Chapter 177 The Promise

Annie's fingers froze, and the wet vegetables nearly slipped from her grasp. She looked up and met Christian's gaze, her heart tightening inexplicably. It was a topic that felt both familiar and incredibly distant. She lowered her eyes, her voice low. "My parents... They're usually abroad. "A large portion of the Steward family's business is overseas, and it requires someone to be there in person. Sometimes, they return only once every few years." Annie's tone was calm, as if she were stating a simple fact. Growing up, she had long become accustomed to her parents' absence. She was used to days filled only with Irene's company. But when Christian brought it up, the old sense of loss she had buried deep inside began to creep back in. Christian gazed at the faint shadow of Annie's long lashes. He knew that beneath her practiced nonchalance were countless nights spent growing up alone. He stepped forward and slipped his arms naturally around her waist from behind, resting his chin