Chapter 324

Riyana let out a slow breath and turned slightly, resting her face against his chest. His heartbeat was steady under her ear. Strong. Constant. It made her chest ache in a way she didn’t want to understand. She curled her fingers lightly into his tshirt and closed her eyes. For a few moments, neither of them spoke. Then his voice broke the silence, low and careful. “Does this happen often?” Her eyes opened instantly. She knew what he meant. She stayed still, staring at nothing. “It doesn’t matter,” she replied slowly. Her voice sounded calm, but her fingers tightened against his chest. “It matters to me,” he said. There was no force in his tone. No command. Just honesty. That was what made it dangerous. Riyana clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palm. A bitter laugh escaped her lips, dry and sharp. “Why?” she asked, pulling her face back so she could look at him. “Because you like playing the caring husband now?” His jaw tightened. She felt it beneath her cheek when she lean