Another moment of silence fell over them, with him still staring.

That was not what he meant.

Haines let out a shallow breath, peeling his eyes from her. Keeping her hand in his, he stared at the flashing roadside. His mind had been filled with many thoughts. Earlier, he had been thinking of cutting Grace off—not because of his first love, but because he felt exhausted from trying.

However, while he was mustering the courage to do so, she had just reached out to him, holding him with such a comforting touch. The softness of her palm sent a wave of warmth and consolation through his heart.

Looking back at her, he couldn’t help but wonder:

Was this his fate?