When the Contract Marriage Ended, He Stayed

Chapter 24: A Little Cold Won’t Kill You

Hazel Hawthorne glanced at the pitiful-looking Raina Lowell, then grinned and patted Aiden Xavier’s shoulder. "Your precious is calling for you."

Hazel Hawthorne’s cheeks were deeply flushed, reminding Aiden Xavier of how her high fever had refused to break the night before. He shot a quick glance at Raina Lowell, and when he saw Hazel about to leave, he grabbed her hand almost subconsciously.

"You’re out shopping while you’re sick? Can’t you ever sit still?"

Hazel Hawthorne froze for a second. She felt a burning gaze fixed on her, making her skin crawl. Casting a subtle glance out of the corner of her eye, she caught the flash of disgust in Raina Lowell’s eyes.

Hazel Hawthorne was torn between exasperation and amusement. She shook off Aiden Xavier’s hand and said flatly, "It’s none of your damn business. It’s just a little cold. It won’t kill me."

"Hazel Hawthorne, do you know why you don’t have any friends?" Rebuffed by Hazel’s indifferent and distant attitude, Aiden Xavier felt he was losing face, and his voice turned cold. "With the way you talk, no one would ever want to be your friend."

His words seemed to strike a nerve, hitting the softest part of Hazel’s heart. ’Someone had said that to her before, hoping she would retract her thorns. But before she’d had the chance, that person had left her forever.’

’She used to be gentle, too. She didn’t always speak this way. She would talk softly, and she would feel happy when others showed they cared. But then, too many things happened, and she learned that when there’s no one to protect you, only a shell of thorns can keep you safe.’

Hazel Hawthorne’s gaze turned icy in an instant. "I don’t need friends."

Aiden Xavier scoffed. "You don’t mean that."

"You should focus on the one beside you."

that, Hazel Hawthorne walked straight past Aiden Xavier without sparing him so much as

worried about Hazel Hawthorne.

was why she always made sure

Lowell asked, watching him carefully. "If she doesn’t like us being together,

back to reality and looked down. "Why would you say that?

go of Aiden Xavier’s arm and lowered her head. As expected, her eyes were already welling with tears. Her voice, laced with hurt and sorrow, was

arm, but he made no move. "I can only tell you this: she

"Didn’t you say you only loved me? So why do I get the feeling you

Aiden Xavier would see it. "Last night, you

Xavier was silent for a

see her about something. I didn’t know she was sick

not satisfied with this answer and pressed him further. "Then why didn’t you pick up when I called

low voice. He paused before continuing, "You know I don’t like being interrogated. I have my reasons for what I

the man before her as tears began to stream down her face, falling

face was a blank mask, his eyes devoid of any affection, let alone tenderness. She didn’t even have the

Hawthorne is a sham, we still have to maintain the appearance of a

Lowell nodded silently. "Aiden, I know you love me, but I feel so insecure. You’re so exceptional. Even if you don’t

three years, after all. And

not my type. Don’t worry. The moment

The very fact that he was controlling

further would only make him angry, so she wisely decided to quit while she was ahead. Wiping the tears from her face, she said,